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Growing up in San Antonio, I’ve always known about well-respected pastor and author Max Lucado. So when I got a chance to review a copy of his latest children’s book, Itsy Bitsy Christmas: You’re Never Too Little for His Love, I jumped on it. If you’d like a chance to win a copy, read on to the end!

Itsy Bitsy Christmas is a board book, but its longer text really makes it better suited for an older preschool or early elementary age audience. Which made sense when I realized this was a republishing of a picture book. The illustrations are sweet and engaging, and the glitter embossed cover is a great attention grabber.

The Story

Itsy and Bitsy are two little mice living in Bethlehem. A Donkey tells them a king is coming.

“This King is special. He comes for everyone big and small.” 

The two mice excitedly search for the king, but not only are they unable to find him, no one believes them. Finally, they return home to the stable where they live to find baby Jesus with Mary and Joseph already there. Finally, their friends believe them.

Kids will identify with sometimes feeling like little means unimportant. I like how the book emphasizes Jesus came for everyone. To me, the most touching part of the story was near the end. Each animal in the barn realizes Jesus came as king for them even though they are grumpy or doubted.

Possible Concerns

Some parents might be concerned that a book like this would give the message Jesus came to save the animals. I want to assure parents this is nowhere implied in the story. It says Jesus came as king, “even for a little one like me.” I don’t see any biblical issues with this statement.

And now for the GIVEAWAY!

(FYI, I received this book from BookLook slightly damaged. One corner on each page is very slightly smushed, but I don’t think it will effect your reading experience at all)

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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