Book Review: Read and Share The Story of Christmas by Gwen Ellis Illustrated by Steve Smallman

With Christmas just around the corner, I wanted to really start focusing on the true meaning of it all. Everywhere you turn, there are images of Santa and presents and all the stuff that goes with it, but my biggest concern is making sure my kids don't get so caught up in all that stuff and instead, really understand the gift we've been given. I was fortunate to be able to review a book and DVD set that does a great job of explaining the story of Christmas. This is at an age level that is perfect for my 4 year old, but maybe a little too young for my 7 1/2 and almost 11 year olds. The DVD that came along with the book really held my 4 year old's attention, with the way it is segmented. He liked it so much that he was telling his dad all about it and really seemed to understand what it was saying. Overall, I am very happy with this book/DVD set. It's a great way to help young kids understand the story of Christmas and will be a great addition to our nap and bedtime reading throughout the time leading up to Christmas...and beyond.

Here's a description of the book:

Book Description

The Story of Christmas from the Read and Share™ Bible is a colorful retelling of the birth of Christ and the events surrounding it.

Based on the International Children’s Bible, this book begins with the birth of John the Baptist. Next comes the angel appearing first to Mary, then to Joseph, the trip to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus, the angel’s announcement to the shepherds, the wise men and their gifts, fleeing to Egypt, and at last heading home to Nazareth. The “Can You Retell the Story” activity at the end of the book is a fun way for children to learn to tell the story themselves.

The animated DVD includes a 15-minute story plus coloring pages and other bonus features.

I was sent this book as a member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program. http://brb.thomasnelson.com/