Update! I actually have TWO sets (two books each) to give away! Be sure to leave a comment! (And you know I'll give you a code later if you don't win… or even if you win and want more š
John Folley (my fantastic son-in-law, married to our Deirdre) has done it again! After last year's beautiful A Childās Christmas ABC Book, Angels in the Air Arrayed, he and author Paul Thigpen have followed up with a fitting companion, A Childās Christmas ABC Book, Guest of the Animals.
I'm giving away both these books to a lucky reader! Simply leave a comment below!
My friends, this is how we restore our culture, with offerings for children that delight. John has the gift of incorporating meaningful detail in his illustrations, and in the Counting book he doesn't disappoint. I love the borders with their intricate numerical embellishments and subtle sacred art references.
The text, as with the previous book, also offers the child the beauty of poetic language with a light yet meaningful touch. It's a pleasure to read out loud. TAN has done an excellent job of printing these two volumes; the books are even more beautiful in person, I want to be sure that you know.
To enter to win your companion copies of A Childās Christmas ABC Book, Angels in the Air Arrayed (affiliate link) and A Childās Christmas ABC Book, Guest of the Animals, leave your comment here on the blog. I will close the giveaway late Thursday night to give the books a chance to get to the winner before Christmas!
bits & pieces
- Christianity is much more historical than people have come to believe. Including the date of Christmas.
- If you really love music nerd stuff, watch this: The Girl From Ipanema is a far weirder song than you thought. I really like this guy; he's very clear and thorough. I get about 30% of what he's saying, but it's not his fault. The weirdness of the song is all about the harmonies.
- Homeschooling has taken off this year for obvious reasons. Here is a resource that I haven't delved into, but looks amazing. A chemistry professor left work to teach her own children at home, and she's offering materials on her site for free.
- I have so much to say about this topic (and I think I did say a bunch in my new book but who knows): For The Love Of God, We Need More Dancing
from the archives
- I am paused at the macerating my dried fruits in brandy stage, but I am making my plum pudding this year (for next year too — I make it every other year). Here's my detailed tutorial. It's really not that hard!
liturgical living
Lots of beautiful feasts heading our way, including St. Nicholas and the Immaculate Conception of Mary!
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The boards of the others: Rosieās Pinterest. Sukieās Pinterest. Deirdreās Pinterest. Habouās Pinterest (you can still get a lot of inspiration here! and say a prayer for her!). Bridgetās Pinterest.
Marianne OāGrady says
My grandchildren would love this book
Heather says
We would LOVE to add these to our Christmas collection. A huge bin full of books spilling into number two, at this point, makes us so happy! We start reading them on the first Sunday of Advent and they stay out until Epiphany. We do the unwrap a book a night thing and the rest just stay out for enjoyment whenever anyone needs a reading break. These would be delightful additions, so thank you for the chance!
Colleen McParland says
These are beautiful! Thank you for the giveaway!
Erin Flannigan says
These books are gorgeous.
Amy McKeon says
A prayerful comment: a hope that the beauty of the books will show my new grandson and his parents the true beauty of the Catholic Church.
Pam Heldt says
Beautiful, Iād love them for grandkids!
Jennifer Winkler says
My 5 year old son has hyperlexia. He is obsessed with everything numbers and letters. This would be a fantastic way to incorporate our faith!
Sally H. says
Would love to add this to our book collection!
Dixie says
Wow. That is amazing about breastfeeding preemies.
Additionally: that video (also posted elsewhere on that site) helped me so much with one of my babies a few years back. It’s so helpful for a young mother to see breastfeeding up close — to see and hear it working — preferably on many different occasions! And I don’t just mean seeing women breastfeed, including in public, even though that’s important. I mean somebody letting you look at what’s happening up close. And being able to show someone (LC, or experienced friend) what you’re doing up close so they can help you. All this done privately among women, of course.
Also, we’d love the books!
Elizabeth Bloch says
These are beautiful. We did his ABC book for young godchild gifts last year!
Jaci Roeble says
GASP! THIS is what I’ve been looking for! This would be perfect addition to our very carefully curated bookshelves. For homeschool! For reading! For the beauty of it all!
I did not grow up reading; I was raised with (by????) television and vhs. I read Little Women and Anne of Green Gables at 24, after having my first baby, and just cried and cried over the pages and the lost years of reading good books. Were there more books like this in the world??? My new mission was to find them, and put them on our shelves. My kids won’t be able to help but enjoy reading š
So far we have 4 avid readers. Even the 1yo brings us the beautiful board books we have, with a huge smile and an, “ehhhh???”
Needless to say, I am picky about what books go on my shelves. These seem to fit the bill though. š
Carly O says
Thank you for the giveaway!
Grammy says
Beautiful coloring books! A way to provide children with fun, catechesis and great art all at the same time.
Nancy says
Beautiful books! I had a conversation with our public librarian yesterday expressing concern about the amount of digital books versus lack of hard copy selections. He stated that our public libraries are modeling the Eurolibrary. Thank you for your foresight to encourage us to build up our home (hard copy) libraries on your blog!
Christina W says
Thank you for the giveaway! I have 2 beautiful book lovers at home who would love to receive these lovely books.
Wendy says
I’d love to add 2 great books to our Christmas collection!
RACHEL KRATZ says
These are so beautiful!!
Claire says
Thanks for the giveaway. We would appreciate a copy of this book – it looks beautiful!
Love the preemie nursing link too.
Maureen says
Yay, we love beautiful books that are also good and true!
Erin Edenburn says
Thank you for offering these beautiful books! I would so enjoy reading these to my 4 littles.
Frances says
A blessed Advent to all, thank you for sharing about these beautiful books.
Kari Brane says
I would love to have these lovely books!
Emily says
Beautiful! Thank you
Cordelia says
These are so beautiful! I’d definitely love them! š
Natalie McDonald says
These books look absolutely lovely!
Lauren says
Such beautiful books! We have the ABC book and it is well-loved; we would love to add the counting one too.
Nancy says
My oldest daughter & I are awaiting your new book series that I have ordered. She is 18 and preparing for her vocation. These Christmas books look wonderful for the littles! Blessed Advent to all.
thelivingtether says
Add my name to the fishbowl! Those are beautiful books; your son in law has a wonderful style and I love how much it *does* look like sacred art.
Rachel says
I was so excited to see the counting book! We have the alphabet one, and canāt wait to add that one to our collection!
Teresa says
We would love to add these to our collection- such amazing illustrations!
Laura says
Hello Leila, wishing you and yours a beautiful Advent.
Cheryl says
Thank you for the chance to win such beautiful books! Thanks, as well, for the provided links….I’m grabbing a cup of coffee and sitting for a spell to enjoy them!!
A Blessed Advent to you!
Katherine Swing says
We love the ABC book, and would like to add the Counting one to our Christmastide basket! I know of many lovely friends and family who would cherish the ABC book and I would pass it along to them.
Rachel says
Those illustrations are gorgeous! Would love to add these to our collection!!
Liz says
Don’t enter me in the giveaway, because I already have both books. I just wanted to say that they are gorgeous! I wish John would sell prints in the style of the illustrations, without the text. I would buy them!
Maria says
Oooh, that’s a great idea!
Shyla says
Wow, Beautiful books! Truly a keepsake!
Denise says
These books look like perfect additions to our Christmas book collection! Beautiful!
Maggie S says
We would love these books!
Journey of FAITH says
These books look so beautiful and would be read greatly in our household.
Heather Richins says
What absolutely gorgeous books! Would love to add them to my library.
Joy Wambeke says
These would be wonderful books to add to our library! Thank you for the chance!
Jenny says
I would love copies for my children and all the children that pass through out home.
Karolyn says
I love how you promote so much beauty in your site! We have a small collection of cherished Christmas books, but I’ve had trouble finding any at the local used book store that would be worth adding. These both are gorgeous!
Lauraaura H says
The books are beautiful! Such thoughtful illustrations. So many children’s books have illustrations that are so simple or downright ugly – but not these! I would love to add these beautiful ones to our collection.
Monica Kinney says
Happy Advent!
Madison Zahaykevitz says
Yay for more beautiful books in the world! My toddler has just fallen in love with counting; these look fabulous.
Monica says
Beautiful books! My kids (4,2,1) would love them!
Catherine says
BEAUTY: Definitely the way to restore our culture! I would certainly enjoy these books to share with my grandchildren and others. Blessed Advent to you and yours
Amanda Toca says
The books look beautiful – thank you!
Stephanie Langley says
Thank you for this giveaway!
Melisa says
I enjoyed the article about dancing: very intriguing thoughts. I had the best time dancing the Virginia reel at a friend’s son’s wedding reception. I had not danced it before, but it was easy to learn – and easily shared by many ages. What the author says in the article rings true to me.
The books are lovely. I’d love to add them to our library.
God bless!
Melisa
Samantha Mashak says
I would love these books. They look beautiful. Dr. Thigpen is an old college professor of mine and a very holy man. He taught for a time at the first Catholic college in Georgia (which unfortunately was closed my junior year there).
Thanks to your post from 2008 about Christmas books, we have been gathering Advent/Christmas books to set out at the beginning of Advent. We started this tradition last year. My children loved rediscovering those books this past week and I am currently watching my 6 year old contentedly reading from the basket.
It would be wonderful to add these two books to the basket. All your suggestions have always been fruitful and beautiful for my family. Thank you for sharing your wisdom! You help more people than you know!
Patty b says
These are lovely!
Jalaena Kelley says
I love your giveaways of beautiful things! And I really enjoy your blog. Thank you for writing for us, Auntie Leila!
Monica says
I love books!
As a side note: could your summa be sold in individual volumes for the budget-minded among us? Truly wanted to buy it for my newlywed, newly-pregnant niece, but couldnāt afford all three volumes at once. Disappointed there wasnāt another option.
HM says
This is a great suggestion. I would love to see this option as well.
Anamaria says
Amazon has it one volume at a time. Havenāt checked sophia. But they are $25/each vs the current $50/set so it costs $25 more long-term!
Christina A says
Monica, is there a friend or two who would like to purchase the set as a group gift along with you?
HM says
These look so beautiful!
M Melissa C says
ME ME ME ME please! I was so thrilled sending John’s absolutely gorgeous Christmas cards last year, and we would love the new book!
Christine says
Would love a chance to win these
Pam says
Oh, what beautiful books! I would love to give these to my youngest son, he would love them and would spend so much time looking at every detail.
Kathleen L says
Such beautiful books to inspire young readers with the wonder of our Faith.
Christine says
Looks great!
Becky Greene says
As a homeschooling family, we’d be grateful to have the opportunity to utilize these in our homeschool. Thanks for all the great work you do and all the resources you provide.
Also, it was so fun having you on our podcast show, Leila!
Allison Redd says
What a lovely giveaway! Perfect for our collection of Christmas books!
Christianne says
I was trying so hard not to buy MORE Christmas books this year (we already have dozens, and my oldest is only four!), but Angels in the Air Arrayed was the top contender for the 2021 purchase. Now that there are two, it’s even harder–I love a good set! Also, eight months pregnant with babe #4 and pubic symphysis, we spend a lot of time reading on the couch these days, new books would be a blessing.
Sleepy Prairie Mama says
I have had these on my list for weeks now. I would love to get these beautiful works as something special for baby #5 who sometimes gets a little lost in the shuffle.
Claire Herning says
These look beautiful! Thanks for doing a giveaway!
Tori says
Wow, the books are so beautiful!!
Megan says
We would love to add these to our home library!
Christina A says
These look wonderful; would love to win!
Donna L. says
Beauty, reading and faith in one? Love them! š Thank you for the opportunity to win~
Camille Malucci says
My Eddie and Ben would love this! Thanks for offering this giveaway!
Anamaria says
Would love to win! My children love our Christmas book basket!
Amada Beatriz Beltran de Cornet says
My two children would love these books. Thanks for giving them away!!!
Raquel F says
I so appreciate this style of illustration in Catholic books for children – it exposes the child to a level of beauty that you just don’t see in most contemporary illustrations, which veer on the cartoonish, simplistic side.
mirhavensanctuary says
These would make such delightful gifts for grandchilwuns!
Gina D. says
This would be wonderful for our family, thank you!
Cheyanne says
These are gorgeous! I would love to have either of these in our home!
Kristen says
These books look so lovely!
Sara Burch says
The books look beautiful! Who doesnāt need more beautiful Christmas books?!
Barbara Juneau says
What a beautiful gift offering that I would love to my grandchildren. Thank you.
Melanie says
Would love these beautiful books. I have ten sweet children, and reading to them during advent is such a joy to me. We love finding new treasures!
Katrina Genereux says
The Christmas books are so beautiful!
My oldest’s current favorite is Mr. Mehan’s Mythical Mammals. She loves the illustrations.
Rebecca says
Yes please to beautiful books! You have a very talented son inlaw š
Catherine says
Would love to have these 2 books, especially from John, whoās nickname was The Artist even in college! Nice work, John. š
Rachael says
My kids would love these! Thank you for sharing!
Katie Keys says
My children would enjoy these books!
Elizabeth Kushiner says
We would love to have these two books!
Ashley says
Thank you for the giveaway! We’re always happy to add beautiful books to our Christmas collection.
Clara says
These look wonderful!
Emily says
Thank you for hosting the giveaway! They are beautiful books.
Nichole Snyder says
I love childrenās books with beautiful illustrations!
Laura says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Mrs ktc says
Beautiful!
Theresa says
I would love these books for my new baby boy to grow up with. Big fan of John’s work!
Anne Marie Mahoney says
These are so lovely. Love helping my children train their eyes to the good and beautiful of our world.
Mama RachaelR says
whaaaa! My 5 year old would eat these books up. He loves ABC and counting books like noone’s business.
I have some wonderful felted wool I want to make mittens from, but maybe next year….
Jennifer Hartline says
Beautiful books! Would love to have them.
Amy says
The art looks amazing. Thanks for offering the give awayš
Nancy says
I would really appreciate these to gift to my sister in law. She grew up Catholic but has been away for many years. She now has twin, two year old girls and I was asked by her recently how to introduce the birth of Christ to them. This is perfect!
Dagny moore says
Would love these for my boys! Lovely looking books ā¤ļø
Roseanne says
Always love the links and will order the books if I donāt win. :). We love all the LMLD book recommendations!
Blayne says
I would love to have these beautiful books!
Lynn Osborne says
Oh my, what utterly lovely books. Thanks for the chance to win.
sonrie says
Please consider me for the giveaway. I just brought out our Advent/Christmas books for my nearly 2 year old and would appreciate something faith based to choose from.
Coralie says
We are just beginning to build our Christmas books’ collection; I would love to add these two beautiful ones to our shelf!
Stephanie Nelson says
Wonderfully illustrated books are instant classics! I just love the style of these.
Annie says
My 2yo twins are learning to count and would love these! (Plus, two books – one for each – not that that usually matters, siblings being siblings and obviously needing the thing that the other one hasā¦)
Mandy says
What great additions to our little home library these would be! I can see all of the children, but especially our two new readers, poring over them at length. Thank you for alerting us to more beautiful, meaningful books!
Clare says
Absolutely beautiful books. Would love to have for my children.
Madeline Schmitt Grimm says
These are really gorgeous, Mrs Lawler! What a generous giveaway. We would love to be entered.
Amanda says
We bought Angels in the Air Arrayed last year. It really is beautiful, and just yesterday the kids were noticing those little details. “Hey, the baby Jesus has wheat all around him! Like bread!” We’d love to have another copy to give to friends and the next book to add to our collection!
Erin says
Beautiful books! Would love a copy to add to our home library!
Mary says
I would love to win and add these lovely books to our Christmas collection!
Laura Moll says
Beautiful books! They would be treasured here.
Jenny says
The books look so beautiful! We love beautiful Christmas books! Thanks for the giveaway!
Kelly says
I was at a thrift store the other day hoping to find some beautiful Christmas books but didnāt come across any that I thought were good enough. Glad to know that these two beautiful Christmas books exist!
Elisia says
These books are beautiful. Iām slowly trying to build a library of good books for my children and grandchildren. These would be a beautiful addition.
Melissa says
How beautiful! These would get great use in our home.
Allison Deardurff says
I’m always on the lookout for books like these. Thank you for sharing!
Adele says
The books are beautiful. The ABC one has been sitting in my wishlist, but I just haven’t managed to get it yet. Thank you for the Chemistry link. My chemistry obsessed child is very excited.
Maria says
Thank you for the offer-giveaway! And I second the prints idea suggested above^^, that would be a good thing to offer if possible.
Maria :]
Christine K. says
Beautiful books! We would love to add them to our Christmas book collection.
Caitlin says
I would love to win these booksā and plan to purchase if I do not win! Thank you Auntie Leilaā and John!
Also impatiently waiting for my Summa Domestica to ship š
Molly R says
Oh, yes please! These look beautiful!
Elizabeth says
Would love these books for my little boys!
monthlychanges says
Those books would make a wonderful addition to Yaya’s Book Club.
Gary Gale says
We all become born again this time of year
Anna says
Ooh I would love these! Love that Mucha style š
Kristen says
Thank you for the chance to win!
Tina says
These would be wonderful for my grandchildren!
Kathleen VanderVeen says
Oh my goodness! Such beautiful books! These would be.a treasure for any home.
Mary says
What a beautiful new Christmas book! Thanks for the opportunity to win it.
Rebecca H Sprankle says
I have three children, 3 and under right now, so I wish I had the energy to leave a witty comment. But I’ll just say this: these are lovely! THANK YOU for sharing and for doing the giveaways. š
Emily says
These are truly lovely! We got one for our godson last year and admired it for a good long time before sending it off. I love to keep a collection of beautiful books to gift when the occasion presents itself.
Julie Trabanino says
Tonight, St. Nicholas is leaving my 4 year old son a copy of A Child’s Christmas ABC Book!! We’d love to win it’s companion for next year’s St. Nicholas Day… š
Tamara Pandolfo says
I would love to add these books to our home library! Thanks for the chance to win them.
Pilar says
Thank you Auntie Leila for continuing to instill beauty in this culture š
Mema says
How lovely! Wouldn’t they be wonderful gifts also! Thank you for sharing.
Michelle says
How lovely! Wouldn’t they make wonderful gifts also! Thank you again!
Ann says
How exciting to have current examples of beautiful artwork and literature. Would love to have this set on my bookshelf!
Carol Kennedy says
They look beautiful! Hoping to win! Also, loved the article on danceāhowever it immediately set my 15yo daughter complaining that āwe never have anything like that around us!ā
Kathy Lynn Van Hees says
These books are so nice! They would make a nice gift for our kids. Thank you for suggesting these – it is not always easy to find solid faith filled books.
Kiera says
My kiddos would love these! Thank you!
Sandi Frances says
Thanks for the book giveaway lottery!
I am passing on the goofy and fascinating “Girl from Ipanema” video to my husband who has been a computer and Jobim nerd since I met him.
Fun juxtaposition between Brazilian jazz and Gregorian Chant links. All things educational.
Goes to show that Catholic means universal, not uniform!
Happy feast of St. Nicholas to all….
Amanda Wegrzyn says
Every Advent we pull out our well-loved Christmas books and the children spend an entire afternoon reading through them. It would be great to add these beautiful books to our collection!
Kelsey says
Can never have enough beautiful childrenās books!
MamaB says
Thank you for the lovely giveaway! Would love to add these to our collectionāI love to show my kids Johnās books and tell that an old friend from college wrote them! They are always so amazed that I know a real like author & artist š
Abby says
These look so beautiful. Quality Christmas books bring such delight to our family.
Amy D says
So beautiful! I’d love these to give to my godchild š
Melanie says
The books look so beautiful.
Rebecca Williams says
I am delighted to see beautiful books like this being created for our children. What a treat, I can’t help but hope to win.
MargP says
I’ve decided to give my daughter and her family a Catholic Christmas book every year. I already have one from Sophia Press but would love these from TAN.
Emily P says
Happy St. Nicholas Day! These books look lovely! I would love to get them.
Lora says
Thank you for the giveaway!! These look beautiful š¤©
Cami says
This style of illustration is a favorite for me. Just lovely. Really draws you in.
Becky Stevens says
Love looking at your website for so many Christmas gift ideas! Have several in my cart, but would love to win them!
Lisa says
I would love to win those books! One of my children is just learning her ABCs and counting, so this would be perfect!
bn100 says
looks nice
thedaltonfam says
Would love to add these to our Christmas book stack!
Christi says
These are so beautiful!! May God bless your generosity!
Teresa says
I thought we had enough Christmas picture books until I saw these! They look gorgeous!
Mrs. P says
I am a huge fan of your blog. Thank you for the giveaway!
Elizabeth says
These are beautiful! I would love to add them to our collection. Thank you for the giveaway!
Rachel says
I never win these things but I shall not give up!! These are beautiful books – we are just enjoying deep diving into what went into Manuscript-ing in the Middle Ages and are having tons of fun there. This would be such a sweet and beautiful collection to our family bookshelf!
Mandy says
Thank you for the giveaway!
My husband and I are converts to Catholicism. We are raising our sons in the Church and trying to present them with beautiful and holy literature that waters the seed of faith instilled in them at their baptism. These books would be a lovely way to open further discussions of our faithāour oldest always asks questions about the books we read (youngest only babbles right now)āwhile also providing some spiritual and āpracticalā education.
Happy Advent!
Theresa Baranko says
The books are beautiful with such attention to detail that children are drawn into the world of His Majesty’s beauty. Our two little ones would savor them. Thank you and out kids fingers are crossed.
Lydia says
Our eleventh grandchild is due on the 16th! This would be a perfect birthday/first Christmas present for her. I love that the illustrations aren’t garish or silly or “cute.”
Joanna says
Beautiful books!
Paulina Smerek says
It would be so wonderful to have these books! Thank you for doing a giveaway!
Theresa M says
Pick me! Iāll be your best friend. š¤
Ashley says
The world is in need of more beautiful Catholic books! Iām so glad publishers are recognizing this! These would make a beautiful addition to our home library. ā¤ļø
Rita Rossini says
Gorgeous books artfully created. Thank you for the opportunity! My children and I love Christmas books!
Eireann says
Would love to win this giveaway to give these books to my beloved little nephews so they can appreciate beauty.
Emily Eidem says
Beautiful books! Would love to win.
Noel Miller says
Lovely! Iāve been eyeing the ABC one since it came out and very excited about the counting one as well!
Jean says
Beautiful books! We have the ABC one and have really enjoyed it!
Sarah says
Thank you for the chance to win. They are beautiful, my kids will love them.
Samantha says
These are stunning! Exactly the type of illustrations we want our kid to grow up with
Elizabeth says
Hoping to win! But adding to my wishlist if I donāt.
Emily Gibbs says
These are lovely! We got one last year for a godson, but always looking to build our own collection and have more beautiful childrenās books in our stash to gift on short notice!
JaniNe says
Love them!
Emily Krestyn says
These would make such dear Christmas gifts for my godchild. Such a fun giveaway! ā¤ļø
Maura Baklinski says
These are beautiful!!
Cara says
Iād love to add these books to our collection! They are so lovely.
Regan Ballin says
These are BEYOND beautiful. I had them in my cart on Black Friday and forgot to finish my purchase! Would LOVE them for my grandchildren.
Regan Ballin says
Am I too late?!
Elizabeth says
What beautiful books!
Kelly Hardy says
These books are in my wish list right now!!!
Ruth says
Lovely books.