Selection of children’s books “Advent and Christmas 2024” | National Catholic Register

Lady of Guadalupe

Written and Illustrated Tomie dePaola

Ignatius, 2024

48 pages, $16.99.

Mary points to Jesus—especially when we celebrate America’s patroness, Our Lady of Guadalupe, in Advent. Re-released for a new generation of readers, this classic story retells the story of the humble Saint Juan Diego who met the Virgin Mary on the Hill of Tepeyac. Our Lady leaves her mark—her miraculous image on the cloak of Juan, her “smallest and most beloved son,” and her imprint on the many souls in Mexico and throughout America whom she continues to draw to Christ. Ages 5 years and older.

Happy Birthday, Christmas Baby!

Posted by Laura Sassi

Illustrated Gabi Murphy

Paraclete, 2022

10 pages, $9.99.

“One stable on a busy hill / with a bull and a donkey, while… / Knock, knock. “Hello?” Two heads appear. / “The tavern is full. Can we stay here? Young readers can count to 10 and celebrate their first Christmas with this short, sweet, and durable board book. The lyrical, rhyming text and warm illustrations are just right to introduce children to the sights, sounds and wonders of A Christmas Story. “As Mary counts ten tiny toes, / Everyone feels the overwhelming love. / Each one praises the newborn, meek and meek, / “Happy Birthday, Christmas child!” Child’s age is up to 4 years.

The Night the Saints Saved Christmas

Posted by Gracie Jagla

Illustrated Michael Corsini

SALT Children, 2021

36 pages, $16.95.

When Saint Nicholas wakes up on Christmas Eve, he is alarmed! “He tried ‘Ho, ho, ho.’ / Will this help? There’s nothing to be done, / Saint Nick just got sick!” His holy friends come to his aid. Peter takes charge, assigning everyone to the region he or she knew and loved. “Max” heads to Poland, Pier Giorgio conquers the mountains, and John Paul II puts on skis and carries gifts on his back. The flying priest Joseph from Cupertino drops gifts from above. Of course, it’s a lot of work, but Teresa reminds them, “If each of us does a little, our parts will be small.” Many, many saints come together to make Christmas special and remind readers of the gifts God gives them, especially Baby Jesus. Age from 3 to 7 years.

Very noisy stable (2nd edition)

Posted by Ian Godfrey

Illustrated Paula Doherty

Ascension, 2022

32 pages, $13.99.

The city of Bethlehem is so noisy! The innkeepers slam their doors. Donkeys clatter through the streets. The cacophony of animals inside the stables reaches to the rafters. Suddenly there is a deep silence, which is interrupted by the happy cry of a child! Angels fill the air and sing: “Glory to God and peace to all on earth!” In that same noisy stable many years ago, Jesus, the Son of God, was born! This new edition features engaging activities for young readers. Age from 3 to 5 years.

Christmas in heaven

Posted by Anthony DeStefano

Illustrated Bernadette Carstensen

Sofia Institute, 2024

40 pages, $17.95.

When a little boy wonders how his recently deceased grandmother could celebrate Christmas in heaven, his grandfather shares a creative story of what could have been. “The reason we celebrate Christmas on Earth is because it is the birthday of our dear Savior,” he begins. “They have a great romance in heaven. / All the saints and angels are here.” Through the eyes of faith, readers see these heavenly friends bustling about and doing what each of them does best—celebrating the birthday of our Lord. St. Cecilia and Gregory sing a duet, St. Lucy hangs garlands on the tree, and many others offer their talents. For a boy and his grandfather, hope overcomes grief as Jesus welcomes his grandmother to the heavenly celebration on this special day of Christmas. A dictionary of selected saints is included. Age from 4 to 8 years.

Friendly Animals: A Christmas Story

Attributed to Bishop Pierre de Corbeil (died 1222)

Illustrated James Newman Gray

Gibbs Smith, 2023

32 pages, $18.99.

In this beloved folk hymn, passed down from generation to generation, the animals tell how they welcomed the newborn king. Each gave “Baby Jesus, sweet and kind” a gift that only he or she could give. “I,” said the cow, all white and red, “/I gave Him my manger instead of a bed; / I gave Him my hay to lay His head on.” On that starry night, the animals in the barn opened their hearts and gave it their all. Large illustrations filled with both whimsy and warmth invite readers to join in welcoming Emmanuel. Ages 3–8 years.

The first words of Christmas

Posted by WorthyChildren

Illustrated Madeleine Marie

Decent Children, 2023

20 pages, $7.99.

Short sentences, each highlighting a special word of Christmas, such as angel, manger and Jesus, introduce babies and toddlers to the story of Christmas. The story takes place after the birth of Jesus, when Mary learns that she will have a special Child and goes to Bethlehem with Joseph. Angels, shepherds and wise men all play their part. This durable board book with rounded edges is perfect for little hands and is filled with colorful illustrations to help little readers imagine this wonderful story. Child’s age is up to 3 years.

The Christmas Elephant: A Christmas Story

Posted by Maria Antonia

Illustrated Laura Zarrin

Paraclete Press, 2024

32 pages, $16.99.

Ellie is looking forward to the Christmas play – she loves Jesus and is so excited to be a part of this special occasion! Trouble begins when Ellie insists on being the elephant for the competition and her older sister declares that elephants have no place in Christmas plays. All of Ellie’s attempts to mix her elephant essence with the requisite lambs, camels, wise men and angels fail. But when the doll needed to play Baby Jesus goes missing, Ellie, with her elephant memory and adorable elephant costume, quickly remembers where the doll is and saves the day. This is a wonderful book that celebrates the Christmas story and highlights the unique and important role everyone plays in celebrating the birth of Christ. Ages 3-8.

BONUS BOOKS

The Crawford sisters write from Pittsburgh.