Now is the time of year for children's books when jolly Santa and spinning dreidels abound. But parents and grandparents seeking gift books for kids that deliver religious context for Christmas or Hanukkah have many choices as well. Here's a sampling of books out now that stress the holy in holiday, from board books for tots to titles aimed at elementary schoolers. While all these seasonal books feature love, family, friendship, and generosity, the religious-centered ones also highlight the newborn king in the manger or mark the miracle of light in the darkness.
Nativity scenes
One Star, Three Kings: The Journey of Epiphany by Rebecca Grabill with illustrations by Isabella Grott (Paraclete Press) is focused on Scripture, history, and legend surrounding the Wise Men, their prophetic mission, and their role in the Feast of Epiphany, according to the publisher. Meanwhile, The Wonders of the First Christmas, by author/illustrator Andy McQuire (Zonderkidz), promises promises both "Biblical truth and historic detail," per the publisher.
"Children will discover fascinating facts about life in ancient Israel, from what a manger actually was to where the wise men likely came from, all while reflecting on the miracle of God’s love and plan for salvation," said Zonderkidz. Another holiday title from the publisher is a rhyming tale aimed ages 3 and up, The World's Best Christmas Light by Chelsea Tornetto with illustrator Amanda Morrow, which points to the "the brightest light of all—God’s love shining through a humble nativity scene."
Animal kingdom
Often, the essential Christmas story is conveyed by talking critters, even a wooden horse. In A Christmas Wish for Little Dala Horse, written by Sonja Anderson and illustrated by Agnieszka Potocka (Tyndale Kids), a toy horse learns of the delights of a Swedish traditional Christmas.
How does a mouse named Maribelle find her way to the manger to see the newborn king? A quartet of creatures carry her there in Maribelle and the Manger (Hardee Girl Publishing), by QVC vendor and author Kim Gravel, with illustrations by Amanda Lenz.
And Sophia Institute describes The Road to Bethlehem, by author/illustrator Brian Wildsmith, as the saga of Mary and Joseph's pet cat and dog who journey to find them and their blessed baby with the help of a handful of creatures. It's a story of perseverance, friendship, "and the joyous mystery of the Incarnation—told from the perspective of animals who long to be near the Christ Child," according to the publisher.
In Tully's Christmas Mess (New Growth Press), a merry tale of a pup creating chaos turns into a straight-up evangelical call by the end. Authors Jill and Paul Miller, with illustrator Jonty Howley, tell of the time when their lively dog, Tully, demolished the family's Christmas tree. The couple tells their daughter, “The tree isn’t perfect anymore. And we aren’t perfect either. We all do things that get messed up, and that is why Jesus came. We all need Jesus to clean up the mess we’ve made.” Paul Miller adds a gospel message to parents at the back of the book, coaching them to "turn to Jesus who came into our messy world, took up our burdens, carried our sorrows, and died so we might live."
Finding a spiritual lesson in when plans go awry is also a theme in The Christmas that Almost Wasn't (Beaming Books), in which author Laura Alary and illustrator Ana Eguaras describe how a young boy and his family find community amid a Christmas storm that blacks out all the electricity. The author concludes in the book, "At Christmas we remember that God comes to be with us in every place, every time, every storm."
Scholastic’s Little Shepherd imprint has board books with prayers and songs for parents to share with the toddler set, including My First Read and Learn: Cozy Christmas Prayers, written and illustrated by Virginia Allyn and Valentina Jaskina, and Tiny Bear's Christmas Prayer by author/illustrator Lorie Ann Grover.
Also for the youngest ones, Running Press Kids has lift-the-flap books for Christmas and Hanukkah as well as part of their holiday series. In First Festivals: Christmas, author/illustrator Betania Zacarias, explains the nativity story, introducing Jesus as someone that Christians believe is the "Son of God." And First Festivals: Hanukkah, by author/illustrator Kathryn Selbert, "explains how this Jewish holiday celebrates freedom and evil and light overcoming darkness," according to the publisher.
Burning bright
The central miracle of Hannukah is that when the ancient Hebrews reclaimed the holy temple from pagans, they had only enough oil to light the temple lamp to last for a day—but it lasted eight days instead. Now, it is observed as a holiday of freedom and faith, observed by lighting candles or oil in a candelabra for eight nights and enjoying foods cooked in oil, such as potato pancakes called latkes.
Intergalactic Afikoman, a Jewish publisher that adds a dash of humor to its books, offers Golem Loves Latkes: A Tasty Hanukkah Tale by Doreen Robinson, with illustrations by Anna Kajewska. The book centers on a showdown in "Schmoozeville, a town divided over whether to eat latkes with apple sauce or sour cream," according to the publisher, until ultimately the townsfolk agree that it's a holiday about freedom to celebrate as they choose. But there's a backstory to every Intergalactic book.This one contains a guide to living in harmony, "Golem's Guide to Shalom Bayit" is Hebrew for "Peace in the House," something the publisher adds, "that feels particularly meaningful right now."
In A Dragon Called Spark: A Hanukkah Story (Kalaniot) by Lily Murray and illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman, a little Jewish girl with an imaginary dragon friend, is lonely in a new town. Then she meets a neighbor who is curious about her Hanukkah menorah's lights shining in the window. It becomes a tale of friendship, enlightened with imagination and faith, said the publisher.
Imagination and resilience meet up in a story of faith overcoming obstacles, Banana Menorah (Apples and Honey, an imprint of Behrman House) by author Lee Wind and illustrator Karl West. When young Skylar and her dads (yes, dads) forget to pack their menorah for their winter vacation, she creatively comes up with fun replacements to hold up the candles. Skyler's story shows how "adapting important holiday traditions to meet the demands of the moment can be a satisfying way to celebrate," according to the publisher. Plus, the book offers "directions for creating an ‘almost anything’ menorah."
