At a time when the commercialism of Christmas typically outweighs its true meaning, Carolyn Snelling offers families a refreshing alternative to a traditional holiday story in her new children's book, Christ's Cake.
Meet Jackson, a kindergartner at The Sunshine Christian Academy. It is his fifth birthday and he's very excited about celebrating it with his family and friends -- especially because there is cake. Jackson's birthday is also close to Christmas. He soon realizes that even though Jesus celebrates his birthday on December 25, he probably didn't have a birthday cake and candles. This struck the youngster as sad.
After he broke his arm in a fall, Jackson dreamt that he met Jesus. In this dream were all the little boy's birthday cakes, including the one from his most recent birthday. In questioning Jesus as to why this fifth birthday cake had a blue bandage on it, Christ said because it told Him that he fell and broke his arm. "I know everything about you, Jackson. I have watched you every day of your life. I know how many hairs are on your head and I care about every one of your tears."
This dream left Jackson with the feeling of knowing that Jesus loves him even if he is hurt or not perfect. This encouraged Jackson even more to celebrate Christ's birthday at school. The following day, Jackson and his parents made a heart-shaped chocolate birthday cake, which the youngster brought to school to enjoy with his class. They even sang Happy Birthday!"
Christ's Cake is the perfect book for younger elementary students, as it shows them that no matter what, Christ loves them for who they are, even if they are hurt. It also reinforces the belief that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and celebrating His birthday -- even with a cake.
This soft cover book also comes with two related coloring pages -- a birthday cake and a nativity scene -- as well as an applicable Bible verse (Luke 2:10-12) for young children to read and learn. This book is perfect for a classroom or Sunday school study on the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Release date: October 2011
- Reading level: Preschool and up
- Softcover, 30 pages
- ISBN: 978-0-615-49847-8
- Publisher: Heart of the Cross
- Genre: Children's Picture Books
Author's Note: Check out my blog, Reading with My Eyes Shut, for a one-on-one interview with children's author Carolyn Snelling.
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