Jesus is Most Special by Sally Michael, illustrated by Fred Apps

This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from our Winter Book FairCLICK HERE to see more gift ideas!

Jesus is Most Special by Sally Michael, illustrated by Fred Apps. P&R, 2014. 24 pages.

Reading Level: Picture Books (ages 4-8)
Maturity Level: 1, 2 (ages 0-8)

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Think you know the Christmas story? Try this. Narrate the story of the anticipation and arrival of the Messiah using this simple keyword outline: “Promise, Waiting, Mary, Bethlehem, Jesus, Shepherds, Wise men, Tell.”

What sets this book, Jesus is Most Special, apart from similar books is that it is designed to teach young children how to tell others the Christmas story. An introduction for parents is followed by the eight keywords above, one per page spread, that serve as an outline for a child to remember and tell the story. Each keyword has an explanation of its significance and either a passage of Scripture or a verse of a carol which provides greater meaning. This approach lends itself nicely to being used with a child-friendly nativity set as the text signals when figures ought to be introduced. A great addition to an Advent home library.

(If you don’t already have a play nativity set, there are plenty of DIY options available; here is a pretty basic one that could be used by little hands.)

AND…we have one GIVEAWAY copy available! This will be a quick one, so the book can be enjoyed by the little ones in your family as soon as possible. Simply leave a comment below before midnight on Friday December 5. The drawing will be held on Saturday morning. {Giveaway is now closed; the winner has been notified. Thanks to everyone who entered!)

Cautions: none

Overall Value: 4.5 (out of 5)

  • Moral/worldview value: 5
  • Artistic value: 4

Categories: Picture Books, Christian, Holidays

Cover image from Amazon
A free copy of this book was received from the publisher for a fair review.

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Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.

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Megan Saben

Megan is Associate Editor for Redeemed Reader, and she loves nothing more than discovering Truth and Story in literature. She is the author of Something Better Coming, and is quite particular about which pottery mug is best suited to her favorite hot drinks throughout the day. Megan lives with her husband and five boys in Virginia.

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18 Comments

  1. Allison Burr on December 3, 2014 at 8:03 am

    We would love this for our four little ones!

  2. Nellie van der Hart on December 3, 2014 at 8:40 am

    Looks like a great book! We’d love to win it.

  3. Melissa Deming on December 3, 2014 at 8:48 am

    oh, we’d love this one!!! my twins are 6 and at the perfect age for this! Thanks for the chance!

  4. Molly Hurst on December 3, 2014 at 10:21 am

    Oh! My 5 and 8 year old boys would love to work on this together!!

  5. Megan L. on December 3, 2014 at 10:27 am

    Oh! We would love this!

  6. Kara Hobbs on December 3, 2014 at 12:35 pm

    I’d love reading this book with my girls! We’re always looking for Christmas picture books that re-orient our attention back to the first Christmas – and I know my 5-year-old especially would love this one.

  7. Kelly Milam on December 3, 2014 at 1:06 pm

    My girls and I would enjoy this book!

  8. Ticia on December 3, 2014 at 1:37 pm

    I’ve got a little nephew, what a great idea for a book!

  9. Joey E on December 3, 2014 at 6:34 pm

    I’d love a copy!

  10. Lori on December 3, 2014 at 7:11 pm

    Looks like a great book!

  11. Erin on December 3, 2014 at 7:43 pm

    Was just thinking I don’t really have a great Christmas book for the kiddos…this would be great!

  12. Kerry Jones on December 3, 2014 at 7:56 pm

    I have not heard of this one. Looks good.

  13. Mandi Neblett on December 4, 2014 at 3:31 am

    Thank you for all the Christmas recommendations! This one looks good too. : )

  14. Cheryl on December 4, 2014 at 4:47 am

    You’ve sold me on this book! We would enjoy a copy!

  15. Leah Lee on December 4, 2014 at 7:27 am

    I am looking forward to reading it to my little one and wonder if it will make a good Christmas gift for my friends with small children.

  16. Andie on December 4, 2014 at 6:28 pm

    Thanks for finding so many great books for us!

  17. Sarah Caldwell on December 5, 2014 at 6:10 am

    Thank you for being a trustworthy resource for families who love to read! Thanks also for this great giveaway…this would be a great addition to our Christmas book basket!

  18. Jeanne Williams on December 5, 2014 at 12:19 pm

    Looks good for my grandkids.

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