Also by this author: The Boy Who Shared His Sandwich, The Easter Fix, The Little Man Whose Heart Grew Big, The Dad Who Never Gave Up, The Dad Who Never Gave Up, The Little Man Whose Heart Grew Big
Series: Little Me, Big God
Published by Good Book Company on October 1, 2022
Genres: Children's, Bible Stories, Christmas
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An engaging retelling of the Christmas story for toddlers.
This simple and biblically-faithful little book will teach toddlers all about the first Christmas. Fun illustrations will engage young children as they listen to God’s word.
Notes at the back unpack the Bible story.
Written and illustrated by Steph Williams, writer, designer, illustrator and mum.
Great for use in toddler groups and children’s ministry. Also a great stocking filler.
This small paperback book tells the Christmas story for toddlers. Steph Williams writes in simple, child-friendly terms, and her dynamic, exuberant illustrations will appeal to little ones, especially since she overstates surprise and emotion in fun ways. The book starts with the reality of sin and God making a promise to send someone who would fix things forever. Then it moves through the angel’s announcement to Mary and other moments from the Christmas story, highlighting at every point how surprising it was that God fulfilled His promise in the way that He did.
The Christmas Surprise shows that Jesus didn’t come as a fully-grown, strong king, but as a little baby who was born in a stable instead of a palace. He didn’t come for other people to serve him, but to care for others. I particularly like the touch at the end about how he came for people nearby, like the shepherds, and for people from far away, like the wise men. The book concludes by saying that Jesus came for everyone, including you. There is also an author’s note at the end for parents, and Luke 1:26-35 appears on the last page.
Although this book emphasizes God’s redemptive plan, it does not address the divinity of Christ. The paraphrased dialogue between the angel and Mary says that this wouldn’t be an “ordinary baby, but someone who comes from God!” However, the book doesn’t explicitly state that Jesus is God, not just a king or a gift from God. Since this is aimed towards toddlers, many parents will be okay with the very simplified approach, since they’re just trying to introduce their child to the general, most basic concepts of the Christmas story. However, someone who feels strongly about always introducing Jesus as God incarnate will want to know that this book doesn’t cover that theological concept.