This is Day 15 of the 30 Days of Giving: Making Christmas Meaningful campaign, which is designed to bring the Believe.com community creative and practical ways to cheerfully give this holiday season through gifts, relationships and charity. Come visit the 30 Days of Giving Advent Calendar each day in our countdown to Christmas for intriguing and original ways to help you to experience and spread the spirit of joyful giving that God intended throughout the holiday season.

A new book is one of the most cherished gifts a child can receive for Christmas.

There are so many fantastic books available that capture the spirit of this beautiful season for young readers. These books are sure to please children of all ages.

That’s Not My Snowman (Ages 0-4)
The Usborne Touchy Feely Board Book edition of this book invites your toddler to touch and feel his way through 10 pages of snowman fun. The author, Fiona Watts, has a whole series of these types of books and children love the variety that’s available. These board books are durable, colorfully illustrated, and offer a variety of textures to explore.

Christmas In The Manger (Ages 0-4)
The author, Nola Buck, has done an outstanding job of explaining the birth of Christ in this 16-page board book. The text is simple and written in a rhythmic fashion which keeps toddlers interested and wanting to read it over and over again. Felicia Bond is the illustrator, and wonderfully displays her creativity on each page.

God Gave Us Christmas (Ages 3 and up)
This is an adorable hardcover book written by Lisa Tawn Bergren. The story is about a curious baby polar bear that begins to ask his mama questions about God, Christmas and Santa. He and his mama take a trip to find God and discover the true meaning of Christmas. The book’s artwork was done by award winning illustrator, David Hohn, and compliments this story perfectly.

Pete the Cat Saves Christmas (Age range 4-8)
Author, Eric Litwinis, has written another sweet story about our beloved character Pete the Cat. This time, when Santa becomes ill and needs help making his Christmas deliveries, he calls Pete the Cat to save the day. Our black heroic cat leaps into action and helps Santa get the presents to all of the good girls and boys.

The Spirit of Christmas (Age range 4-8)
This beautifully illustrated hardcover book written by Nancy Tillman and takes us on a nostalgic path to the simple pleasures of the holiday season and reminds us what truly matters most in life. The wording includes phrases of familiar carols, and is centered on a visit from the Spirit of Christmas who delivers a very important message to us all.

The Polar Express (Age range 4-8)
For over 20 years, this story has been one of the classic gift books purchased during the holiday season. It’s an adventurous tale about a young boy who is invited to take a ride on a magical train to the North Pole. In addition to a movie based on this story, author Chris Van Allsburg won a Caldecott Medal in 1986 for this book.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Age range 5-9)
Not only is this Dr. Seuss book a classic tale, but it’s also a Christmas cartoon, and was made into a motion picture. Setting down with the original version of this story is not only a typical holiday read, it’s also a tradition of whimsical fun.

The Night Before Christmas Gift Set (Ages 8 and up)
This is a fabulous box set from author, Clement C. Moore. Not only does it include a beautiful version of this classic holiday poem set in book form, but it also comes with three keepsake ornaments that you can hang on the tree each year. It joins Christmas memories of the past with future memories to be cherished.

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition (All ages)
A book and one elf complete this kit. First, children read the book, which explains that this elf was sent by Santa to watch over the children. The elf’s job is to report back to Santa every night. Next your children will name the elf and place him in a different spot each evening before bed. One of the rules is that they aren’t allowed to touch the elf. Every night the elf takes a trip back to Santa at the North Pole and provides a report on the children. Each morning the elf has returned, but now he is in a different spot of the house. It’s a lot of fun and can become an annual family tradition.

One of the most important things a parent can do is read with their children. Introducing them to the wonderful world of books with not only help build their vocabulary, but can also assist in the development of their comprehension skills through life.