As a teacher in a Christian setting, we have the unique privilege to prepare our students’ hearts for the Christmas season. Whether you teach in a Christian school, co-op, or even homeschool your own children, December offers us the opportunity to infuse in our kids the true meaning of Christmas. Picture books, with their vibrant illustrations, compelling narratives, and wonderful word choice offer a marvelous way to share the story and message of Christ’s birth. Let’s explore seven heartwarming Christian picture books that can illuminate Jesus for your students this holiday season.
1. Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story by Sally Lloyd-Jones
In this beautifully illustrated book, Lloyd-Jones captures the anticipation and excitement of God’s creation as it awaits the birth of the Savior. The poetic narrative draws readers into the celebration of the arrival of Jesus by showing different animals from around the world worshipping. Even the stars, the sky, the wind, the trees, rivers, and the leaves celebrate Jesus’ birth. It shows the Christmas story in all its rawness, with a mother who did not have a place to rest, surrounded by barn animals. This picture book is a perfect choice for exploring the broader significance of Christmas. From a literary perspective, personification, onomatopoeia, and imagery are present throughout all the pages.
2. Humphrey’s First Christmas by Carol Heyer
This picture book about Humphrey, the clumsy camel on a journey in the desert, will have students giggling. Yet, as the story progresses, we see just how magical that journey is and the destination, in this case, was even more important: to see the newly born baby Jesus. This picture book is a wonderful way to teach perspective and point of view. This camel had an interesting perspective on the birth of Jesus and the journey he took, along with the wise men, to witness the newly-born king. Discuss with students what the other potential perspectives others would have during that time.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Humphrey the camel is only interested in one thing — getting his carpet blanket back. As he journeys with the Wise Men to Bethlehem, Humphrey bemoans his lost blanket until he finally gets a new one. But when the caravan arrives and Humphrey sees baby Jesus shivering, he gives the child his new blanket without a second thought. Full of rich acrylic paintings, humor, and heart, this book will swiftly become a cherished favorite with little ones.
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3. The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale by Angela Elwell Hunt
This picture book always made me tear up as I read it every year when I taught elementary school. This enchanting book takes a creative approach to the Christmas story by focusing on three trees with big dreams. Each tree had its ideas of what it wanted to become from being a wooden treasure chest to being a large, strong ship. One tree wanted to be the tallest in the world.
As the years passed, woodcutters came and chopped down the trees and the three trees were created into something new, each played a unique role in the life of Jesus. Students will learn about God’s plan and how every individual has a purpose. The book’s theme shows that we each have our plans, but God’s way is better. It’s a wonderful tale full of metaphors, deep meaning, faith, purpose, and the power of God’s will. This picture book teaches personification, metaphors, imagery, as well as the story of Jesus’ life.
4. God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren, Illustrated by David Hohn
Join Little Cub on a heartwarming adventure as she explores the true meaning of Christmas with her polar bear family. This charming story gently introduces children to the concept of God’s gift in Jesus and emphasizes the importance of family, love, and gratitude during the holiday season.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Mama’s answer only leads to more questions like “Is God more important than Santa?” So she and Little Cub head off on a polar expedition to find God and to see how he gave them Christmas. Along the way, they find signs that God is at work all around them. Through Mama’s gentle guidance, Little Cub learns about the very first Christmas and discovers that Jesus is the best present of all. This enchanting tale provides the perfect opportunity to help young children celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and to discover how very much God loves them.
5. A Night Like No Other by Cherie Werner, Illustrated by Elena Selivanova
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This story is a more traditional rendering of the biblical Christmas story. Students will love the rhyming words and the preciousness of pondering on how that night was truly special. It reminds us of why the Savior was sent to Earth in human form: to save us from our sins.
6. The Nativity-The Story of Baby Jesus by May Eliot
This picture book is another traditional narrative of the biblical Christmas story. The Nativity takes the reader on a journey from the very beginning, when Mary was visited by the angel letting her know she would be with child. This book even has the historical elements of King Herod’s census decree. The illustrations are beautiful and peaceful. This picture book is perfect to read to students or your children to prepare their hearts for Christmas.
7. The Little Drummer Boy by Ezra Jack Keats
This timeless classic tells the story of a humble drummer boy who doesn’t feel worthy to give a gift to the newly-born Jesus but offers up what he has, his gift of music. Through its poetic prose, onomatopoeia, and captivating illustrations, the book teaches the value of giving from the heart, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant the gift may be. Use it to inspire your students to discover their unique gifts and talents and to remind them to offer up to Jesus a song of worship this Christmas season.
Extra:
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Conclusion
Incorporating these 7 Christian picture books into your classroom or home can spark meaningful discussions, foster a sense of wonder around Jesus’ birth, and teach students the true meaning of Christmas. May your classroom be filled with the joy and warmth of Christ’s love this December!