With Advent fast approaching my thoughts are turning toward preparations and celebrations.  It’s been several years since we’ve celebrated with a Jesse Tree, but after reading Ellie’s Jesse Tree in Picture Books I’ve felt re-inspired. Can’t promise we’ll manage making and hanging symbols but readings I can easily manage. Pulling our books off the shelves I realised we have a serious lack of Bible picture books, a situation which I immediately addressed by purchasing a couple of new books for St Nicholas presents;) (included in this list). By no means is this a ‘definitive’ list, Sara’s list and Ellie’s retain that honour, as I know Jenn’s will too (list coming). This list is really…

This week we borrowed a new pile of books from our local library, some were old favourites which we borrow each year and others were new titles for us. The Donkey’s Christmas Song – Nancy Tafuri A baby was born in a stable and each of the animals welcomed Him. Simple text, crisp pictures, perfect for a 1 year old up. 5 Star Stable in Bethlehem – Joy N Hulme The Nativity in counting rhyme, 12 drowsy doves are cooing, 11 cows are mooing. Simple text suitable for little ones, sweet, soft pictures. 4.5 Star Silent Night, Holy Night – Joseph Mohr The well known Christmas carol illustrated.  Soft, sweet pictures. 3 Star A…

Our Aussie Christmas collection is quite small, however I’m developing a latent fondness for Australian Christmas books.  The Australian humour depicted in many books could perhaps be seen as rather irreverent by some. *Some of my higher stars, may not rate the same for non-Aussies, the humour is often cultural. Aussie Jingle Bells – Colin Buchanan “Dashing through the bus, in a rusty Holden ute,  Kicking up the dust, esky in the boot.” Written to the tune of Jingle Bells, a pretty accurate depiction of many an Aussie Christmas day across the nation. Illustrations rather humorous.  4 Star *Not certain the *Aussie-ness* would be to all readers taste Gemma’s Christmas Eve – Colin Thiele(OOP)…

Reading Golden books is always a walk down memory lane:) and the black and white illustrations and simple rhyme of Joan Gale Thomas is so appealing. Sharing a few more Christmas titles. The Story of Christmas with its own Advent Calendar – Kathryn Jackson A short snippet of the Christmas story for each day of Advent, although we were gifted the book without the calendar it easily blends with any basic Advent calendar.  I particularly love how tender Joseph is with Mary. 5 Star The Christmas Story – Jane Werner Watson This will be familiar to many from our own childhoods.  Perfect for young children to listen to the Christmas story, short…

The First Night – BG Hennessy The night of His Birth, retold in very simple words, perfect for a 2 year old and yet also the simplicity of the words creates a sense of awe that draws in even an adult. Gentle Illustrations. 5 Star The Little Drummer Boy – Ezra Jack Keats Illustrated version of the Christmas Carol, each line has its own illustrated page.  The music is at the back.  Normally I’m not a fan of Keats’ artwork, but I love this book, soft and warm.  4.5 Star Christmas in the Stable – Astrid Lindgren A mother tells a girl the story of the first Christmas, the young…

Are you clicking away on your library reservation sites yet, searching for Christmas titles? Here are a few more ideas for you, be sure to check out our bumper list for more titles. The Last Straw – Fredrick K Thury Hoshmakaka, is a proud but old camel, he is chosen to perform a very special task, to carry the wise men’s gifts to the new baby king in Bethlehem.  On the way Hoshmakaka is given other gifts to take to the new king, the burden is nearly too great for the old camel. Absolutely, hilarious and a firm family favourite. 5 Star Bright Christmas: An Angel Remembers – Andrew Clements An…

Today is the big day, the day you have been waiting for all week, who shall be the winner of our first give away, Destination Bethlehem? Thank you to all who entered into our first give away, it was exciting to see the entrants, alas only one could be selected. Bright and early this morning we wrote out the slips and asked the cutest family member to draw out the prize winner.. And the winner is…….Deanne!! Deanne your book will be on its way to you today:)

With the beginning of Advent only days away I thought I’d treat you to a peek on our shelves.  Despite having shared some Christmas book reviews previously, I have only shared our town library, Tomie de Paola and St Nicholas books. *More to come. Jacob’s Gift – Max Lucado Jacob a young carpenter’s apprentice is keen to build the best project to win the contest.  HIs teacher, Rabbi Simeon also impresses upon Jacob that when you give a gift to others you give a gift to God, he challenges Jacob as to why God has given him the gift of woodworking skills?  Jacob plans hard and begins his project, working long into the night,…

Imagine my surprise and delight when I was approached by the authors of Destination Bethlehem with an invitation to write a review and an opportunity to host my first book giveaway!  Of course being an inveterate lover of books I agreed, though I was worried as to whether I would do justice to a review or not, simply, an honest book review is rather subjective and I know I can be a tough critic. Receiving the book I dove straight in and am delighted to now share my thoughts and impressions. Destination Bethlehem is set in ancient Palestine, opening just prior to the birth of Christ.  Through the ‘eyes’ of young Isaac and Jediah during their travels we…