Picture Books
Silent Night
Illustrated by Krisztina Kallai Nagy
UK Publisher: Brf
US Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
ISBN 1 84101-705-1
Long ago,
inside a dusty mousehole,
hidden in the church of St Nicholas,
which stood in the village of Obendorf,
beside a river that rushed helter-skelter through a land
of music, mountains and snow called Austria,
there lived a large family
of mice
This is the story of the mice that inspired the writing and singing
of the Christmas carol, 'Silent Night',
beautifully illustrated by Hungarian-born Krisztina Kallai Nagy.
(This story is also available as a nativity play in Easy Ways to Christmas Plays, Volume 2, see Plays.)
Someone Very Special
Illustrated by Roma Bishop
Publisher: Augsberg Fortress Publishers
ISBN 0-86347-410-1
A simple and poetic retelling of the first Easter
for very young children.
Mary has a friend called Jesus.
Everywhere Jesus goes, special things happen.
Storm clouds blow away and out comes the sun.
There are picnics by the lake,
and stories on the mountainside . . .
One day, soldiers march Jesus away to die on a cross.
But Mary's friend is very special.
Soon she has wonderful news to tell everyone.
Knock, knock! Who's there?
Illustrated by Moira Maclean
UK Publisher: Brf
US Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
ISBN 1 84101 389 7
A lift-the-flap board book
Just as the innkeeper
is about to go to bed,
a few noisy visitors arrive . . .
Lift the flaps and discover the special visitor who gives him the biggest surprise of all!
The story tells the tale of the Innkeeper at Bethlehem who keeps trying to retire, but is constantly disturbed by visitors, both animal and human, wanting a bed for the night in his stable. Once it had been read to her, Hope, aged five, enjoyed turning the pages and lifting the flaps herself, putting her own words in. The indestructible easy-wipe board format is a plus point, making this book great value.
Church Times
For the youngest family members there is a 'lift-the-flap' board book which gathers together (with appropriate noises) a variety of animals in the stable at Bethlehem ready to welcome Mary and Joseph and then baby Jesus (with his own noise to contribute). Its humour and gentleness will be enjoyed by reader and listener alike.
Methodist Recorder
Who's behind the innkeeper's door, the basket of oranges, the pile of logs? Who's making that sound in the manger? Small children will love discovering – and rediscovering – the wonders of the Christmas story in this colourful board book.
Families Together
Open the Door (or Easter Surprise)
Illustrated by Moira Maclean
ISBN 1 84101 456 7
UK Publisher:Brf
US Publishers: Concordia Publishing House
Augsberg Fortress Publishers (Easter Surprise)
A lift-the flap board book
One spring day,
the farmer and his wife are having breakfast at Olive Tree Farm,
when they hear a very loud noise outside.
Ee-aw, ee-aw!
Open the door . . .
Hello! Two kind men have come to fetch the little donkey.
'Someone special needs him,' they explain.
Open all the doors to the Easter story and discover the special surprise that Mary finds on Easter morning.
The very smallest book-users are led to the Easter story by a 'lift-the-flap' board book from brf's barnabas imprint, Open the Door, by Vicki Howie, with illustrations by Moira Maclean. The clearly-expressed story brings the beautifully- executed illustrations to life, with lots of authentic detail to talk about before proceeding to the next page with its hidden surprise.
Methodist Recorder
The Easter Swallows
Illustrated by Paola Bertolina Grudina
UK Publisher: CWR
US Publisher: Pauline Books and Media
ISBN 978-1-85345-416-5
As Short-tail and Long-tail build a nest beside an empty cave near Jerusalem, they watch the events of the Easter story unfold – from Jesus's entry into the city on a donkey through to his resurrection.
A gentle introduction to the Easter story for young children.
Here is a perfect story to read younger children about Holy Week. As seen through the eyes of two swallows, the story touches on all aspects of the week including some previous miracles performed by Jesus. The illustrations add to the story with beautiful accents.
The Catholic Journalist
Have you seen Christmas?
Illustrated by Caroline Pedler
UK Publisher: Brf
US Publisher: Abingdon Press
ISBN:978-1-84101-512-5
'Christmas' is the name of a dog that belongs to Luke, a boy who lives on the street. When the dog goes missing, Luke's friends search for Christmas in the festive city – and find him (and the true spirit of Christmas) in the church hall where hot meals are being served to homeless people.
(This story is also available as a children's play, see Storyplays for Christmas in Plays.)
This is a wonderful picture book, telling the story of a homeless lad and his lost rescue dog, who is called Christmas. Although it is aimed at young children, Isabella (eight) and even Alice (ten) were intrigued to know the plight of poor Christmas, who goes missing on Christmas Eve.
Christmas is not found in the shiny shopping centre or at the gleaming ice-rink, but in the church hall on Christmas Eve where the local homeless have gathered for warmth, food and drink. The nativity scene laid out in the church hall provides the connection with the birth of Jesus, portraying Mary and Joseph as homeless people taking shelter in the stable generously provided by the innkeeper. The story ends when the children offer shelter and friendship to the boy, as the search for Christmas is now complete.
Church Times
Gorgeously illustrated, this story underlines the beauty of altruism and encourages children not to be governed by prejudices, as well as highlighting the story of the birth of Jesus. The eloquent descriptions paint striking scenery to inspire young readers' vivid imaginations.
Home and Family