Also by this author: Growing Together: Taking Mentoring Beyond Small Talk and Prayer Requests, Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know, His Grace Is Enough: How God Makes It Right When We've Got It Wrong
Published by Harvest House Publishers, Harvest Kids on October 7, 2025
Genres: Children's, Christmas
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
This sweet and simple picture book by bestselling author Melissa B. Kruger reminds young children that Jesus is the greatest Christmas gift of all.
I see you peeking,
Searching to find
Something that’s yours,
Something that shines.
What are you hoping for
Under the tree?
What are you dreaming
That present might be?Whether it’s toys, treats, building bricks, or board games, children look forward to unwrapping fun and exciting items from their Christmas wish list. The Gift of All Gifts helps children expand their understanding of a present, especially the greatest gift ever given—God’s son, Jesus Christ.
In rhyming stanzas, children will experience the Christmas story in a new and special way, as Melissa Kruger also clearly explains how kids can accept Jesus’s offer of salvation. This beautifully illustrated book makes a perfect stocking stuffer or a welcome addition to a family’s collection of classic Christmas reads.
This bright, cheerful picture book teaches kids that Jesus is the greatest gift of all. The rhyming text comes from an adult’s perspective, talking to a child who is excited for Christmas. The illustrations show a family having festive fun, while the text describes a variety of gifts that a child might hope for. After that, the illustrations show the family going to church for a Christmas pageant, and the author explains that even though it is fun to imagine and dream about what we will receive, the most important gift is one that came long ago.
Author Melissa B. Kruger explains about the birth of Christ and why it is important, and then she goes on to explain other aspects of the gospel, inviting children to put their faith in Jesus and share this joy with others. At the end, the book restates that our Christmas gifts should point us to Jesus, reminding us of the good gift of salvation that he offers us.
The illustrations are colorful and fun, and they deepen the story by providing background details and showing what is happening in the Christmas pageant. I especially like how the illustrator, Melissa Fischer, used stained glass windows in the church to help illustrate the gospel story. The text is jaunty and fun, but even though it effectively conveys its message, there are times where the phrasing is a bit awkward, since more natural ways of expressing something didn’t fit the rhyme scheme. People who are reading this aloud to a whole group may want to rehearse in advance, so that they won’t stumble over any of these parts.
The Gift of All Gifts: Celebrating God’s Special Christmas Present for You will appeal to Christian families who are looking for a gospel-centered story to share with their kids, and it is also great for reading aloud to children in church settings. I like how this book celebrates Jesus while also validating children’s natural excitement about receiving presents. Instead of making kids feel guilty for looking forward to presents, this acknowledges material gifts as an exciting part of Christmas while still pointing beyond earthly possessions.