Hardback: 28 pages
Publisher: B&H Kids (2013)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-4336-8084-7
SRP: $12.99
Ages 4-8
Rating:

Amy Parker asked a friend from Rwanda what was on his Christmas list.

“Christmas list? What is that?” he wanted to know.

In Rwanda, Christians don’t make Christmas lists, he said. In his country, celebrating Christmas means making a special offering at church and handing out rice to the poorest of the poor.

Amy’s friend felt baffled by the question. And Amy felt changed by his answer.

She wanted her family to start creating a Christmas celebration focused on the needs of others instead of their own personal wants. What if every child’s Christmas list asked for the needs of people around the world–for those who know God and for those who don’t?

Dear God, this year I’m changing things–
Instead of toys and lots of stuff,
I want Christmas for the whole wide world,
Especially those without enough.

The book’s young narrator creates a Christmas list for meeting needs around the world and close to home, from housing to medical care to clean water and more. He also asks for people everywhere to know Christmas as the birthday of the Savior of the world.

I know it’s asking for a lot,
And I’ll try to do my part. . . .
But this, God, is my Christmas list,
A list straight from my heart.

Daniel Fernández’s illustrations nicely tie together a child’s typical Christmas activities–pageants, decorating, eating special foods, and family fun–with awareness of the needs of others and how children can be involved in helping to meet some of those needs.

One of the best parts of the book is the Parent Connection section, with a Scripture verse (Matthew 25:40), questions to talk over with your child, a simple plan for creating and using a Christmas list like the one in the book, and this little gem:

As a kid, sometimes it can seem difficult to make a big difference, but watch for the people God sends your way. You may be surprised at how much of a difference those two little hands can make.

That’s good advice for all of us, whatever our ages.

Amy Parker

Amy’s running a contest over on her blog through December 10. Send her a story or photo of how you and your family are making a difference this Christmas. (The photos on the book’s endpapers might give you some ideas!) For more details, visit AmyParkerBooks.com.

The suggested age range for Amy’s book is 4-8. You’ll need to judge whether your 4 or 5 year old is ready to handle hearing about the circumstances of children and families in need around the world.