Christmas time always brings about some wonderful books on the subject. Here are some picture books to learn from, and some to just enjoy reading to your youngsters. Let's begin with meaningful books to share.
The esteemed Maya Angelou has a beautifully written and illustrated Christmas Poem, Amazing Peace. This poem was first read during the lighting of the White House Christmas Tree in 2005. But in this new edition, there are gorgeous illustrations, by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, as well as a CD with Ms. Angelou reading the poem. The theme of this eloquent and marvelously delivered poem is how we can all come together and deliver peace. “Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud. Peace.”
The Christmas Gift, by Francisco Jimenez, and illustrated by Claire B Cotts, is a tender story about the true meaning of giving. Young Panchito is excited for the approaching morning when he can see what his gift will be. But all he receives is a small bag of candy. But his heart is touched and changed when he witnesses the great love and sacrifice his father gives to his mother.
The Gift of the Magi, by O. Henry, is the classic story of ultimate sacrifice. A poor couple has no money in order to give a meaningful gift to each other, so each in turn sacrifices what they value most in order to give to the other. This version is unmistakably one of the best because of the beautiful illustrations by P. J. Lynch.
Emily's Christmas Gifts, by Cindy Post Senning and Peggy Post, and illustrated by Steve Bjorkman, is a delightful picture book that displays to both young and old that the very best gifts don't come in packages. The gifts of kindness and consideration are demonstrated over and over by young Emily.
Here is a creative story by Lemony Snicket. The Lump of Coal can “…think, talk and move itself around.” All he really wants to become is a great artist. This sweet and short story with colorful illustrations by Brett Helquist is about tiny miracles of love and friendship at Christmas time.
Here are two wonderful books about Tchaikovsky's famous ballet. The Nutcracker, retold by Stephanie Spinner, and illustrated by Peter Malone, is the retelling of this great story with an accompanying CD of the orchestrated music. The ballet is retold simply with grace and elegance and is very helpful to young ones who don't know the story. The author's note at the back of the book gives more insight to the history about the performance.
Jake the Ballet Dog, by Karen LeFrak, will take you through the story of “The Nutcracker” as you learn ballet terms as well as how the characters fit into the ballet. The cute little dog, Jake, is staying with the prima ballerina and the sights and adventures he is about to have is both exciting and enlightening.
And now for some cute Santa stories
Santa's Little Helper, by Angela McAllister, and illustrated by Daniel Howarth, is a brightly illustrated large book about a furry little bunny who is accidentally taken for a ride on Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve. But alas, Santa needs help and luckily he sees he has a companion on the trip.
Merry Christmas, Ollie!, by Olivier Dunrea, has the anticipation of Christmas morning drawn in the author's characteristic trade-mark of simplicity. Ollie, and his fellow goslings, wait for the big day as interruptions abound. Youngsters and parents alike will easily relate to the impatience of Ollie.
Christmas Cheer: A Collection of Holiday Tales, by Sally Grindley, is the perfect good night book. The stories are easily read at one sitting and include stories about the baby Jesus, Santa and even “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
A Present for Santa Claus, by David Wood, and with the pop-up engineering by Dana Kubrick, is a delightful pop-up book about young Sam who gets to go with Santa as a reward. He wants to give Santa a present. But Sam's present is a ride in the big red sleigh and help Santa on his special night. The pop-ups are great fun and add to the magic of the evening.
I'm Not Santa!, by Jonathan Allen, is a humorous story about Baby Owl who is mistaken for Santa as he pulls his red sled. Baby Hare is confused and begins to cry. But Baby Owl gets it all straightened out when Santa finally arrives.
And, you just can't celebrate Santa without the original classic: The Night Before Christmas, by Clement C. Moore. The illustrations by Richard Jesse Watson are beautiful and make for the perfect story!
