I received a free copy of Charlie & Noel so I could review it for my readers. All opinions expressed in this post belong to me. You can read more about this is my full disclosure policy.
I know that Thanksgiving is not upon us quite yet, but the Advent season will begin very soon afterwards and I simply don’t want you to miss out on hearing about this advent calendar story called Charlie & Noel by Franziska Macur of Home, Naturally.
An Advent Calendar Story for Each Day
Charlie is a little boy who wants more than anything to skip all the events of the Advent season and get right to the presents. Along his journey of Advent, he is introduced to a character {hint: it’s a donkey} who helps him discover the true meaning of Advent and Christmas.
Each day, for 25 days, you and your child(ren) can read the unfolding and adorable story of Charlie’s Advent discoveries. Each story is composed by keeping Charlie’s perspective in mind*, making it very appealing to kids. Franziska has also included a couple of discussion questions at the end of each story that will get your kids talking and thinking through the Advent season for themselves. She also has a simple craft you can do that correlates with the story, if you so choose. I personally love the way that Franziska has also integrated many of the special days recognized throughout the Advent season, like Nicholas Day and St. Lucia Day into her stories. And, of course, she has also weaved in the true story of Christmas, Christ’s birth.
*Please note that Charlie sometimes uses words like “dumb” or “stupid”. Feel free to substitute other words, if you’d like (such as “silly”).
You can purchase your own copy of Charlie & Noel HERE for $4.99.
Franziska is also giving away one copy to THREE This Reading Mama readers, starting today. The giveaway will end on Friday, November 15th. You can enter via the Rafflecopter widget below. Please read the terms and conditions before entering.
elle says
November 10, 2013 at 2:14 pmReading to my children about the birth of Jesus and what the true meaning of Christmas is about.
Carrie R says
November 10, 2013 at 2:23 pmMy favorite thing about the Advent season is spending more time with family.
Sarah says
November 10, 2013 at 2:24 pmI just love the feeling of anticipation of something special coming (the birth of Christ). This is the first year we’ll be doing advent activities with our daughter (she’s one) and I’m so excited to share the good news with her!
Ginger Gnz. says
November 10, 2013 at 2:46 pmI love sharing the real Christmas story with my children.
Meghan says
November 10, 2013 at 2:53 pmMy favorite thing about the advent season is the idea of waiting/longing/expectation. I have had the tremendous blessing of being pregnant twice during Christmas and it was very nice to think about Mary carrying Jesus and to try to understand how she might have felt (just a tiny bit). Waiting for the Savior of the world to be born! Wow!
Rachael at Nothing if Not Intentional says
November 10, 2013 at 2:56 pmEVERYTHING. No, really. I love the season! The family time, the music, the baking, the crafts. I love it! 🙂
Kristi Burton says
November 10, 2013 at 3:39 pmI am new to the Advent season perspective, so I’m always looking for ways to teach my children about Advent and focus on the true meaning of Christmas and not get wrapped up in all the materialistic hype.
Kristy says
November 10, 2013 at 4:04 pmI always do an advent with my 3 children. This one sounds adorable and meaningful…bonus! 🙂
Roxanna Alcantra says
November 10, 2013 at 4:50 pmI love the family time we get to spend together and celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Krissy Trefren says
November 10, 2013 at 5:21 pmThat this s the first year my son is old enough to sort of understand a countdown and the family traditions.
corrie says
November 10, 2013 at 8:50 pmSounds intriguing.
Charlene says
November 10, 2013 at 8:52 pmThe waiting, teaching my child/students that when waiting we can do many marvelous things. Jesus is coming and we need to prepare for his arrival.
Jen S says
November 10, 2013 at 8:56 pmThe coming of Christ, slowing down and celebrating the joys of the season with my children while teaching them the true meaning behind the season.
Amy says
November 10, 2013 at 10:59 pmThis is the first year I’ll be doing the religious part of Advent season with my children (recent convert :), so I’m not sure what will be my favorite. Last year I loved that we did a new fun thing each day of our Advent calendar countdown (i.e. new book, drive to see lights, etc.)
Emily says
November 11, 2013 at 1:03 amI love all the anticipatory hymns!
Ruthy says
November 11, 2013 at 9:55 amI love singing “O Come O Come Emmanuel” – there’s just something about singing in a minor key that sends a shiver down my spine!
Really looking forward to a more peace-filled advent this year, as I’ve decided to slow it down and not try to squeeze in so much. This book sounds perfect – what age would you say it is suitable for?
thisreadingmama says
November 11, 2013 at 10:43 amGreat question! I would say K through 2nd grade.
Katie Nussbaum says
November 11, 2013 at 5:44 pmI love reflecting on my blessings and spending time with my family.
Jessica says
November 12, 2013 at 1:53 pmI love the preparation and excitement of the season.
sunducky says
November 12, 2013 at 3:34 pmThe way the time leading up to Christmas prepares and excites them, and the changing of the colors too!
Amanda Y says
November 12, 2013 at 9:35 pmI love the excitement and joy the season brings to my children.
Crystal says
November 13, 2013 at 1:44 amI love how advent slows the season down and really prepares our hearts for Christmas!
Katie says
November 13, 2013 at 1:44 pmThe lighting of the advent candles during our dinner time meals!
Laurie says
November 13, 2013 at 7:00 pmThis will be our first to celebrate Christmas the Advent way. I still don’t know a lot about it but I’m eager to change that. I can’t wait to spend a little time each day as a family completing the advent task and getting to the true meaning of Christmas.
nancy says
November 13, 2013 at 8:20 pmI like the build up for the true meaning of Christmas.
Keela Payne says
November 14, 2013 at 9:36 pmWill you ever do a hardcopy for gift giving. This sounds wonderful and I will probably do a Kindle version for myself and my children but I would love one to give out as Christmas Presents.
Linda Phillips says
November 15, 2013 at 6:43 pmI’ve been looking for a good Christian advent!