Christmas Countdown 16-20

 Day 16:

The Animals' Christmas Eve by Gale Wiersum, illustrated by Alex Steele Morgan.  This is an adorable counting book about the animals in the barn telling each other the Christmas story.
Day 17:

The Other Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke, retold by Pamela Kennedy, illustrated by Robert Barrett.  I love this story of the other wise man who dedicated his life to find the Savior but is stopped along the way to help and care for others, showing the life of a true disciple.
Day 18:

Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry.  How many different homes can be graced with the presence of this one Christmas tree?
Day 19:

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston, illustrated by Barbara Cooney.  I love this story of a little family in the Appalachian mountains who strive to keep the Christmas spirit alive even though their father is far away fighting.
Day 20:

This is the Stable by Cynthia Cotten, illustrated by Delana Bettoli.  A story loosely patterned after "The House that Jack Built."  Kaity likes the repeating refrain.  I love the pictures - they're different from the standard Nativity story.