From the best-selling author of Jesus Calling devotionals (which are made in formats from toddlers to adults) comes a wonderful Advent resource for children to focus on Jesus amidst the busy Christmas season. Starting with the creation story and ending with an invitation to be a best friend of Jesus, the twelve devotions all include a short Bible verse, two or three paragraph devotional, and a Jesus Calling phrase that summarizes how it all links back to Jesus. This sweet Christmas picture book goes beyond the nativity story and looks at the Big Picture: that God always had a plan to bring Jesus to save us and bring us into His family. I did not expect to see some of the Bible stories, including God's promise to Abraham to bless all nations through him and Isaiah's prophesies about a Savior to be born in Bethlehem, but I absolutely loved it. What a great way to discuss with children that though we celebrate Jesus' birth into our world at Christmas, the Bible was already whispering His name for ages past as the Father God's way for His Son to bring redemption. The illustrations are absolutely darling and the devotional format looks like it would be easily engaging for parents and children to read together.

Target audience: Pre-K to grade school

*I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.

This well planned book is sure to be a family favorite this Christmas season! A beautifully illustrated children's version of the Christmas story that details the prophecies and events leading up to Jesus birth and after. It is an excellent resource for families to read together at the Christmas season and use to discuss the true meaning of the holiday season. Not only does this adorable book have scripture laden throughout it in the form of easy-to-comprehend little blurbs, but it is spiritually sound as author Sarah Young narrates the Christmas story. Near the end of the book, there is a message to children from Jesus and it is heartwarming and truthful.

Since my daughter is just under one, this book was a highlight for her with its bursts of colorful illustrations that she loved. It is a bit mature for really young children in terms of wording, so it's best read with a parent who can encourage insightful study and answer questions a child might have. The book is paper pages so in that respect its better suited for older children, or toddlers who are gentle with books. (UPDATE: After posting this review, I learned this book is available as a board book!) Because the content is rich in spirituality, this book is appropriate for multiple ages with older children benefiting the most, however, it is one I intend to read to my little girl each Christmas. In our home, we don't shy from the reality of what our Lord went through in his young days being sought out by King Herod or taken to the cross to die for our sins. We want our children to understand these things at an early age and this particular book is a great gateway in explaining how and why our Lord came to earth as well as the reasons He loves us as His children.

This is such a stunning book for toddlers! As a fan of Sarah Young's devotionals, I knew I wanted something for my son. The artwork is stunning! My son loved it. As a mother, I look for books that help my child understand more about God, Christ and their love for us. This book is focused on the story of Christmas which is the birth of Christ. I love that it focuses on a key scripture, gives a two or three paragraphs explaining that scripture and then a piece called "Jesus Calling" which is where the first person letter from Christ comes into effect.

As a parent and as a ministry leader I feel like this book is such a great one to have and utilize with younger children.

My family and I thoroughly enjoyed Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas by Sarah Young. Sarah Young wrote the story of Jesus as a timeless truth that young ones will be able to understand. She added verses and even a "Jesus Calling" at the end of each page to give more depth to the story. My boys loved the pictures and we'll be reading this book throughout the whole year! Not just through the Christmas season.

This was enjoyable from cover to cover. There are 13 small devotions for kids. The pictures are very well done to cover what Sarah Young is trying to bring across. This begins before the earth was ever formed and goes through when Joseph and Mary moved with Jesus to Nazareth. This is easy reading and I believe kids of many ages would like this book. This would make an excellent Christmas gift!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.