Unwrap the gifts of tradition from cultures around the globe in this illustrated Christmastime storybook as Daniel discovers what the true meaning of Christmas is all about!
About this Book:
As their world grows larger, young children start reflecting upon their own traditions, while becoming intrigued by diverse cultural practices. This festive Christmas storybook guides children through uncovering the religious meanings behind secular symbols, and the various cultural traditions celebrate the holiday.
Ideal for ages 6-8, children will be drawn to the read aloud-friendly format and the brightly colored, brushstroke illustrations. Teachers, parents, grandparents, librarians, and catechists will find this book an entertainingly educational way to illuminate the faith which celebrates the birth of Jesus in many ways.
The story opens with Christmas fast approaching. Daniel is excited to help Deacon Matthews with a special project in his parish…until he is assigned the boring nativity scene! Deacon Matthews senses Daniel's disappointment, and explains to him that the manger scene is the most important part of Christmas: Christmas represents Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, and without his birth, there would be no reason to celebrate. To encourage Daniel's enthusiasm about the project, he suggests personalizing the nativity scene.<
Daniel becomes inspired by ideas from around the world-from Kenya, Mexico, Japan, Native America, and Australia. Excited by origami crane decorations, Three Kings tribal elders, a glass pickle ornament, kangaroo reindeers, and Christmas piñatas, he comes to the realization that these unique gifts of tradition are all celebrations of the same event: the birth of Jesus Christ! Like Daniel, your child too, will learn how so many unique traditions can exist within a single faith community.
Using his imagination, Daniel creates a nativity scene unlike any other, combining many cultural traditions and adding a touch of his own: a miniature candy cane placed beside Jesus in the cradle. When Deacon Matthews sees the final masterpiece, he is bewildered.
But maybe this time it is Daniel who has something to teach Deacon Matthews about the meaning of Christmas….
Features & Benefits:
- Ideal for ages 6-8
- Read aloud-friendly format
- Suited for classroom or home use
- Promotes multicultural awareness
- Combines secular and religious elements
- Entertaining and educational
- Celebrates the universality of Christ's birth and the uniqueness of Christmas traditions
- Emphasizes religious meaning of familiar secular symbols seen during Christmastime
- Festive Christmas stocking stuffer gift
About the Author:
Miriam Van Scott holds a B.A. in Journalism. She has worked in public relations for privately-held companies, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies. She is the author of Encyclopedia of Heaven and Encyclopedia of Hell, published by St. Martin's Press; has contributed to screenwriting projects for The History Channel, The Learning Channel, and ABC's 20/20; and has sold articles and photos to Good Housekeeping and Liguorian. Currently, she lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and three children, where she is a regular contributor to a local newspaper and several websites.
About the Illustrator:
In 1998, Traci applied her two bachelor degrees in illustration and toy design towards her own product development company, Imagine That! Design, located in New York City. She and her husband work together creating fun for children of all ages in the form of games, toys, giftware, and books. She loves painting scenes and children from many different cultures. Her illustrations have appeared in magazines, newsletters, and on games, toys, and giftware products. She is also the illustrator of Daddy Did I Ever Say? You can see more of her work on her website: www.tracivanwagoner.com.
Product Details:
Binding: stitched
Trim size: 7" x 9"
Pages: 32
Keywords:Christ in Christmas - Holy Family -Joseph - Mary - baby Jesus - Christmas customs - NCBM12 - Fcc12 - Ac12 - Faba12