Puddle Pen Christmas

If you're looking for a mess-free activity for young children this season, Puddle Pen Christmas is a terrific choice. This board book by Juliet David features the basic Christmas story - from Gabriel visiting Mary, to Jesus' birth in a stable, to Mary, Joseph, and Jesus fleeing to Egypt because of King Herod. The story is attractively illustrated by Helen Poole and biblical references are found on every page.

But what makes Puddle Pen Christmas unique are the five loose pages found in a pocket at the back of the book, along with a pen that easily fills with water. Once parents fill the pen with water, all kids have to do to reveal the hidden picture on these "Puddle Pen" pages is to "color" them with the water pen. As the pages get wet, colored image of the three wise men, or Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem, or baby Jesus in the manger, or shepherds, or Jesus' family going to Egypt are revealed. It's mess free and even toddlers can manage the activity by themselves.

What I Like: My two year old will sit through this book, then happily scribble on the Puddle Pen pages - and my 5 year old asks over and over again to use these "magic" pages. This not only gives the kids a quiet activity to do during a busy season, but it helps further instill the Christmas story in their minds.

What I Dislike: My only complaint is the same one I have with many Christmas books for young children. Namely, there is no explanation that Jesus is God's son or what it means when the angels tell the shepherds "he will save his people."

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, ages 3 and up. I'd say toddler to first grade or so.

Publishing Info: Candle Books, 2010; ISBN: 978-1859858684; board book, 10 pgs., $12.99.

Buy Now at Amazon.com for $11.04

OR buy at Christianbook.com for $9.99