Also by this author: Abigail and the Big Start Over, Abigail and the Career Day Catastrophe
Series: Abigail #4
Published by Good Book Company on November 1, 2025
Genres: Children's, Christmas
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Fun, absorbing novel that helps kids aged 7+ to engage with the Bible as they learn that Jesus brings joy that lasts forever.
It's going to be the best Christmas ever. Abigail's cousin is visiting, plus there's snow, presents, and a new puppy to play with. Best of all, Abigail has a plan for an amazing Christmas contest, which she aims to win!
But when the cousins come together, it isn't long before jealousy threatens to steal Abigail's joy.
Join the Christmas chaos as 9-year-old Abigail learns that the joy that Jesus brings is the kind of joy that can never be taken away, and see the good news of the Nativity story come alive in her life!
This fun, exciting novel for kids aged 7+ features short chapters with creative illustrations. It is part of a series for readers aged 7 and up that follows the fictional adventures of 9-year-old Abigail as she figures out what faith means for her everyday life. Young readers are inspired to read the Bible, talk to God, and apply what they believe to their own lives.
This new installment in the Abigail series has a seasonal focus, but it can appeal all year round. The engaging story follows Abigail as she prepares for her relatives to visit, enjoys traditions with her family, and plays a series of games with her younger cousin and toddler brother. Abigail loves creating things and planning activities, but this Christmas competition ratchets up the tension for her. She is tired of her younger cousin comparing herself to Abigail all the time, so she really wants to win. Abigail doesn’t want to admit that she feels jealous, especially since she’s three years older, but her parents help her work through her feelings. In the end, she learns an important lesson about finding joy in Jesus, regardless of her circumstances.
The story flows well and is entertaining. The illustrations from Katie Saunders add lots of fun energy throughout, and Bethany McIlrath’s writing reflects a nine-year-old’s perspective on life in a really honest, relatable way. You can really feel Abigail’s mounting frustration with her cousin and little brother, even when she isn’t handling it well. This series accurately reflects a child’s thoughts and feelings, and I like how each book teaches a gospel-focused lesson without talking down to kids. Because McIlrath sets up Abigail’s struggles in such an authentic way, the life lessons fit into the story naturally and feel believable.
Abigail and the Christmas Contest is a fast-paced, relatable story that will appeal to kids and adults. This would make a great family read-aloud around the holidays, and it even has discussion questions in the back. Christian parents will appreciate how natural the faith-based elements feel, especially with Abigail learning things from her family’s Advent devotions, and kids will relate to Abigail’s struggles and enjoy the festive fun and humor. Readers should also note that if they would like to play Christmas games like the ones Abigail planned for her family, they can find instructions on the publisher’s website.