Christmas is an exciting time for children and a busy time for parents. There are trees to be decorated, presents to be wrapped and feasts to be cooked. Sometimes it seems like there isn’t a moment to spare. But if you do find a quiet moment, why not snuggle up on the couch and share a Christmas book with your children.
There are so many Christmas books to choose from and every year new titles are published. It can be hard to know where to begin. Why not start a holiday tradition and choose a new title each Christmas. Soon you will have a much-loved collection that your family can enjoy revisiting year after year.
Choosing Picture Books
Not all picture books are created equal and you want to build a collection that will stand the test of time. When making your decisions ask the following questions:
- Is there a sense of wonder?
- Does it make you laugh?
- Do you care about the characters?
- Does it build the suspense?
- Are the illustrations engaging?
- Is it different to what you've read before?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to at least five of these questions then you’ve found a quality picture book that will remain enjoyable after multiple readings.
Classic Christmas Tales
The following stories are Christmas Classics that continue to delight.
- The Night Before Christmas - Written by Clement C, Moore and illustrated by Mary Engelbreit, Harper Collins, 2004. One of the most beautifully illustrated editions available of the world's best-known Christmas poem.
- The Polar Express - Written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, Houghton Mifflin, 1985. Winner of the Caldecott Medal, the dark and somewhat eerie illustrations belie the message that magic truly exists, if only you have the faith to believe.
- The Little Drummer Boy - Written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats, Puffin, 2000. An evocatively illustrated version of the classic Christmas carol.
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss, Random House, 1957. In his whimsical tale of the lonely old Grinch, Dr. Seuss reminds us all of the true meaning of Christmas.
- Thank You, Santa - Written by Margaret Wild and illustrated by Kerry Argent, Scholastic, 1992. Though no longer in print, this book is worth a trip to the library. Samantha writes to thank Santa for her Christmas presents and a beautiful friendship begins.
Modern Christmas Stories
A selection of newer titles to enchant the next generation of readers.
- Letters to Santa - Written by Andrew Daddo and illustrated by Michelle Pike, Scholastic, 2008. Reminiscent of the classic The Jolly Postman, children pull out letters to Santa from all over the world.
- The Chicken who Saved Christmas - Written and illustrated by Daniel Howarth, Sterling, 2004. When Santa gets a cold, who will save the day? Enough humour and sparkly illustrations to keep the little ones interested.
- Can You See What I See? Night Before Christmas - Written and illustrated by Walter Wick, Cartwheel Books, 2005. From the makers of I Spy comes another popular puzzle series for children who like their books interactive.
- Who Will Help Santa This Year? - Written by Jerry Pallotta and illustrated by David Biedrzycki, Cartwheel Books, 2007. How will Santa cope when a horde of fantasy characters come to help him out?
There are so many wonderful Christmas books published every year and with so much competition only a very few of them will last the test of time. So if you see a book that you love, grab it while you can, because there's a good chance that by next year it will be out of print.
For Christmas books for older children, see my articles on Christmas Novels for Primary Students, Christmas Mysteries for Primary Students and Christmas-Themed Books for Teens.
Or click here for another article on Christmas-themed picture books.
 |
 |
