Christmas
The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza by David Shannon
By Megan Saben |
A simple effort to brighten up the holidays goes way overboard in this Christmas story about pride going before a fall. The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza ...
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*Great Joy by Kate DiCamillo
By Megan Saben |
Frances is concerned about the organ grinder man who stands on the street corner. Is he cold? Where does he go at night? She can't ...
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*Little Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, illustrated by Joe Sutphin
By Megan Saben |
A classic Christmas story of an old sinner who finds redemption through visits from four spirits who convict him of his worldly wretchedness. Little Christmas ...
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The Best News of All by Sally Michael
By Janie Cheaney |
The Best News of All shares the Christmas story by examining one short scripture passage which children are encouraged to memorize. The Best News of ...
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Twelve Classic Christmas Stories: A Feast of Yuletide Tales
By Megan Saben |
Twelve Classic Christmas Stories is a lovely collection of short stories about Christmas that may inspire you to revisit classic authors in the coming year. ...
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*A Wondrous Mystery: Daily Advent Devotions by Charles Spurgeon
By Betsy Farquhar |
Joyful and thoughtful, A Wondrous Mystery offers 30 devotional readings drawn from Charles Spurgeon's sermons. *A Wondrous Mystery: Daily Advent Devotions by Charles Spurgeon, edited ...
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*Promises Made Promises Kept: A Family Devotional for Christmas by Marty Machowski
By Betsy Farquhar |
Promises Made Promises Kept is a short, engaging, 2-week Christmas devotional that invites families to look at God's promises in the Old Testament which are ...
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Saint Valentine the Kindhearted, Saint Patrick the Forgiver, Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard
By Megan Saben |
Three godly men from the church history are worthy of remembering for their character and service to Christ. Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8 Recommended ...
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*Journey to Bethlehem by Leland Ryken
By Betsy Farquhar |
Journey to Bethlehem is a lovely anthology of historic Christmas poetry, hymns, and devotionals. Starred review! *Journey to Bethlehem: A Treasury of Classic Christmas Devotionals ...
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Gift Books for Grown-Ups
By Betsy Farquhar |
Redeemed Reader exists to "shed a gospel light on books for children and teens." But you know what? We read books for grown-ups, too! We ...
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Stocking Stuffers for Book Lovers
By Megan Saben |
Of course books make the best gifts for bibliophiles, but some of those oversize tomes don't fit comfortably in a stocking. Here's a list of ...
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Christian Christmas Picture Books Round-Up
By Betsy Farquhar |
Christian Christmas Picture Books Round-Up: Holy Night and Little Star, 'Twas the Night, The Nativity, and The Animals Speak Today we're highlighting Christian Christmas picture ...
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Traditional Christmas Picture Books: A Roundup
By Janie Cheaney |
The Chimney Problem, the decorating dilemma, a pesky pigeon, and a reformed Grinch take center stage in four new Christmas picture books. Those of us ...
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Tomie DePaola Christmas Picture Books Round-Up
By Betsy Farquhar |
Tomie DePaola Christmas Picture Books Round-Up Tomie DePaola was a truly prolific (and much beloved) picture book creator. His illustrations are recognizable anywhere. We're only ...
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A Stubborn Sweetness by Katherine Paterson
By Betsy Farquhar |
"A Stubborn Sweetness" is one of 15 short stories that celebrate the truth, beauty, and goodness of the real meaning of Christmas. A Stubborn Sweetness ...
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The Weary World Rejoices, edited by Melissa Kruger
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Weary World Rejoices is a collection of Advent readings from the Gospel Coalition that relate to the Advent wreath. For teens and up. The ...
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Awaiting the Manger by Ocieanna Fleiss
By Betsy Farquhar |
Awaiting the Manger, an Advent devotional for teens and up, uses stories from the Old Testament to point to the coming of Jesus. Awaiting the ...
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He Came Down From Heaven by Laurel Sauder
By Betsy Farquhar |
He Came Down From Heaven offers 25 days of biblical readings and cultural enrichment for families who celebrate Advent. He Came Down From Heaven: A ...
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Bookish Gifts for Boys
By Megan Saben |
What makes good gifts for book lovers besides more books (and infinite bookshelf space)? Here are some lovely things we've recently discovered that would be ...
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Bookish Gifts for Girls
By Megan Saben |
What makes good gifts for book lovers besides more books (and infinite bookshelf space)? Here are some lovely things we've recently discovered that would be ...
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Christmas Book Flood: A Reflection
By Betsy Farquhar |
This will be my family's 7th year of enjoying one of our favorite bookish Christmas traditions: the Icelandic Christmas Book Flood, or Jólabókaflóðið ("Jolabokaflod"). We ...
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Gladys Hunt on Christmas Books
By Janie Cheaney |
Editor's Note: Is reading aloud beside the Christmas tree one of your family's holiday traditions? If so, you'll want to copy & paste this list ...
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Home for Christmas, edited by Miriam LeBlanc
By Betsy Farquhar |
Home for Christmas is a lovely, literary collection of stories, old and new, that highlight the "spirit" of Christmas. Home for Christmas: Stories for Young ...
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The King of Christmas by Todd R. Hains and illustrated by Natasha Kennedy
By Betsy Farquhar |
The King of Christmas reminds young children where to look for Jesus, just as the wise men looked for Him at that first Christmas. The ...
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Family Advent Devotional List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Do you have a favorite family Advent tradition? Perhaps your family does a Jesse Tree together. Or maybe you have an Advent wreath on your ...
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The Light Before Christmas by Marty Machowski
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Light Before Christmas is a thoughtful family Advent devotional that focuses on Christ as the light of the world. The Light Before Christmas by ...
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3 recent picture books for Advent and Christmas
By Megan Saben |
Looking for picture books for advent or Christmas to share with your own littles or give as a gift? Here are some to consider. A ...
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‘Twas the Season of Advent
By Megan Saben |
'Twas the Season of Advent is an advent devotional for littles that hearkens back to the classic poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas" but focuses ...
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*Little Hearts Prepare Him Room by Holly Mackle
By Megan Saben |
Little Hearts Prepare Him Room by Holly Mackle is a simple Advent devotional with deep theology, suitable for a variety of ages. Little Hearts Prepare ...
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The Expected One and The Risen One by Scott James
By Megan Saben |
There is much to anticipate in both Christmas and Easter, but the Story is much bigger than the significant events, as Scott James demonstrates in ...
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Wonders of His Love by Champ Thornton
By Betsy Farquhar |
Wonders of His Love brings Isaiah's prophecies about the Messiah down to a child-friendly level in this vibrant Advent family devotional. *Wonders of His Love: ...
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The Adventure of Christmas by Ed Drew
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Adventure of Christmas offers short, 10-minute family devotions based on the biblical narrative of the first Christmas. The Adventure of Christmas: A Journey Through ...
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*The Dawn of Redeeming Grace by Sinclair Ferguson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Winsome and pastoral, The Dawn of Redeeming Grace is a thoughtful Advent meditation on Matthew 1-2 for teens and up. *The Dawn of Redeeming Grace: ...
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*Is Christmas Unbelievable? by Rebecca McLaughlin
By Betsy Farquhar |
Rebecca McLaughlin answers four questions everyone should ask about the Christmas story, beginning with the historicity of Jesus Himself. A great resource for teens. *Is ...
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The Promise and the Light by Katy Morgan
By Betsy Farquhar |
An engaging and thought-provoking retelling of the Christmas story through the eyes of biblical characters. The Promise and the Light by Katy Morgan. The Good ...
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Three New Christmas Picture Books: The Night Before Christmas, The Christmas Feast, and Native-American Night Before Christmas
By Janie Cheaney |
Two versions of "The Night before Christmas" and one classic trickster tale make great additions to under-the-tree reading. Fun for ages 4-up. The Night Before ...
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Quarantine Box = Days of Cheer
By Betsy Farquhar |
Are you looking at another holiday stuck at home? Do you have family members scattered across the country? Megan and I both are looking at ...
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Bookish Christmas Fun
By Betsy Farquhar |
Are you looking ahead to a Christmas that doesn't involve extra family and friends as much as previous years' celebrations? Perhaps you usually travel, but ...
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There’s a Lion in My Nativity! by Lizzie Laferton and illustrated by Kim Barnes
By Betsy Farquhar |
Rhyming text and colorful illustrations help children understand more about Jesus and the Christmas story in this new Christmas picture book. There's a Lion in ...
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*Hosanna in Excelsis by David and Barbara Leeman
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sing a new song every day of Advent with Hosanna in Excelsis, an Advent devotional that offers a different Christmas hymn each day of Advent. ...
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A Better Than Anything Christmas by Barbara Reaoch
By Betsy Farquhar |
Dig in to the Christmas story a bit more intentionally this year with A Better Than Anything Christmas, a family Advent devotional with interactive questions ...
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Reflections on A Christmas Carol
By Betsy Farquhar |
Planning to watch A Christmas Carol this year? Have you read the original story? It's definitely worth reading if you've only ever seen the movie ...
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*Long Ago, on a Silent Night by Julie Berry
By Janie Cheaney |
What happened "Long Ago on a Silent Night" resonates down the ages, in this lovely, evocative picture book. *Long Ago, on a Silent Night by ...
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One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell
By Janie Cheaney |
A lonely boy on Christmas Eve learns the power of giving through "One Christmas Wish." One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell, illustrated by Emily Sutton. ...
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Christmas Books Round-Up
By Betsy Farquhar |
All our reviews of Christmas books -- that is, books about Christmas or set during the Christmas season -- in one place! You're sure to ...
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Best Games for Book Lovers
By Betsy Farquhar |
The best games for book lovers? WORD GAMES. Naturally. Most readers enjoy good old-fashioned analog fun (as opposed to app- or screen-based games). When those ...
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The Night of His Birth
By Megan Saben |
"Sing out, my soul, the wonder..." How marvelous the mystery of giving birth to the Son of God! What might have been the musings of ...
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New (or New to Us) Books for Holiday Reading and Gift-Giving
By Janie Cheaney |
It's a fact: readers love to give books as gifts, and we're here to help! When in doubt we tend to turn to the classics, ...
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Gifts for Book Lovers: ALL Gift-Giving Lists in One Place!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Need gifts for book lovers, young and old? We've got you covered! Stocking stuffers, fun bookish swag, and, of course, LOTS of book ideas! We ...
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*Love Came Down At Christmas by Sinclair Ferguson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Love Came Down at Christmas is an excellent devotional for Advent for teens and up: meditations on 1 Corinthians 13 by Sinclair Ferguson. *Love Came ...
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*Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu
By Betsy Farquhar |
Mediate on the names of Jesus during Advent with this helpful, inspiring family devotional. *Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional by Asheritah Ciuciu. ...
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Thanksgiving Comes Before Christmas
By Betsy Farquhar |
If you've been to a store anytime in the past week, you likely noticed the same seasonal schizophrenia I did: a few aisles of Halloween-related ...
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Last-Minute Must-Read Christmas Picture Books
By Megan Saben |
I know, I know, there's so little time left before the Day of Much Rejoicing and Celebration, but I've got two strong recommendations for Christmas ...
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Christmas Book Flood (or, Betsy’s Family’s Christmas Eve Book Extravaganza)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Traditions Traditions are marvelous things, aren't they? The best traditions anchor our celebrations, our family and church life, and even our culture's collective experience. Sometimes, ...
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One-Size-Fits-All: Read Aloud Gift Books for the Whole Family!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Need a book idea you can give as a “whole family” gift? Perhaps you want to take along a little “happy” to the friend and ...
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Books for the Whole Year
By Megan Saben |
The new year is a great time to begin something fresh, whether it is a new Bible-reading plan or a commitment to read a book ...
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Bookish Christmas Gifts for the Whole Family
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sometimes, it's hard to pick out a book for a book-lover. What if she already bought herself that book? What if he has already read ...
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The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean
By Betsy Farquhar |
Fresh, colorful illustrations decorate this reprint of The Jesse Tree as told by master storyteller Geraldine McCaughrean. The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean and illustrated by Bee ...
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Christmas Books for All Ages: A Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
Readers, we are thankful for YOU! And, in honor of our appreciation for you, your faithful support of Redeemed Reader and encouragement to us, we're ...
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Preparing for Jesus by Walter Wangerin, Jr.
By Betsy Farquhar |
Preparing for Jesus is a fresh, imaginative Advent devotional that looks at each of the biblical characters in the Christmas story, trying to learn from them ...
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*Wild Bells: A Literary Advent by Missy Andrews
By Betsy Farquhar |
Wild Bells: A Literary Advent offers a beautiful Christian literary work, such as a poem, along with a reflection for each day of the Advent ...
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*Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski
By Betsy Farquhar |
Celebrate the birth of Christ with stories, Scripture, and song in this Advent family devotional guide, perfect for busy families or used in a classroom ...
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Redeemed Reader Christmas Vacation
By Janie Cheaney |
This year has been a whirlwind for us, with a record number of book reviews, rising readership, website updates, and two special reading challenges built ...
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A Christmas for Bear by Bonny Becker and Kady MacDonald Denton
By Megan Saben |
Bear and Mouse add to their memorable experiences by celebrating Christmas together. Christmas for Bear by Bonny Becker and illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Candlewick, ...
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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: the Kids Discuss….
By Betsy Farquhar |
Four middle grades kids discuss The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: what stands out in this funny, modern Christmas classic? The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara ...
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The Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Wonder of the Greatest Gift offers a complete Jesse Tree experience with devotional and ornaments for the whole family to enjoy. The Wonder of ...
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*Voices of Christmas by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Eric Velasquez
By Betsy Farquhar |
Voices of Christmas is a beautiful and poetic exploration of the different characters in the Christmas story--perfect for middle grades kids! *Voices of Christmas by ...
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Giant Christmas and Advent Book List for All Ages
By Betsy Farquhar |
We love Christmas and Advent at Redeemed Reader, and we've reviewed lots of related resources over the years. Advent begins on December 1, and the ...
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2017 Winter Book Fair List: Books for Everyone!
By Betsy Farquhar |
2017 Winter Book Fair Books for Everyone on Your Christmas List! It's that time of the year again: Christmas is coming, and all the special ...
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Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp
By Janie Cheaney |
This new book of Advent readings takes us deep into the theological and spiritual meaning of Christ's Incarnation. Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul ...
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“Just believe”–in Christmas!
By Janie Cheaney |
Recently it struck me that in no other religion is faith so central as Christianity. Think about it: generally speaking, Buddhism stresses contemplation, Islam action, ...
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A Shiloh Christmas by Phillis Reynolds Naylor
By Janie Cheaney |
The long-running Shiloh series wraps up with appropriate Christmas cheer but not too much theological clarity. A Shiloh Christmas by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Atheneum, 2015, ...
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The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell and Catalina Echeverri
By Megan Saben |
A childlike and joyful retelling of the Christmas promise we have in Christ, perfect for the young at heart. This title is part of our ...
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The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda
By Megan Saben |
The Christmas story "pops" in this beautifully crafted pop-up book. This title is one of our Winter Book Fair 2016 Picks! The Christmas Story by Robert ...
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Putting My Money Where My Mouth Is: Christmas Gifts!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Upholding My Reputation I've written before about the reputation I must uphold each year with my nieces and nephews. And it's that time of year ...
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The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Christmas
By Betsy Farquhar |
A whimsical collection of 24 cards and coordinating envelopes to color and share this Christmas! The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Christmas by Nosy ...
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2016 Winter Book Fair: Books For Everyone!
By Betsy Farquhar |
2016 Winter Book Fair Books for Everyone On Your Christmas List! We have chosen the best of the best, our personal favorites, and plenty of great ...
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The Nutcracker: This is That Time of Year
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Nutcracker ballet is part of many Americans' yearly cultural celebration of Christmas. The music plays everywhere, and even young children often recognize the strains ...
Read More A Christmas Carol Watch-Along Guide
By emily |
How many versions of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol have you seen? It seems like every cultural figure has done a version of it, Klingons, ...
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Jesus is Most Special by Sally Michael, illustrated by Fred Apps
By Megan Saben |
This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Jesus is Most Special by Sally ...
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Christmas Carols for a Kid’s Heart by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada
By Megan Saben |
Christmas Carols for a Kid’s Heart by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada, illustrated by Sergio Martinez. Crossway, 2004. 96 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages ...
Read More The Dawning of Indestructible Joy by John Piper
By Janie Cheaney |
The Dawning of Indestructible Joy: Daily Readings for Advent by John Piper. Crossway, 2014,96 pages Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Maturity Level: 6 (ages ...
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*Christmas is Here by Lauren Castillo
By Betsy Farquhar |
This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! We are participants in the Amazon LLC ...
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Every Valley by Albert L. Blackwell
By Betsy Farquhar |
Every Valley: Advent with the Scriptures of Handel's Messiah by Albert L. Blackwell. Westminster John Knox Press, 2014. 160 pages. Reading Level: Adults (16 and up)Recommended ...
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*Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
By Megan Saben |
*Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas by Ann Voskamp. Tyndale, 2014. 154 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4 and upMaturity Level: 2 (ages ...
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Nostalgic Christmas Picture Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
Many of our cultural Christmas celebrations are just that--cultural, not biblical. That being said, we can be Christians and still enjoy many of our cultural ...
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Truth in the Tinsel: A Family Advent Tradition
By emily |
Truth in the Tinsel Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I suppose the Christmas race has officially begun now, and with that in mind, ...
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Winter Book Fair: Gift Books to Support Redeemedreader
By emily |
Dear Redeemedreaders, We appreciate you! If you have appreciated Redeemedreader this year, we'd love to have your support during the holiday season. We have narrowed ...
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Looking Forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas
By Janie Cheaney |
Every holiday season brings forth a crop of shiny new picture books, and we're on the beat. Today, two for Thanksgiving and two for Christmas--the ...
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Our Best Christmas Posts
By emily |
Hey guys! How's that shopping and cooking and cleaning going? I'm pretty far behind, but I did get most of my grocery shopping done yesterday. ...
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Charlotte Mason’s Christmas List: 5 Living Books Library Picks
By emily |
What is a living book library? Check out our interview with Emily and Liz Cottrill of Livingbookslibrary.com from November if you haven't already. The upshot ...
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A Very LOGOS & Parnassus Christmas, Part One
By emily |
One Hip Town. Two Bookstores. And Lots of Great Books for Kids! Here in Nashville, we have at least two exceptional bookstores: Logos Bookstore and ...
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O Come, Emmanuel
By Janie Cheaney |
Every year advent takes me by surprise--otherwise I would have posted this last week! Family advent readers come down from the shelves this time of ...
Read More A Poem for Christmas Morning
By emily |
ADVENT II The year the tree fell: Little bits of brittle angels all over the floor, bent up boxes, and torn paper. I cut myself ...
Read More What’s Lefse?
By Janie Cheaney |
The Invention of Lefse: a Christmas Story, by Larry Woiwode. Crossway, 2011, 63 pages. Age/interest level: 8 and up. “Lefse? What’s lefse?” is the epigraph ...
Read More What Are Your Kids Getting Under the Tree?
By emily |
Janie has offered lots of kids' book gift suggestions on the site this week. And I'm hoping to chime in next week, too. For those ...
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Thoughts on A Christmas Carol: Reading and Watching
By Janie Cheaney |
Charles Dickens, unlike other great authors like Herman Melville, had the good fortune of enjoying widespread fame and popularity during his lifetime. A Christmas Carol ...
Read More A More Excellent Way
By Janie Cheaney |
On Friday we looked at some very popular picture books that you just might find under your tree. Some of them are better than others, ...
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He’s Coming!
By Janie Cheaney |
In the fundamentalist church where I grew up, we never did advent. I never even understood what the word meant until well into my twenties, ...
Read More Bible Gifts for Kids
By emily |
We've written a number of articles about Bibles and Bible-related kids' books over the past year. Here are a few that might make great Christmas ...
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