Introducing New Children's Books from Zonderkidz, Including The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book and Christmas Love Letters from God!
* I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of these books from the publisher, Zonderkidz. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. This blog post includes affiliate links. View my affiliate disclosure here.
CHRISTIAN KIDS · Holidays · Gift Ideas
If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate Christmas Advent or need some beautiful new stocking stuffer or gift ideas, be sure to check out these new books from Zonderkidz.
It is always a pleasure to share brand new books with you as soon as they become available. I hope you’ll enjoy these suggestions as much as our family does!
Scroll down to learn more about each book...
Advent Countdown · Punch Out Ornaments · Crafts and Activities
The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book
24 Guided crafts, plus games, songs, recipes and more
Inspired by Sally Lloyd-Jones, Published by Zonderkidz
Any Age
This is your guide to a complete and creative celebration of the holiday season, filled with crafts, games, recipes, songs, and activities for every day of Advent. The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book highlights the significance of the Nativity and meaning of God’s most precious gift.
The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book is a journey through the Bible stories in both the Old and New Testaments that lead to Christmas. It includes:
24 days of crafts along with songs, recipes, and activities to celebrate Advent, with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and color photos
Variations on the activities to make them appropriate and accessible for all ages and families
A perforated insert with punch-out Jesse Tree ornaments that correspond with the stories of Advent
A heartfelt letter and reflection from New York Times bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones
All supplies needed are commonly found around the house or easy to obtain.
This Christmas, start new holiday traditions with your family with The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book, based on the bestselling The Jesus Storybook Bible, with over 6 million copies sold.
My Thoughts:
This is such a FANTASTIC resource for Advent, and for Christian families with children. This wonderful, new book is absolutely full of wonderful craft ideas that are simple and fun as well as activity suggestions to accompany the thought and Scripture for each day.
Beginning with the story of creation and following the fall of man into sin, this book features a different Biblical story or relevant time in history that God displayed His power, character and plan. Moving through the events of the Old Testament, into the coming of Jesus at the time of His birth, this book uses short paragraphs with thought provoking questions for little minds and an activity or craft suggestion that helps to tuck the Truth of the day into little hearts. As such the crafts aren’t just holiday related.
I couldn’t love this book more. There was something for everyone in this book - young and old! The crafts and activities can be done by young children, older children, and even completed together as a family. There are suggestions for serving others, singing songs or carols also.
I felt the book was very easy to use and understand. My five year old daughter (Kindergarten) had no trouble following the stories and thoughts presented. She liked the interaction the book encouraged by answering the questions and completing the craft or activity for the day. We skipped some of the activities and simply read some days instead, with no consequences, making this advent book easily fit our busy holiday schedule. I believe this will be something we will return to each year for wonderful truths and Christmas fun.
I also loved the Jessee tree ornaments that came in this book and while we didn’t use them this year, will certainly be utilizing next year together.
Lastly, I liked that this countdown and each activity pointed our family’s hearts back to God and the salvation message - the true reason for Christmas.
bible Stories · Children · Holiday
Christmas Love Letters from God
Written by Glenys Nellist, Illustrated byRachel Clowes, Published by Zonderkidz
Age 4+
What child does not love to receive mail, especially at holiday time? What if your child could receive and read his or her own personal mail from God? Christmas Love Letters from God will invite them to do just that! In this updated edition of a beloved picture book, seven Bible stories retelling the coming of Jesus from the Old and New Testaments are accompanied by a special and encouraging letter from God to your beloved child.
Christmas Love Letters from God is written by bestselling author Glenys Nellist. Unique features include:
Seven letters from God your child can read and cherish
Gorgeous, bright illustrations by Sophie Allsopp
7 stories from the Old and New Testaments
Is perfect for ages 4-8
Is great for birthdays, Advent or Christmas gift giving, or as an addition to your child’s home library.
Check out other titles from this series, including Love Letters from God: Bible Stories for a Girl’s Heart, Easter Love Letters from God: Bible Stories, and Love Letters from God
My Thoughts:
This book is beautiful and very sweet. While I did not research the accuracy and timing of each event featured in this book, I did find gentle retelling of Biblical stories such as when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and the story of the shepherd following the star to the baby Jesus to find Him in a manger. Each story creates a vivid picture in a child’s imagination of what the event must have looked like or felt like to the people of the story, at that time. Then, there is a separate, small letter to the child or children listening to the story from God, explaining how much He loves them and appreciates them.
While the book does explain that Jesus was God’s gift to the world and that He is our Savior and the greatest gift we will ever receive, I wish the book contained more of the salvation message and steps toward repentance. As such, we intend to use this book in our family as a tool to spark those conversations with our little ones while reminding them that Jesus is not only the greatest gift ever received, but the ONLY way to heaven and through which to find true forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
This book is word heavy so I do believe it is geared better towards older children who enjoy listening to stories for longer periods of time.
The illustrations are beautiful and gentle, the pages are large and glossy. I believe this is a pretty addition to our Christmas shelves and something what we will enjoy reading in our home.
