Everyone Is Invited to Christmas

Forest of Faith

by Susan Jones, Lee Holland (Illustrator)

Teaches young children to enjoy Christmas by celebrating Jesus! Warm, endearing animal illustrations will entice pre-readers and early readers and inspire their imagination. Reinforces Christian values in a non-judgmental and non-threatening way

The forest is abuzz with magic and excitement—it’s time for Jesus’ birthday!

The invitations for His birthday party float on in to all but one forest creature. Living far off in a hollow in the forest’s furthest tree, Little Raccoon has never quite fit in with the other forest animals. Feeling left out and alone, she watches as the rest of the friends share in the fun of decorating for Christmas. It’s not until Little Raccoon gets help from an unexpected friend that she discovers the meaning of Jesus’s birthday, His love, and that everyone is invited!

Beautifully illustrated by Lee Holland, this picture book will offer young children a fun, relatable story of a quirky raccoon who feels a bit different from everyone else, and how the best part of Christmas is finding the warmth of Jesus’s love and friendship.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Religion, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

Published November 6, 2018

Reviews

[Karen Fairhead · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was slightly better than the first book. Still not the best of Christian Christmas books for children. Great that the idea of everyone being invited to be Jesus' friend was presented, but the book is more about the party the animal friends are having rather than talking much about Jesus or his birth. Book ends 'With her heart filled, surrounded by her newfound friends, Little Raccoon feels a warmth and happiness like nothing she's ever felt before. On Jesus's birthday, she received the gifts of friendship and love that she can accept and share forever. '

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sweet and really brings the true meaning of Christmas. I loved how it was animals in the forest rather then human beings. It shows that everyone is excited to celebrate Jesus birthday. I love how they explain why they celebrate. My kids really enjoyed this story and were actually quietly listening as I read each page. I loved the illustrations and all the animal characters that were shown. This book is worth adding to your Christmas book list.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Jesus’s birthday, she received the gifts of friendship and love that she can accept and share forever.

I hope this Christmas everyone receives gifts of friendship and love. Be it a hedgehog 🦔 or your neighbor I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season.

I love that I just got to use the hedgehog 🦔 emoji on goodreads!

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this children's book, with the pretty pictures and appealing animals. I especially was impressed by the message that all are invited to Christ, that no one needs to feel left out! This is a great way to introduce that concept to children of all ages!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful book with colorful illustrations, adorable animals, and a wonderful story. Little Raccoon finds an invitation, but feels likes she is intruding, but everyone is invited to Christmas. Such a sweet and great story, for the kids of all ages.

[Christie-anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful! The illustrations and colours are gorgeous. The font is nice and large. The animals are whimsical a la Wind in the Willows. The story is simple yet engaging, and a lovely message of including others.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way too long for very young children, but it has a sweet message.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, this is a religious book, but considering what Christmas celebrates, who can really complain. It's sweet, without being overly preachy. The point is tolerance and acceptance.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book! This series is wonderful and I highly recommend them for reading to young children!