Joy to the World: A Family Christmas Treasury
What’s inside...
A collection of stories, poems, and plays about Christmas, arranged in categories like 'The Star', 'The Manger', 'The Gift-givers', 'The Tree', and 'Christmas Around the World'. Each chapter explores the history and meaning behind various Christmas symbols, and features biblical passages, carols, and works by distinguished authors. Enhanced with rich illustrations, this book delves into the traditions and symbols of the Advent holiday, appealing to readers of all ages. The first printing is 50,000 copies.
Age
4-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite Christmas tradition mentioned in the book, and why?
How did the characters in the story show love and care for each other? Can you think of ways we can do the same?
Which story or poem from the treasury would you like to experience in real life and why?
How do the illustrations enhance the Christmas spirit in the stories?
If you could add a story or tradition to this book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each story or poem, emphasizing there are no right or wrong answers.
Draw parallels between the traditions in the book and your family's holiday practices to make the experience more relatable.
Ask your child to choose their favorite illustration and describe what they like about it, fostering observation and articulation skills.
Create a cozy reading environment that mimics the warmth of the holiday season mentioned in the book to make the reading experience more immersive.
After reading, encourage your child to create a drawing or write a short story inspired by the book, helping them express their creativity and understanding of the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family traditions
Explanation: The book showcases various Christmas stories and songs that highlight the significance of family traditions during the holiday season.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and partake in their own family traditions, understanding the value of creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: Through tales of gift-giving and acts of kindness, the anthology encourages the spirit of generosity.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to practice generosity not just during holidays, but in everyday interactions, fostering a sense of empathy and community.
Example Lesson: Understanding diverse cultural celebrations
Explanation: The treasury includes Christmas stories and traditions from different cultures, providing a multicultural perspective.
Real-World Application: Children can develop an appreciation for cultural diversity, leading to greater respect and open-mindedness towards people from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: The value of storytelling
Explanation: The compilation of stories and songs underscores the power of storytelling in sharing experiences and emotions.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to share their own stories and listen to others’, enhancing their communication skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Importance of joy and celebration
Explanation: The festive content of the book emphasizes the importance of joy, celebration, and positive emotions during the holidays.
Real-World Application: Children learn to connect positively with festive occasions, using them as opportunities to reinforce bonds and create happiness.