Happy Monday! December weekends can be so busy, but I hope you’ve found some time to curl up with your kiddos and share some books, along with a cup of hot chocolate! This week, I thought I’d include some of my favorite Christmas books in the latest edition of my “Kids’ Books to Remember” post. Of course, there are more published every year, and many are wonderful, but I haven’t found any that I like better than these!
kids’ books to remember: read aloud
On Christmas Eve by Ann M. Martin. Tess truly believes in magic and that includes Santa Claus. And she has a secret. She’s going to meet him at midnight on Christmas Eve and thank him for all of the special gifts he has given her through the years. Her 6th grade sister cautions her that this can’t happen, but it must, because Tess has a very special Christmas wish. She wants Santa to help her best friend’s dad get well. This is a story about wishes, dreams, hope and friendship that gives you a warm and cozy feeling. You’ll want to make it a family read aloud, if your little ones are a bit older. It turns out that Tess does get to meet Santa at midnight, and also has the opportunity to experience some special magic with her dog Sadie. After reading this, I may need to stay up until midnight on Christmas Eve with my greyhound, Brandy, and be a part of that magic!
The True Gift by Patricia MacLachlan. This is a lovely small chapter book about Lily and Liam who are spending Christmas with their grandparents. It’s a story about compassion, community and kindness that you won’t want to miss.
The Animals’ Merry Christmas by Kathryn Jackson and illustrated by Richard Scary. I read these stories to my boys many years ago and I’m delighted to see that it has been reissued! This favorite includes 21 stories that will soon become family favorites, along with Richard Scary’s colorful and endearing illustrations.
kids’ books to remember: picture books
Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco. This poignant tale tells about a miracle that happens one Christmas Eve involving an elderly Jewish woman, a lonely man and the pastor’s family. This is best for older children, because the story briefly mentions the Nazis and how people were sent to concentration camps. However, the kindness and love in the story overshadow that and describe a miracle. It is based upon two homilies that Ms. Polacco heard in the 60’s and the 90’s and were told as true stories. This is a memorable book you’ll want to share with your entire family.
When it Snows by Richard Collingridge. The gentle, dream like illustrations in this book help the reader to follow the little boy and his teddy bear on a wondrous journey that leads to a surprising destination.
Harvey Slumfenburger’s Christmas Present by John Burningham. This story tells about Santa’s kindness and thoughtfulness as he tries his best to deliver a forgotten gift to a child in need.
Welcome Comfort by Patricia Polacco. This tale tells the story of Welcome Comfort, a foster child who has been moved from home to home. However, after he is befriended by the school custodian, his life changes forever because he becomes part of a family. There is a lot of wonder in this story, which will make you want to have an extra snuggle with your little ones.
kids’ books to remember: chapter books
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson.
The Tale of Rescue by Michael J. Rosen.
The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson.
links for mom and dad
20 Profoundly Important Things We Learned from Winnie the Pooh
A Talk with frindle Author, Andrew Clements
how to make your perfect little worrier smile
What are some of your favorite holiday books? Please share in the comments!
