Touchy-feely The Nativity
Usborne cloth books Series
on Goodreads (65)
What’s inside...
A delightful touch-and-feel book that introduces young children to the story of the Nativity, with simple text and charming illustrations that bring the Christmas story to life. Each page features different textures for little hands to explore. This is a gorgeous new Christmas edition from the popular and creative Usborne Touchy-Feely team. Charming illustrations by Rachel Wells accompany a delightful, tactile retelling of the Christmas story, complete with fluffy donkeys, woolly sheep, a glittering angel and, of course, the baby Jesus sleeping in his soft blanket. This appealing large-format book makes the perfect present for young children who are experiencing Christmas for the very first time.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
12 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it felt like for Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem?
How do you think the shepherds felt when they saw the angels?
Can you describe what the stable might have looked like on the night Jesus was born?
Why do you think the wise men brought gifts for baby Jesus?
What does the story of Nativity teach us about kindness and hope?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use different voices for each character to make the story more vivid and engaging.
Encourage your child to touch the different textures in the book and describe what they feel like.
Ask your child to imagine being in the story and describe what they would see, hear, and feel.
Relate the themes of the story, such as generosity and faith, to your child’s everyday experiences.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book that they found most memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The story's depiction of the Nativity scene, focusing on the care shown to baby Jesus, highlights the importance of empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children learn to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering kindness in interactions with both peers and adults.
Example Lesson: The Spirit of Giving
Explanation: Through the gifts brought by the Wise Men, the story illustrates the joy and importance of giving to others, not for personal gain but out of goodwill.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to cultivate generosity, whether through sharing toys or helping around the house without expecting anything in return.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The representation of diverse figures in the Nativity story helps children understand and appreciate different cultural and historical perspectives.
Real-World Application: This exposure helps children to be more open and respectful towards people from various backgrounds they encounter in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: The union of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus emphasizes the strength and sanctuary found within the family.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and cherish their family connections, understanding the support and love that family offers.
Example Lesson: The Power of Faith
Explanation: The story conveys messages of faith, portrayed through characters who believe in the significance of Jesus' birth despite challenging circumstances.
Real-World Application: This helps children recognize the role of personal beliefs and faith in overcoming difficulties and achieving peace.