Bethlehem Barn: A Fun Christmas Bible Nativity Story for Kids Ages 4-8
What’s inside...
Bethlehem Barn is a magical and whimsical retelling of the Christmas story through the perspective of the animals in the barn. This light-hearted and delightful book features a cast of animals including Cow, Sheep, Chicken, Donkey, and Bird who discover baby Jesus in their barn on Christmas Eve. The animals are gifted with speech for one hour, and they use this opportunity to care for and protect the newborn savior. Featuring soft, beautiful artwork, Bethlehem Barn offers a fun and charming version of the nativity story that appeals to both children and adults.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it was like in the stable on the first Christmas night?
How do you think Mary and Joseph felt when they saw baby Jesus?
Why is it important to share and be kind, as shown in the story?
What are some ways we can celebrate and care for others during Christmas like the characters did?
How do the animals in the barn contribute to the story, and what do they teach us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the sights, sounds, and emotions described in the story. Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life and ask your child how each part of the story makes them feel. After reading, relate the themes of kindness and sharing to your child’s everyday life, discussing how they can implement these values. Create a tradition of discussing the story's moral and how it can be applied during the holiday season as a family.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of kindness and generosity
Explanation: In 'Bethlehem Barn,' the characters display acts of kindness and generosity, such as sharing their shelter and resources with others.
Real-World Application: Children can practice sharing their toys and helping others in need, fostering a sense of empathy and community.
Example Lesson: The importance of collaboration
Explanation: The story shows how characters work together to prepare for the nativity, highlighting the benefits of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities and learning to cooperate with peers to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The book includes various characters from different backgrounds coming together, teaching children to embrace and respect diversity.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to interact and make friends with peers from different cultures and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
Example Lesson: Faith and spiritual growth
Explanation: The nativity story helps children explore elements of faith and spirituality, connecting them with biblical teachings.
Real-World Application: Children can reflect on their own beliefs and values, and engage in conversations with family about spirituality and faith.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: Characters in 'Bethlehem Barn' experience happiness by giving to others, underscoring the message that true joy comes from selflessness.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to partake in acts of giving, whether through sharing their belongings or participating in community service, learning that contributing to others' happiness can enhance their own.