The Best Nativity Ever

As I mentioned in my earlier post, finding books in bookstores that depict the story of Jesus has been difficult - they are just not on their shelves. Christine and Erin have reminded me of some gems which were not available for me to purchase.  Here are four books that remind the readers that the best Nativity ever is when baby Jesus is present.

Each tells the story of Jesus' birth simply, compellingly and with magnificent pictures that you and your children will adore and they help tell the story.  

Wombat Divine by Mem Fox, illustrated by Kerry Argent. Seeing Wombat playing baby Jesus is truly delightful. I love how all wombat's friends are keen for him to find a part that he can play in the Nativity Play. Not only is the story of Jesus' birth told in an Australian context with animals that children will know and recognise, but it is summer and the theme of friendship is explored beautifully. 

The Nativity by Julie Vivas is simply wonderful. The words are straight from the bible and the illustrations brings this beautiful story to life - Mary looks pregnant, and exhausted after giving birth and Jesus looks like a real baby. There is an earthiness and honesty expressed here which children will love from an early age and older.

Thank you Christine and Erin for directing me to this book and Wombat Divine.

The Christmas Book as told and illustrated by Dick Bruna is a masterpiece.  He originally published this in 1964 and it was not around when my children were small.  How I wish it had been.  The story of Jesus' birth is told succinctly and with simple clear illustrations.  Thank you Christine for telling me about this book.

Fear Not, Joseph! by Julie Stiegemeyer was published in 2008.  It is for older children as there is more text on each page than on the other three.  However, the illustrations are captivating and I can imagine smaller children in a larger family sitting quite happily listening and looking at the pictures.  Joseph and Mary look like they come from the Middle East and Mary looks pregnant.  The author has relied heavily on Matthew and Luke's account of this story.  It is a beautiful book to cherish with your family.
Each of these books would help families think about Christmas and ensure that our focus is on the birth of the Christ Child.  I have listed other books in another post.  Can I encourage you to visit our local book store and ask that they stock some books about Christmas where the story about the birth of Jesus is told.  Or you could order one as a gift for one of your children and gradually over time develop your own collection of Christmas picture books.  I am going to order these books as gifts myself and suggest that Berkelows, our closest bookstore stocks all these titles.
I have now purchased some wonderful books for my friend which will delight her and her young friends.  My sister and brother in law were with us last night and I was so keen to share these books with them.  They now live up in Newcastle with their two gorgeous children who are 3 1/2 and 14 months.  However, they arrived very late and this morning it was mildly chaotic, so I will do this another time.  Every time I spend time with this family, I wish they lived closer to us.  They lived "just around the corner" until two years ago when a "seachange" called.