The Christmas List [Hardcover]

Susan K. Leigh (Author), Alan Flinn (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Emily is thoughful as she considers what she wants on her Christmas list. Jacob, her brohter, is done with his list and everyone in the family is asking about hers. But Emily has a lot to think about. When Emily is through thinking, she asks for the most precious gift of all. A gift that will last forever. A gift that is also well worth sharing. Many children make Christmas lists. In this book children learn that a wish list of gifts is not as important as Jesus list of all the names of Gods children-the Book of Life. (Luke 10:20; Revelation 3:5) The Christmas List helps children take their focus off material gain by reminding them that the meaning of Christmas is that God sent His Son to be our Savior from sin and to reconcile us with our heavenly Father. Put this book on your Christmas list.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Concordia College (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0758615094
• ISBN-13: 978-0758615091
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,575,225 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Helping Kids GIVE, November 24, 2009

By 

itsjustme (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Christmas List (Hardcover)

Maybe I'm dating myself when I say that getting the Sears' "Wish Book" in the mail was one highlight of my childhood winters. I couldn't wait to get my hands on that fat catalog so I could make my Christmas list. Although the "Wish Book" is no longer printed, kids still love making Christmas lists - but if you want to help direct your child toward thinking beyond his or her desires, The Christmas List by Susan K. Leigh is a nice choice for the family bookshelf.

The book opens with Jacob and Emily's grandma coming over for a visit; soon she's asking the children what's on their Christmas lists. Jacob answers right away, listing everything from a computer game to a skateboard. Emily, though, is thoughtful and quiet. Jacob suggests some possibilities, but Emily seems reluctant. Somehow, she just can't find the right things to write down.

The next morning the children go to Sunday School, where the teacher talks about a toy drive for needy children and the census list that sent Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. "Teacher, does God have a list too?" Emily asks. The teacher replies:

"Yes, God has a list. He created us, so He knows everything about us, what we say and do, what we think and how we feel, even how many hairs we have on our heads. We are His children. But sometimes we don't behave like His children. We sin, That's why God sent His Son, Jesus. Jesus was born at Christmas to bring us forgiveness for our sings. He did that when He died on the cross. Now, everyone who believes Jesus is our Savior is on God's list. This is called His 'Book of Life,' and it has the names of all the people who will be with Him in heaven one day."

Suddenly, Emily knows just what to put on her Christmas list. After an afternoon creating it, her family is surprised. There are no words on it. Just a big heart with a cross on it, and lots of people holding hands. "It stands for love," Emily says. "What I want for Christmas is for all children everywhere to know about Jesus. So I'm going to start telling them by giving my favorite Bible story book for the toy drive...Because...God's list is the best kind of Christmas list ever."

What I Like: This picture book nicely models how even young children can show God's love to others at Christmastime, while simultaneously taking the focus of getting stuff and instead remembering the reason for the Season.

What I Dislike: The illustrations, by Alan Flinn, are not to my liking. They are angular, stiff, and without warmth.

Overall Rating: Because it offers a unique way to encourage children to give to others, I give this book a rating of Very Good.

Kristina Seleshanko
Christian Children's Book Review

5.0 out of 5 stars True Meaning of Christmas, December 11, 2008

By 

P. Schaum "prussblue" (St. Louis area, MO USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Christmas List (Hardcover)

An excellent book for your young children or grandchildren. It expresses the "true meaning of Christmas. You can look at the inside of this book at [...]