In preparation for Christmas, Ambassador International has graciously donated two children’s Christmas books for me to give away!
The first is called The Manger Mouse, written by Sarah Martin Byrd and illustrated by Debbie Wall.
In this sweet story, a stable mouse named Matty is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Babe, whom his mother has told him is coming soon. Matty and his mother work hard into the night, carrying “bits and pieces of straw to the feeding trough” to prepare a place for the King of Kings to sleep. Matty vows to “make it the softest, warmest, most comfortable cradle possible.” His mother tells him, “We must work hard for this precious Babe, even if the King’s work is the hardest we ever do.”
Matty gets tired of climbing up and down, up and down, but he continues to labor long into the night. Soon the Babe arrives and is laid in the manger prepared for him. But Matty learns that carrying straw was not his only job.
In the end, the tiny mouse learns that even the small and seemingly insignificant can play important roles in God’s kingdom.
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The second book up for grabs is A Donkey’s Little Tale by R. Mitchell Scott.
This story is written in rhymed couplets, from the perspective of the donkey that Mary rode to the stable in Bethlehem. It follows their journey, all the while the donkey wondering where they are headed and why. In the end, the donkey realizes the privileged role he played in service to the newborn King.
Parents should expect to provide definitions for several words used, such as oasis, bade, tarried, impending, and tenement.
The simple illustrations were created based on a clay nativity sculpted by the author herself. You can see photos of the clay creations at the author’s Facebook page by clicking here.
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Disclaimer: I received a free copy of each of these books from Ambassador International in exchange for my honest review.
Kate, I love this. Our home overflows with books. The fault of 2 nerdy parents indulging their children. Thank you for making this giveaway possible.
What is your favorite children’s Christmas book?
We have one called “Traveler” By Mary Alice Parmley. It is the story of a puppy who arrives at Bethlehem and becomes a faithful friend of baby Jesus.
Thank you! We give a new Christmas book to our girls each year and have accumulated quite a collection. Would love to add one of these!
I have loved sharing the book, Who is Coming to Our House? with our kids from the time they were teeny babies.
We love books of all kinds. Our Christmas standby, read each year, is The Cajun Night Before Christmas, as that is our heritage.
Manger Mouse reminds me of a book my children loved abaout all the animals waiting and getting ready for a special visitor. I’m sure this book will be just as charming and endearing!
A Christmas book would be a wonderful gift for my new grandson. Thanks Kate.
I like The Pine Tree Parable.
Oh how nice! My favorite children’s Christmas book is A Charlie Brown Christmas book. I’m collecting books for my daughter this year– we’re doing a Christmas book advent, so 25 books total, reading one to hear each night until Christmas! I’m trying to get more than the 5 books I have. These would be wonderful additions! Thanks for the opportunity!
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
I love reading books from the perspective of an animal. Children freely share their ideas, their perspectives, opening conversation for deeper meaning. Thank you for sharing the book.