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All books are in print and available unless designated with an *; all DVDs are available for purchase. Books not in print may be found in public, private, or church libraries as well as for purchase at http://used.addall.com. New books or books in print may be found at www.addall.com or Amazon.com. Compiled by Marjorie Geissinger, Mary Grieser, and Naomi Kauffman, members of the Bux-Mont Librarians in Pennsylvania, with the hope that teachers, parents, and librarians would work together to provide some of these rich resources to the children in our congregations. The Bux-Mont Librarians publish News and Views, a quarterly newsletter for church librarians. This newsletter containing book reviews is a valuable resource for churches and may be ordered for the nominal fee of $10 per year from mmgrieser@gmail.com. Sample copies are available.
One Starry Night, Jan Godfrey & Honor Ayres, Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2007.
One starry night, a shepherd boy and one, two, three, four . . . ten little sheep came over the hill outside Bethlehem to worship Christ the Savior. (Session 4)
A Christmas Journey, Susie Poole, Bakewell, England: Pupfish Ltd., 2006.
From the light of creation to the dark day when Adam and Eve sinned to the Bethlehem star and the first Christmas, the birth of the Savior was part of God's plan from the very beginning. (Sessions 1-4)
The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule, Stan & Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain, Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zonderkidz, 2008.
Should Sister Bear ignore the new girl at school just because her friends do? Choosing to be kind may not always be the easy choice. But it is always the right one. (Session 10)
The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors, Jan and Mike Berenstain, Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zonderkidz, 2009.
Who is my neighbor? Being a good neighbor is more than keeping a nice house.(Session 10)
The Berenstain Bears and the Bad Influence, Stan & Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain, New York: HarperFestival, 2008.
Sister and a new friend make lots of bad decisions. Mother wants Sister to stop playing with a new neighbor. Is it all really Miranda's fault? (Session 10)
Bully Bill, Joy Birky, Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 2007.
When someone shows kindness to Bully Bill, Bill decides he wants to change his image. (Session 7,10)
Arch Book series:
*The Boy Who Gave His Lunch Away, Dave Hill, St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia, 1967. (Session 9)
*Clem, the Clumsy Camel, Virginia Mueller, St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia, 1974. (Session 4)
*Donkey Daniel in Bethlehem, Janice Kramer, St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia, 1970. (Session 4)
*The Strange Young Man in the Desert, Ronald Klug, St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia, 1971. (Session 2)
The Crippled Lamb,Max Lucado, Dallas: Word, 1994.
God's love extends to all and he has a special place for each of his children. A crippled lamb is at the right spot when Jesus is born. (Session 4)
Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom, Tim Tingle, El Paso, Texas: Cinco Puntos Press, 2006.
Set in Mississippi in the days before the Civil War, the author and illustrator create a tale of friendship across cultures. A Choctaw girl befriends a family of slaves on a plantation. The result is heartwarming. (Session 8)
The Gift of the Christmas Cookie,Dandi Daley Machall, Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zonderkidz, 2008.
In a captivating interplay of simple words and beautiful illustrations, The Gift of the Christmas Cookie tells a tender story of giving-not just cookies, but gifts of the heart that last forever. (Session 4)
God Loves You!, Stan & Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain, Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zonderkidz, 2008.
Brother and Sister Bear discover that God loves them, not because they are successful, but because God made them. This book helps children appreciate the many ways God shows love for them. (Sessions 13)
Hot Day on Abbott Avenue, Karen English, New York: Clarion Books, 2004.
Two girls, mired in a "never going to be friends again day" find a way to mend their friendship. Stunning collage art graphics by Javaka Steptoe. (Session 8)
How Can I Celebrate Advent?, DVD, 25 minutes, Worcester, Pa.: Vision Video, 2006.
Beth and her brother Digger can hardly wait for Christmas. They are thrilled to learn that the church has a special season of waiting and preparation in expectation of the coming Savior, the season of Advent. Beth and Digger eagerly hear God's plan of salvation as they light the candles of their Advent wreath and mark the days until the coming of Emmanuel, "God with us." (Sessions 1, 2, 3)
I Wanted to Know All about God, Virginia Kroll, Grand Rapids, Mich.: W.B. Eerdmans, 1994.
A story about where to find God. (Session 2)
Ituku's Christmas Journey, Elena Pasquali, Intercourse, Pa.: Good Books, 2005.
An Inuit child and his dog journey in a kayak to find and worship the newborn King of Heaven. (Sessions 1-4)
Ivy's Icicle, Gary & Jan Bower, Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House, 2002.
Ivy is very upset when her brother accidentally breaks the doll Grandmother gave her for Christmas, but she eventually learns how to forgive him. (Session 10)
The Jesse Tree,Geraldine McCaughrean, Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2005.
A carpenter carves a Jesse Tree in a dusty old church as a curious young boy asks about the various symbols on the tree. The old man finds himself retelling the familiar Biblical tales that trace the lineage of Christ, from the Garden of Eden to Jesus' birth. The tree grows and an unlikely friendship takes root as well. (Sessions 1-4)
Jesus, Brian Wildsmith, Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 2000.
This book, true to the biblical account from which it is drawn, is written in a straightforward and simple manner. The superb illustrations are a visual feast. (Sessions 1-13)
Jesus for Kids, DVD containing five programs, 50 minutes, Worcester, Pa.: Vision Video, 2004.
Delightful, animated stories based squarely on the Gospels. Included is a companion guide with suggested activities and more. Five programs are: The First Christmas, Jesus the Storyteller, Jesus the Miracle Worker, Jesus the Healer (Sessions 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13), and The First Easter.
Jin Woo, Eve Bunting, New York: Clarion Books, 2001.
A family waits expectantly for their adopted son to arrive. (Sessions 1, 2)
The Journey to Bethlehem, Chris Molan, Oxford, England: Lion Publishing, 2000.
Travel with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Experience the trip as they may have experienced it. Seek a room in the crowded city. Intertwined with the Christmas story is the portrayal of everyday life in Roman Palestine that provides fresh insights into the wonder of Jesus' birth. (Session 4)
Just John, DVD, 27 minutes, Worcester, Pa.: Vision Video, 2006.
Bedbug Bible Gang 3-D computer animation, illustrations and live-action puppets for ages 3-7. Three stories about John, one of which is Weird John. (Sessions 1-3)
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Kevin Henkes, New York: Greenwillow Books, 1996. (Also available in Spanish.)
When Lilly disrupts the class to show everyone her new purple purse, the teacher takes it away from her. Next day Lilly tells her teacher and classmates how sorry she is for her behavior and asks them to forgive her. (Session 10)
Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth, New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2009.
Based on the true story of Greg Mortenson's first building project in Pakistan. The chronicle of his entire incredible experience, Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time, has been a consistent New York Times bestseller and has sold more than 1.2 million copies. (Session 9)
Little Shepherd, DVD, 25 minutes, Worcester, Pa.: Vision Video, 2002.
Wolves have been spotted in the fields around Bethlehem and the shepherds are nervous. When angels suddenly appear with the glorious news, everyone rushes to town to see if it's true! But Joel and his lamb fall behind-left alone to face great danger. (Session 4)
The Lost Sheep, Kenneth N. Taylor, Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House, 1989.
A story of the life of a shepherd and his sheep. (Session 12)
Martin's Big Words, Doreen Rappaport, New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2001.
A beautifully illustrated and wonderfully told story of the life of Martin Luther King Jr., ending with the assurance that "his big words are alive for us today." (Session 9)
Miracle Meals, DVD, 27 minutes, Worcester, Pa.: Vision Video, 2006.
The bedbugs of The Bedbug Bible Gang are hard at work telling three Bible stories with building themes, one of which is The Lunch That Grew and Grew! 3-D computer animation, illustrations and live-action puppets perfect for this age group. (Session 9)
My Very First Christmas, Lois Rock, Colorado Springs: Lion, 1999.
Ten delightful stories about the wonder of the first Christmas and its message of love and generosity. (Sessions 1, 3, 4)
Night Tree, Eve Bunting, San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1991.
A family decorates a tree with food for the animals at Christmas. (Session 4)
No Tree for Christmas, Marilyn Lashbrook, Dallas: Roper Press, 1989.
The angels appear to the shepherds and they travel to find the baby. No trees needed. (Sessions 3, 4)
Now I See, Marilyn Lashbrook, Dallas: Roper Press, 1989.
The story of the man born blind. (Session 11)
Now It Is Winter, Eileen Spinelli, Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2004.
A young mouse is encouraged by his mother to enjoy winter while waiting for spring to come. (Sessions 1, 2)
Papa's Birthday Gift, Lynn Downey, Minneapolis: Augsburg Books, 2003.
The book is written in the first person. A little girl is very disappointed when her father does not make it home before the first snowstorm of the year. But waiting for the big event is worth the anxiety - Papa comes home during the night and they play out in the snow together. (Session 1)
Rainbow Fish, Marcus Pfister, New York: North-South Books, 1992.
Rainbow fish learns that giving away his most-prized possessions brings happiness. (Session 9)
Room for a Little One, Martin Waddell, New York: Margaret McElderry Books, Inc., 2004.
A beautiful retelling of the nativity story from the animals' perspective. Exquisitely illustrated. "Come inside. There is always room for a little one here:" This line is repeated as each animal arrives and seeks shelter. (Session 4)
The Saturday Escape, Daniel J. Mahoney, New York: Clarion Books, 2002.
Three animal friends cannot go to the library until they finish their chores. They each come up with a scheme to get out of work. The story they hear at the library causes guilty feelings and they scamper home to do their chores. (Session 8)
Cherub Wings: Shine Your Light, DVD, 25 minutes, Worcester, Pa.: Vision Video, 2005.
Cherub and Chubby explore practical ways to share the message of Jesus' love with others in their everyday lives in colorful animation and live-action. (Sessions 8, 9)
¡Si, Se Puede! Yes, We Can! Janitor Strike in L.A., Diana Cohn, El Paso, Texas: Cinco Puntos Press, 2002.
"While everyone sleeps, my mamma goes to work." This is a powerful bilingual story of the struggle of janitors in Los Angeles to be treated with dignity and justice. It represents a critical insight for young readers today. (Session 8)
The Stable Where Jesus Was Born, Rhonda Godler Greene, New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1999.
Reads a bit like "This is the House that Jack Built" but you don't repeat this line after every entry.
Each page introduces a different character in the nativity story written in rhyme. (Session 4)
Story of the Selfish Giant, animated, 25 minutes, DVD, Vision Video, 2005
A grandfather uses Oscar Wilde’s timeless tale to help explain God’s love to his granddaughter. As the selfish giant learns in this story of love and sacrifice, God’s unselfish gift encourages us to be filled with joy. (Session 4)
Who is Coming to our House?, Joseph Slate, New York: Putnam, 1988.
All the animals bustle around to clean up the stable for the visitors. (Sessions 1, 2, 3, 4)
Who is Jesus?, Sarah Hall, Oxford, England: Lion Publishing, 2001.
Short stories about Jesus with appealing artwork and interesting tidbits of information interspersed throughout the book. (Sessions 1-13)
Who Was Born This Special Day?, Eve Bunting, New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2000.
Each manger animal is asked this question before the revelation that it was the child that was born. (Session 4)
Will You Forgive Me?, Sally Grindley & Penny Dann, New York: Kingfisher, 2001.
Figgy Twosocks has lost Jefferson Bear's favorite stick and she's too scared to tell him. Figgy's fibbing gets her into even more trouble . . . until JB reassures her that if you're truly sorry, friends will forgive and forget. (Session 10)
Yoko's World of Kindness, Rosemary Wells, New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2005.
This is a collection of six of Wells' previously published books about learning skills and building confidence; how people are different; how teasing can hurt feelings; and about making friends. (Session 10)
You are Special—Best of All, Max Lucado, Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2006.
Two of Lucado's previous books are republished in one book. Both stories feature Punchinello. In the first, the wooden boy changes his opinion of himself after talking to Eli, the creator. The second story is set in a village of carved wooden people where an uppity woman claims her maple "ancestree" is superior until Punchinello helps her change her mind. (Session 11)
An Apple for Harriet Tubman, Glennette Tilly Turner, Morton Grove, Ill.: Albert Whitman & Co., 2006.
Story is based on a true fact in the life of Harriet Tubman and was gleaned by the author from one of Harriet's relatives. Harriet turns a bad experience from her youth into a generous, caring act for her neighbors when she reaches adulthood. (Session 8)
Calie's Gift, Madeline Arroyo, Huntington, New York: Stairway Publications, 2004.
Calie and her shopping cart are a familiar sight in her inner-city neighborhood. Every school day finds Calie in the park, sharing her musical gift with the children from the elementary school across the street. Over months and many tunes, Calie and several of the children form a special friendship. (Session 11)
Enemy Pie, Derek Munson, San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2000.
Hoping the enemy pie that his father makes will help him get rid of his enemy, a little boy finds that instead it helps make a new friend. (Session 11)
Harvesting Hope—The Story of Cesar Chavez, Kathleen Kruse, San Diego: Harcourt, Inc., 2003.
The biography of Cesar Chavez from ages 10-38, highlighting his organization of a peaceful protest to bring miserable working conditions to the public eye. (Session 10)
One Green Apple, Eve Bunting, New York: Clarion Books, 2006.
While on a school field trip to an orchard to make cider, a young immigrant named Farah gains self-confidence when the green apple she picks perfectly complements the other students' red apples. (Session 9)
Watch Out for Joel! series, Sigmund Brouwer, Minneapolis: Bethany Backyard, 2003.
Seven year old Joel supplies plenty of laughs and biblical lessons. Joel's brother "lets" him deliver newspapers and collect Mystery Pennies. But is Rick cheating him? Can Joel avoid eating Strunk's Soup without hurting her feelings? (Session 10)
Winter's Gift, Jane Monroe Donovan, Chelsea, Mich.: Sleeping Bear Press, 2004.
A wild pregnant mare loses her way from the herd of wild horses and rests under a tree near the home of a lonely old man. He finds the horse and takes it into his barn, giving the horse food and shelter for the night. On Christmas morning he finds that the mare has given birth during the night. The new foal gives him hope for the days ahead. (Sessions 1-4)
An Angel Just Like Me, Mary Hoffman, New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 1997.
A black child wonders why all Christmas tree angels look alike and sets out to find one that looks like him. (Sessions 3, 4)
Beatrice's Goat, Page McBrier, New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2001.
A young girl's dream of going to school in her Ugandan village is fulfilled after her family receives an income-producing goat. A Heifer International story. (Session 9)
Boxes for Katje, Candace Fleming, New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2003.
A young Dutch girl writes to her new American friend in thanks for the care package sent after World War II. Many more packages followed the first one. When the hard winter was over, a package was sent from Olst to Indiana. Based on fact. (Sessions 9)
The Children's Illustrated Bible, Eve McMaster, Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 2006.
This compilation of Eve McMaster's individual books is rich in stories that teach, fascinate, and encourage young people. Bible stories are retold with clear, simple language. The colorful artwork adds to the message. (Sessions 1-13)
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, Susan Wojciechowski, Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick Press, 1995.
Jonathan Toomey was an embittered woodcarver, having lost to death his wife and young daughter. Then a little boy and his widowed mother come into his life just before Christmastime and cause a miraculous change in his life. (Session 4)
The Christmas Surprise, Ruth Nulton Moore, Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 1989.
When Indians burn her home, kill her parents, and kidnap her young brother, Kate goes to live with her circuit-riding preacher uncle, who takes her to the Moravian settlement of Bethlehem. She learns true strength lies in trust in God and peace with all people. (Session 11)
A Day's Work, Eve Bunting, New York: Clarion, 1994.
Mexican-American boy helping his grandfather find work learns the importance of honesty. (Session 7)
Distant Thunder, Ruth Nulton Moore, Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 1991.
This is a sequel to The Christmas Surprise by Ruth Nulton Moore. Although the Moravians do not believe in war, they want to help their country in peaceful ways. Kate lives with her cousins in Bethlehem during two of the most critical years of the Revolutionary War. (Session 11)
Storyteller Café: The Gift, DVD, 30 minutes, Worcester, Pa.: Vision Video, 2007.
The Bible is brought to life as the toys at Storyteller Café reenact Bible stories in this award winning, 3-D computer animated video; one of a series. The Gift is a reminder to celebrate the life of Christ all year long, not just at Christmas. (Session 4)
*A Gift from Saint Francis: the First Crèche, Joanna Cole, New York: Morrow Junior Books, 1989.
Saint Francis helped the poor and cared for the sick. He believed Christ's birthday should be made special. He carved the first crèche as a way of sharing the Christmas story with others. (Sessions 4, 8)
For All the World, Helen Earle Simcox, Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1994.
Simple text and striking illustrations of people from many places tell the story of God's gift of love for all people everywhere. (Session 4)
The Goat Lady, Jane Bregoli, Gardiner, Me.: Tilbury House, 2004.
The story of an elderly woman who raised goats to provide milk for people who needed it. (Session 9)
*I Heard Good News Today: Stories for Children, Cornelia Lehn, Newton, Kan.: Faith and Life Press, 1983.
Mission and service stories from around the world. (Sessions 5-11, 13)
I Like Your Buttons, Sarah Maril Lamstein, Morton Grove, Ill.: Albert Whitman, 1999.
When a little girl compliments her teacher, it starts a chain reaction of good will, good deeds, and thoughtfulness throughout the day. (Session 7)
Jesse's Shoes: Appreciating Kids with Special Needs, Beverly Lewis, Minneapolis: Bethany Backyard, 2007.
Jesse's sister is tired of taking care of him, and other kids ridicule him. In the end they do the right thing. (Session 10)
Bugtime Adventures: Joy to the World, DVD, 25 minutes, Worcester, Pa.: Vision Video, 2007.
Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem where they prepare for the birth of Christ. Each episode in the Bugtime Adventures series includes two separate yet connected stories, the bug story and the Bible story, presented in an interwoven three-act format. (Session 4)
Julia's Words, Judith L. Roth, Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 2009.
Two girls, one deaf and one hearing, meet at camp. They learn to communicate and become real friends. (Session 11)
Leah's Pony, Elizabeth Friedrich, Honesdale, Pa.: Boyds Mills Press, 1996.
Setting in the 1930's, one child will sacrifice her pony for the love of her family. (Session 3)
The Loving Arms of God, Anne Elizabeth Stickney, Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2001.
The author uses stories from the Bible to teach children important truths about how God continues to work with and care for people today. Each chapter also includes a section called "Meeting God," which offers a verse to remember, some questions to discuss, and a suggestion for prayer. (Sessions 1-4)
The Miracles of Jesus, DVD, 45 minutes, Coppell, Texas: Nest Entertainment, 2006.
This exciting panorama of Jesus' most touching miracles teaches character-building qualities such as service, mercy, and love, and introduces the ministry life of the Savior. (Session 6)
One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference, Katie Smith Milway, Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2008.
One Hen is a persuasive story of how reaching out to help someone with a small loan can have a big impact. This story is based on a real person who really did change his community and now is helping others do the same thing through a microcredit lending program. (Session 10)
The Other Side, Jacqueline Woodson, New York: Putnam's, 2001.
The fence divides the town in half—blacks live on one side and whites on the other. But it doesn't stop two children who want to be friends. Find out how Clover and Annie solve their problem. (Session 10)
Plant a Seed of Peace, Rebecca Seiling, Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 2007.
Forty-three delightfully illustrated stories of peacemakers from today and the past will capture the imagination of children of all ages. They tell of people whose lives point to something beyond themselves-a transforming faith in God. Readers will learn how to put their faith into action so they too can grow a better world. Several indexes make this a very easy-to-use resource for a variety of occasions. (Session 10)
Praying With Our Feet, Lisa D. Weaver, Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 2005.
Story told by young girl who takes part in a walk for peace with parents and church family.
(Session 11)
The Prince of Peace! A Christmas Story, DVD, 29 minutes, 3-D animation, Worcester, Pa.: Vision Video, 2003.
Travel back to Bethlehem to see Mary and Joseph visited by angels-and the evil Herod plotting to erase any competition for his throne-as God's Son is born. (Session 4)
The Quilt Maker's Gift, Jeff Brumbeau, Duluth, Minn.: Pfeifer-Hamilton Publishers, 2000.
Kenya always had lots of trees but they are now being cut down for new buildings. Wangari decides to begin planting trees so the land will not become a desert. (Sessions 6, 9)
Stories Told by Mother Teresa, compiled & edited by Edward LeJoly & Jaya Chaliha, New York: Viking, 1998.
The smallest acts of kindness and love make the world a better place for everyone. (Session 9)
Talking Walls, Margy Burns Knight, Gardiner, Maine: Tilbury House Publishers, 1992.
A beautifully illustrated description of walls around the world and their significance, from the Great Wall of China and the Wailing Wall of Jerusalem to the Berlin Wall. This book can be used and adapted for a variety of uses. Discussion questions are located in the back of the book. (Session 11)
Two Bobbies, Kirby Larson & Mary Nethery, New York: Walker Books for Young Readers, 2008.
Based on a true story, a dog and a cat were good friends. Bobbie, the dog, became eyes for Bobcat, who was blind during the Katrina disaster in New Orleans. This is a heartwarming story. (Session 11)
Walking to School, Eve Bunting, New York: Clarion Books, 2008.
When the path to eight-year-old Allison's Catholic school goes through hostile Protestant territory in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Allison finds she is not alone in her loathing of the situation. (Session 11)
The Candle in the Forest and other Christmas Stories Children Love, compiled & edited by Joe Wheeler, New York: Howard Books, 2007.
Eight treasured tales of faith, hope, and love in a beautifully illustrated, heirloom quality edition that could be effectively read aloud in a family setting. (Sessions 1-4)
Jotham's Journey, A Storybook for Advent, Arnold Ytreeide, Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregel Publications, 2008.
Jotham's Journey is divided into short chapters for each day of Advent, giving families the opportunity to create a seasonal tradition of storytelling in their home. Ten year old Jotham's adventures take him across Israel as he searches for his family. (Sessions 1-4)
A Leap of Faith: True Stories for Young and Old, Peter J. Dyck, Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 1990.
Interesting stories that entertain and pass the faith on to those who read them. (Sessions 6-13)
Let It Shine: Stories of Black Freedom Fighters, Andrea Davis Pinkney, San Diego: Harcourt, 2000.
The author states that she hopes the lives of these women reflect something in each of us-the courage to stand up for what is right. Stories of Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, and others jump off the pages and grab the reader. (Session 10)
*The Man Who Would Not Hate, Jill Briscoe, Dallas: Word Publishing, 1991.
Relates events in the life of the Ugandan bishop, Festo Kivengere. (Session 7)
Number the Stars, Lois Lowry, Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1989.
This is a fictional story based on real events around the evacuation of Jews from Denmark in World War II. A 10-year-old Danish girl is the central figure as her family decides to harbor a Jewish family. (Session 10)
The Road to Paris, Nikki Grimes, New York: G.P. Putnam, 2006.
This is a poignant story of faith, family, and resilience based on the love and trust of others. As eight-year-old Paris deals with the pain of the foster care system, she learns how to "keep God in her pocket" and believe in herself and others. (Session 11)
*A Safe Place, Maxine Trottier, Morton Grove, Ill.: A. Whitman, 1997.
To escape her father's abuse, Emily and her mother come to a shelter to stay with others in similar circumstances. (Session 12)
Stephen's Test of Faith, DVD, 22 minutes, Worcester, Pa.: Vision Video, 2003.
Many kids can relate to 12-year-old Stephen: his peers mock him for his faith in Jesus. Then he has a dream that empowers him with an inner strength to live boldly for the Savior. (Session 11)
Big River Rescue, DVD, 50 minutes, Franklin, Tenn.: Big Idea, 2008.
Tomato Sawyer and Huckleberry Larry's life on the lazy river takes a turn toward adventure when they help a stranger in need. With unexpected twists around every bend, they discover that while helping others may not be the easiest thing to do, it's always the right thing to do. (Session 10)
The Christmas Blessing, DVD, 120 minutes, CBS Entertainment, 2005.
This sequel to The Christmas Shoes continues the story of Nathan Andrews, now a medical resident, who upon losing a patient, moves back home with his father. Here he finds the woman he loves and an innocent child in crisis. Will Nathan let God restore his hope? (Session 11)
The Christmas Shoes, DVD, 100 minutes, CBS Entertainment, 2002.
Rob Lowe stars as a workaholic attorney with no time for Christmas—until a young boy helps him rediscover the true meaning of this special time of year. (Session 4)
The Christmas Story, Carol J. Haile, Wyomissing, Pa.: Firenze Press, 2001.
The biblical text is beautifully done in calligraphy and the paintings were magnificently done using Amish persons as models. A unique way of portraying the familiar Christmas story from Luke and Matthew's gospels. (Sessions 1-4)
Daily Life at the Time of Jesus, Miriam Feinberg Vamosh, Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2001.
The purpose of the book is to bring the reader close to life as it was lived in the time of Jesus. The many vivid, original illustrations complement the text.
Food at the Time of the Bible, Miriam Feinberg Vamosh, Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2004.
The book contains an in-depth, easy-to-read survey of every aspect of food in the Bible accompanied by fascinating illustrations and photographs. Also includes authentic recipes from the time of Jesus.
International Children's Bible Dictionary, Ronald Youngblood, Nashville: Tommy Nelson, 2006.
This is a fun and easy-to-use guide to the words, peoples, and places in the Bible.
The Jesus Encyclopedia, Lois Rock, Nashville: Tommy Nelson, 2005.
This is a well-illustrated and informative resource by a frequently published author that would be very helpful in explaining many aspects of life and customs in Jesus' time.
Manners & Customs in the Bible, an Illustrated Guide to Daily Life in Bible Times, 3rd edition, Victor H. Matthews, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson Publishers, 2006.
This resource contains lots of helpful background information for teacher's use as well as for middler and junior high students. Good illustrations.
The Nazareth Jesus Knew, Joel Kauffmann, Nazareth, Israel: Nazareth Village, 2005.
Nazareth Village was constructed to show believers and non-believers alike what Nazareth would have looked like in the days of Jesus. The book contains pictures and illustrations of the village that can be visited today.
Nelson's Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Bible, John Drane, Nashville: Nelson, 2001.
