The Christmas Elephant: A Nativity Story
Maria Antonia
(Author)
Laura Zarrin
(Illustrator)
21,000+ Reviews
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Description
"A great book for a religious school library, church class, or any collection." --School Library Journal Ellie wants to be an elephant in the Christmas play but her know-it-all sister says she'll ruin everything. When Baby Jesus goes missing, Ellie must find him, or the play will be ruined (but not because Ellie is an elephant)! Ellie thinks outside the box. She stands her ground and remains in her elephant costume even when her older sister--and director of this year's Christmas play-- demands she change into a sheep costume. The theme of standing up for your own uniqueness sends a subtle message to children that they can fit in anywhere if they persevere and don't give in to peer pressure. Ellie's approach to standing her ground is entertaining and empowering. There is also a teaching moment for the bossy sister who comes to see that everything doesn't have to work out the way she planned in order to be wonderful. The Christmas Elephant is an ideal addition for family, preschool, elementary school, and community library Christmas picture book collections. This unique holiday book is perfect for: - Children ages 3-8
- Sharing the story of Christmas through a memorable narrative text and engaging, whimsical illustrations
- Christmas gifts, including stocking stuffers and church ministry outreach
- Inspiring discussion and dialogue with parents, grandparents, friends, and teachersChristmas celebrations, church ministry outreach, and Advent discussions
- Sparking age-appropriate conversations about Christmas, self-esteem, Jesus' birth, and helping others.
Product Details
Price
$16.99
$15.80
Publisher
Paraclete Press (MA)
Publish Date
October 08, 2024
Pages
32
Dimensions
9.3 X 9.3 X 0.4 inches | 0.8 pounds
Language
English
Type
Hardcover
EAN/UPC
9781640609570
BISAC Categories:
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About the Author
Maria Antonia has plenty of experience with the Annual Sunday School Christmas Play--sometimes performing, sometimes writing, sometimes directing. Although, not one of those plays has featured a Christmas Elephant! (At least not yet.) She is currently the Sunday School Superintendent at her church and has formerly taught at a Christian school in New York City. When not writing, she's busy taking photos of God's wonderful creation. She has lived in Sunny Spain, Busy New York City, and currently resides in the Great White North of Canada.
Reviews
"This cute story reminds readers that they can be whatever they want, and that Christmas is about celebrating family, religion, and traditions. The soft, muted tones of the illustrations add a flare of holiday spirit and a touch of simplistic softness that is nostalgic to the season. A "Bible Connection" at the end of the story is a nice way to tie the book together, and a following "Did You Know?" section shares facts about Jesus and elephants.
VERDICT A great book for a religious school library, church class, or any collection."--School Library Journal "This is a great book that celebrates the Christmas story, while highlighting the unique and important role everyone has in celebrating Christ's birth." --National Catholic Register "In Maria Antonia's heartfelt Christmas story, Ellie just wants to be part of the Nativity play, but of course as an elephant, so what could go wrong? The perfect warm holiday tale in times of chaos and pressure to be perfect. Ellie's story of determination is a gentle reminder for us all to slow down and remember that in the eyes of Christ, we all belong. This tale could lead to a new generation of Nativity plays with all of God's creatures to remind us of Jesus' universal love." --Donna Barba Higuera, Newbery Medal and Pura Belpré Author Award Winner "The Christmas Elephant is a sweet story to remind us that God's love is big enough to love all of us, even the ones who feel like an elephant in the room."--Emily Morrow, creator of Really Very Crunchy "Just like an elephant, you won't soon forget this adorable Mary and Martha retelling with a Christmas twist!"--Amanda Rawson Hill, author of The Hope of Elephants "This creative story about a determined girl wearing an elephant disguise at a Christmas play is not only sweet and funny but also a reminder that Christmas is all about Jesus. And Jesus loves everybody, even elephants. And, for sure, everybody will love this story. Get ready for giggles and AWWS and many "Read it again!" --Ana Siqueira, author of Abuela's Super Capa
VERDICT A great book for a religious school library, church class, or any collection."--School Library Journal "This is a great book that celebrates the Christmas story, while highlighting the unique and important role everyone has in celebrating Christ's birth." --National Catholic Register "In Maria Antonia's heartfelt Christmas story, Ellie just wants to be part of the Nativity play, but of course as an elephant, so what could go wrong? The perfect warm holiday tale in times of chaos and pressure to be perfect. Ellie's story of determination is a gentle reminder for us all to slow down and remember that in the eyes of Christ, we all belong. This tale could lead to a new generation of Nativity plays with all of God's creatures to remind us of Jesus' universal love." --Donna Barba Higuera, Newbery Medal and Pura Belpré Author Award Winner "The Christmas Elephant is a sweet story to remind us that God's love is big enough to love all of us, even the ones who feel like an elephant in the room."--Emily Morrow, creator of Really Very Crunchy "Just like an elephant, you won't soon forget this adorable Mary and Martha retelling with a Christmas twist!"--Amanda Rawson Hill, author of The Hope of Elephants "This creative story about a determined girl wearing an elephant disguise at a Christmas play is not only sweet and funny but also a reminder that Christmas is all about Jesus. And Jesus loves everybody, even elephants. And, for sure, everybody will love this story. Get ready for giggles and AWWS and many "Read it again!" --Ana Siqueira, author of Abuela's Super Capa
