Yesterday saw us taking the chocolate coins out of pouch number three on our Snowman advent calendar as we shared our third Christmas story. The Christmas Story, especially for little hearts, minds and hands.

Esther and William love a book that they can ‘read’ themselves. A sturdy board book with good, strong pages and exciting pictures for them to study and textures for them to feel and explore.

Usborne make a great range of ‘touchy-feely’ books and The Nativity is one of them.

It is a very simple retelling of the story of the first Christmas in words that young children can listen to and understand. The text is accompanied by the all important scenes from the first Christmas that we all come to know and love; Mary and Joseph travelling with the donkey, Jesus being laid in the manger, the angels visiting the shepherds, the bright and shining Christmas star, the three wise men and the final nativity tableau with all the animals in the stable.

It is never too soon, in my opinion, for children to start enjoying these images and hearing the words of this special Christmas so long ago.

This book is perfect for young toddlers as they can not only hear the words and see the pictures they can also feel them. The wooly sheep, the soft furry donkey, the silky gowns of the angelsand the softest blanket used to swaddle the Baby Jesus.

These textures really bring the story to life for little ones.

Esther was absorbed in this book for ages yesterday and wanted me to read it for her again and again.

We have lots of different versions of The Christmas Story in our Advent / Christmas Book Box but this is definitely one of the most appropriate ones for Esther and William at 16 months.

Do you share The Christmas Story with your children at this time of year? Do you have a favourite retelling that you share.

Keep an eye on our Advent Book Reviews as we have more versions of this magical story on the way.

20 sleeps (and books) to go!!!!