It’s the time of the year for wonderful books about the Christmas season. Here are some outstanding picture books, and fiction books, that would be great for all ages. I’ve organized these books into three categories: meaningful, traditional and humorous. I’ll begin with meaningful books.
A Child’s Christmas in Wales, by Dylan Thomas, and illustrated by Chris Raschka’s award-winning style with ink, torn paper and gouache, is a celebration of the days leading up to Christmas as the author relates his life growing up in Wales. He was a renowned Welsh poet and this recollection relates life in the early 20th century. The beautiful imagery and poetic flow of the words evoke memories of childhood long past. This smallish size picture book is a must for reading out loud.
Nickel Bay Nick, by Dean Pitchford, is a mystery and exciting fiction book geared for ages 8 and up. Sam is very upset. His father’s bakery is going bankrupt and his mom is spending time with her new husband’s family over Christmas. He takes out his anger by breaking windows at an abandoned warehouse. But he gets discovered when he falls from a tree and ruins his neighbors’ Christmas decorations. This is when he is about to be caught up in a seven-year-old secret about the town’s Christmas Samaritan, Nickel Bay Nick, who usually would give $100 bills to families around town. But this year he’s suddenly gone missing. Now the fate of the town rests on him. Sam is about to learn some important lessons about what’s really important in life. Better give yourself time to read this book, because once started, you won’t want to stop!
Snow Bunny’s Christmas Wish, by Rebecca Harry, is a beautifully painted picture book that has shiny foil imbedded on every picture bringing out the icy coverings of snow. This is a story of selflessness and giving that brings out a great message at Christmas. A small bunny feels lonely and asks Santa for a friend, but misses the “Red Robin” mail pickup. So she decides to deliver it herself. But as she travels to the North Pole she comes across many animals in need and she doesn’t hesitate but helps immediately. The sweet message will prevail with all ages.
The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit, by Emma Thompson, and perfectly painted which matches the original tales by Eleanor Taylor, is a delightful tale that keeps to the tradition of the mischievous behavior of Peter and his cousin Benjamin Bunny. Both bunnies are asked to collect needed items for their mothers for Christmas. But when they bump into William, a great and confident turkey, they see that he is about to be served at the Farmer McGregor’s Christmas meal. How they go about to prevent this is a delight! There’s also a CD included which is read by Ms. Thompson.
The Twelve Days of Christmas, by Susan Jeffers, is a richly illustrated version of this traditional song. The richly painted pictures cover full pages and the watercolor paintings evoke a feeling of an old-fashioned imagery. This picture book would be perfect to have children recite or sing the pages or retell without using the traditional verses.
Tallulah’s Nutcracker, by Marilyn Singer, and painted with a variety of beautiful watercolors by Alexandra Boiger, is a picture book about the excitement when Ballet-crazed Tallulah is chosen to be a mouse in a professional production of The Nutcracker. She has a mishap on stage but all turns out well when others gather around her in support and friendship. Be sure to check out the end-pages, front and back, along with ballet terms sprinkled throughout.
Zoomer’s Out-of-This-World Christmas, by Ned Young, is a silly tale about Zoomer, the pup, and his brothers but there is some goodwill included. While they are outside anxiously waiting for the arrival of Santa Claus, a spaceship crashes into their yard. Unique-looking aliens come out and all begin to have a good time when the alien father discovers that his spaceship was damaged during landing. Zoomer gives up a treasured tricycle to help them return to their planet. The illustrations are bright and showcase the importance of sharing and selflessness.
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