Christmas Books for Young Hearts

EVERY year in December it is important to review and renew the true meaning of Christmas, which is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the message he brought: love, joy, hope, faith, peace, goodwill. And, since Christmas is such an enchanting time for children, one of the best ways to communicate the spiritual meaning of the season is by encouraging them to read books connected to the holiday. Here are some exceptional Christmas novels for kids and adults.

Bartholomew’s Passage

For ages 7 and up Bartholomew’s Passage: A Family Story for Advent was authored by Arnold Ytreeide. It revolves around a young boy named Bartholomew, who was born in a small community along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Roman soldiers invade and destroy the village, taking Bartholomew and his family as slaves. Eventually, Bartholomew and his new friend, Nathan, are helped to escape by an eccentric man in fool’s clothing. Their flight succeeds because the two boys are allowed to join a Persian caravan headed for Bethlehem. While on route, Bartholomew makes a new, wonderful companion named Jonathan. Arrival in Bethlehem ends with a happy family reunion at a historically unique time. To facilitate family devotions for Christmas, the author specifically designates one chapter (5 pages) to be read daily during Advent leading up to Christmas Day.

The Littlest Angel

First published in 1946, Charles Tazewell’s The Littlest Angel is one of the best-known Christmas novels ever published.

The story concerns a 4-year-old boy who arrives in heaven, but is unable to adapt to the heavenly life. He cannot sing, he is always late for prayers, and his robe and halo are always dirty. The other angels are bothered by him, and he is miserable and lonely. Finally he is introduced to an Understanding Angel who asks what he really wants. He asks for a box of childhood treasures that he kept under his bed on Earth, and when he gets it he becomes happy and angelic. Then the birth of the Christ Child is announced, and all the angels prepare their finest gifts for him. The Littlest Angel decides to give the child his own box of boyhood favorites. This gift pleases God so much that he causes it to mount into the sky, and it becomes the Star of Bethlehem.

Ishtar’s Odyssey

Ideal for ages 7 and up, Ishtar’s Odyssey: A Family Story for Advent was written by Arnold Ytreeide. The book tells the story of a 10 year old boy whose father is a Persian scientist, astrologer and philosopher as well as advisor to the King of Persia. While routinely observing the sky one evening, the father detects a new star and is intrigued by its brightness and pattern. He organizes a caravan, and follows the star inviting Ishtar to join the group. They slowly follow the star across the desert. The journey is highly educational for Ishtar and he feels fortunate to meet and make three new friends. Together they become part of a larger group seeking the newborn king. In this book of historical fiction, the author brings together a fascinating description of cultures, time periods, clothing, food and customs, concluding with the birth of Jesus.

The Vanderbeekers

Karina Yan Glaser’s The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street is suitable for all ages. A family of five named The Vanderbeekers live in their beloved Harlem (New York) brownstone apartment on 141st street. The Vanderbeeker family includes a mother and father as well as five children: Jesse and Isa, 12-year-old twins, Oliver, 9 years old, Hyacinth, 6 years old, and Laney, 4 years old. They are shocked and disappointed when their reclusive landlord, Mr. Beiderman, refuses to renew their lease, which is due to expire shortly. It is mid December, and the Vanderbeekers only have eleven days left before they have to vacate, so the entire family springs into action with a plan to persuade Mr. Beiderman to renew their lease. Research is done about Mr. Biederman, with the hope of gaining information which can win him over and persuade him to allow the family to remain in their beloved home. The children learn that Mr. Biederman’s wife and his 16-year-old daughter were killed when a taxi struck them. That helps them understand why Mr. Biederman is such an unhappy man, and motivates more compassion for him.

Following a family discussion, they launch “Operation Beiderman,” making special gifts for the landlord. When that appears to fail, they ask neighbors to sign a petition to persuade him from evicting the family. Nothing they do seems to work. Disappointed and frustrated, Isa plays her violin with great passion in order to release her stress. Beiderman is emotionally moved because her music reminds him of his daughter, who also played the violin. Their landlord accepts the family invitation for Christmas, explaining how much the children’s kindness meant to him, and asking them not to move.

Tabitha’s Travels

Best for ages 7 and up Tabitha’s Travels: A Family Story for Advent was penned by Arnold Ytreeide. Set in Palestine in 4 BC, Tabitha and her family are requited to travel to Bethlehem for a census required of the entire Roman world by Caesar Augustus. This story is similar to the author’s hugely popular Bartholomew’s Passage and Ishtar’s Odyssey as it tracks the family journey led by Tabitha’s father, a shepherd. En route to Bethlehem, Tabitha has the frightening experience of seeing her father enslaved by Roman soldiers. Skillfully, the young girl is able to rescue her father, taking him away to safety. The family encounter and spend time with Zechariah and Elizabeth, a Jewish couple cited in Luke’s Gospel, who were unable to have children, and learn that God answered their prayers, resulting in the birth of a son, John the Baptist ( Luke 1:5–19). Tabitha also has the unique experience of assisting Mary and Joseph prior to Christ’s birth. Her marvelous journey concludes at a stable in Bethlehem. Included as part of this book are daily spiritual readings, reflections for family devotions, and suggestions for developing a meaningful Advent season for the entire family.

The Story of Holly and Ivy

Illustrated by Barbara Cooney The Story of Holly and Ivy by Rumor Godden is suitable for all ages. This touching Christmas story revolves around four characters: Ivy, an orphan who wishes for a home and sets out to find her grandmother; Holly, a Christmas doll who wishes for a child to become her companion; a childless policeman and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Jones, who desperately desire a child with whom to share their holiday. The story begins at St. Agnes Orphanage, which is closing for Christmas. All the children, except for Ivy, have been placed in foster homes for the holiday. Ivy asks to be sent to her grandmother’s home in nearby Aylesbury. Unknown to the orphanage official the grandmother exists only in Ivy’s imagination. Ivy is placed on a train getting off in Aylesbury. There she begins to explore Christmas Eve in that small community.

In Aylesbury Ivy is drawn to a Christmas doll named Holly, who is on display in the window of the town toy store. Holly’s secret wish is for a little girl to take her home. In front of the toy store door, Ivy finds a key which she picks up. After exploring the village, Ivy locates a place to sleep in a nearby alley. The next morning Ivy returns to the store to admire the doll once again. There she overhears a conversation between a store clerk and officer Jones. The clerk explains to the policeman that he is upset at losing the key to the store. Upon hearing this, Ivy returns it to him, saying she found on the ground earlier. For this she is rewarded with the gift of the doll, Holly. Officer Jones, curious because a little girl is alone, inquires about her. Ivy explains she is on her way to visit her grandmother. The policeman offers to accompany her, and is surprised when Ivy identifies her grandmother’s house as the residence of Officer Jones and his wife. Officer Jones invites Ivy into his home, where Mrs. Jones immediately and warmly welcomes Ivy. The little girl concludes she has found her grandmother. In this story, everyone’s wishes and deepest desires have come true: Ivy has a family and a Christmas doll, Holly has a little girl, and Mr. and Mrs. Jones have a child for Christmas, one whom they soon adopt.

Christmas books for children not only spark joy and imagination, but also offer a meaningful way to introduce the true spirit of the season. Through stories of love, giving, and faith, they reflect the deeper religious significance of Christmas, reminding children of Christ’s birth and the message of hope and peace.