Books for Young Readers [Winter 2023]

Here’s a look at some new books from Zondervan this month for your family:

*Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.

*The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book: 24 Guided Crafts, plus Games, Songs, Recipes, and More

Author: Sally Lloyd-Jones
Released: October 3, 2023
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Page Count: 112 pages
Ages: 4-11 years

If you and your kids are crafty, this is a great Advent book for your family. Each day has a short reference to a verse or two for the Advent season and then there is a short reading that goes along with the verse and leading up to the craft that is related to the topic of the day.  Many of the materials for the crafts are items you may be able to find around the house, which makes is a lot easier to do during this busy season. In the middle of the book, there are punch-out ornaments for each day of Advent that you can hang up as a reminder of the God’s love.

“This is your guide to a complete and creative celebration of the holiday season, filled with crafts, games, recipes, songs, and activities for every day of Advent. The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book highlights the significance of the Nativity and meaning of God’s most precious gift.”

Get your own copy *HERE.

*Read and Rhyme: The First Christmas

Author: Glenys Nellist
Illustrator: Ag Jatkowska
Released: October 3, 2023
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Page Count: 12 pages
Ages: 2 – 5 years

This board book is a combination of rhymes and lift-the-flap fun. It may be a bit challenging for younger ones to come up with the rhyming words, but the illustrations will draw them in to learn about the first Christmas when baby Jesus was born. It’s not the complete story but gives a great overview that young children will enjoy.

“From Glenys Nellist comes Read and Rhyme The First Christmas, a sweet lift-the-flap board book that tells the story of Jesus’s birth through interactive rhyming and colorful illustrations. Children will enjoy guessing the hidden rhyme that fits into the story and discovering how Mary and Joseph made it to Bethlehem in time for the birth of baby Jesus.”

Get your own copy *HERE.

*Christmas Love Letters from God, Updated Edition: Bible Stories

Author: Glenys Nellist
Illustrator: Rachel Clowes
Released: October 3, 2023
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Page Count: 32 pages
Ages: 4 – 8 years

There are a few Christmas Bible stories in this book. Each section starts with a short reference to some verses, and then discusses what is happening in the passage. A main verse is highlighted in each section, and it ends with a “Love Letter from God,” what He would say to us based on what was happening. I really enjoy the illustrations that goes along with the stories. It helps me to imagine what was happening so long ago in the Bible times.

“What child does not love to receive mail, especially at holiday time? What if your child could receive and read his or her own personal mail from God? Christmas Love Letters from God will invite them to do just that! In this updated edition of a beloved picture book, seven Bible stories retelling the coming of Jesus from the Old and New Testaments are accompanied by a special and encouraging letter from God to your beloved child.”

Get your own copy *HERE.

*The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln (Turnabout Tales)

Author: Raymond Arroyo
Released: July 11, 2023
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Page Count: 32 pages
Ages: 6 – 10 years

I have never really learned much about Lincoln’s family. This book is about Lincoln’s son Tad who was known to cause a lot of mischief wherever he went. Although, there is some fun in this book, also be ready to have some discussions on some deeper topics. Spoiler alert for those who haven’t learned much about Lincoln’s family: his other son Willie dies after an illness. There’s also talk of war and guns, of course. But there are also quite a few lessons to be learned.

“From New York Times bestselling author and news anchor Raymond Arroyo comes a fun picture book biography of Tad Lincoln, his relationship with his father President Abraham Lincoln, and a story about a parent’s love for his son and the wisdom of a child. Full of humor, this romp through history will teach children about the power of curiosity, imagination, friendship, empathy, determination…and even a little mischief!”

Get your own copy *HERE

OTHER REVIEWS

– The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book – Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | Goodreads
– Read and Rhyme: The First Christmas – Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | Goodreads
– Christmas Love Letters from God – Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | Goodreads
– The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln – Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | Goodreads

*Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a tiny percentage if you make a purchase through our link at no extra cost to you. We received one or more items for review. Read our disclosure policy here.

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Zonderkidz for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.