Abigail and the Christmas Contest ebook

In this installment of the Abigail series, she struggles with something familiar to kids and adults alike - jealousy! A few missed expectations and comparisons quickly throw things off course for young Abigail. She wrestles with the truth of Scripture from the nativity story during nightly advent readings and how it applies to her life. As a parent, I greatly appreciate the parental guidance in this series. Abigail’s parents are a constant source of gospel truths and consistently point her to Christ in the midst of whatever she’s dealing with. This is another wonderfully relatable book for kids and parents.

The Abigail series by @bethanymcilrath has quickly found its place in our hearts and a permanent spot on my Abigail’s bookshelf. She loves that the character has the same name and is the same age (well technically our Abby is a year older now 😭) and is a Christian - just like her! As a mom, I am thrilled to see this series growing as it takes common circumstances amongst kids, like comparison and jealousy, and filters it with Scripture to anchor us to Jesus. My Abigail feels like reading these books is like reading about a friend she knows and can relate to. What could be better than that?

I received a complimentary copy as a reviewer and all opinions shared are my own.

Abigail and the Christmas Contest is a charming and meaningful Christmas story that gently redirects children’s hearts toward the true meaning of the season. Through Abigail’s desire to win a Christmas contest, the story explores themes of comparison, motivation, and the temptation to focus on outward success rather than inward character. The narrative is engaging and relatable, especially for children who naturally want to do well, be noticed, or “win.”

What makes this book stand out is how thoughtfully it ...handles these themes. Rather than simply correcting behavior, the story invites reflection and growth. Abigail’s journey helps children see that Christmas is not about being the best, the most impressive, or the most celebrated, but about love, humility, and honoring God. The message is clear without feeling heavy-handed, making it accessible and impactful for young readers.

The storytelling flows naturally, and the illustrations add warmth and charm, reinforcing the emotional heart of the book. Each page supports the message that God cares more about our hearts than our performance—a truth that feels especially important during a season often filled with pressure and comparison.

Abigail and the Christmas Contest is a beautiful reminder of why Christmas matters. It offers families a meaningful way to talk about motives, gratitude, and the joy of celebrating Christ. This book is well suited for Christmas read-alouds, family discussions, and helping children refocus on what makes the season truly special.

This beloved series is a favorite in our home, and Abigail and the Christmas Contest is another wonderful addition from Bethany McIlrath, paired once again with Katie Saunders’ charming illustrations.

What I love most about Abigail, as a parent, is just how relatable she is. Her emotions are ones so many young girls experience, and as readers walk alongside her through Christmas contests, family dynamics, and big holiday moments, they also get to see something meaningful modeled—parents who gently offer ...wisdom, and a child who prays and talks honestly with Jesus.

This series consistently points young hearts to Christ and shares the gospel in a way that is accessible and easy to understand. I especially appreciate the discussion questions at the end of the book, along with the additional activities available online, which invite kids to keep engaging with the story long after the last page.

We loved this Christmas installment—hearing the Nativity story woven into Abigail’s world and watching her work through big emotions during a big holiday was both sweet and encouraging.

✨ Recommended for ages 7+
✨ Can be read as a standalone
✨ Great for families, homeschoolers, and church libraries
✨ Content note: one brief mention of eye-rolling

This is a joyful, faith-filled middle-grade read and a lovely option for read-aloud time, whether it’s Christmas season or not.