Youngest Readers (Toddlers to Kindergarten)

ON THIS SPECIAL NIGHT
Written by Claire Freedman, illustrated by Simon Mendez (Scholastic)
Animals come together through their travels to seek out what is special under the bright star in the sky. The realistic illustrations in this book radiate the warmth and magic of Christmas Eve.

A CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR ME!
Written by Lily Karr, illustrated by Jill McDonald (Scholastic)
This board book looks like a present. Each page is filled with brightly colored festivities and a question to help young children with vocabulary and concept development.

THE CHRISTMAS MAGIC
Written by Lauren Thompson, illustrated by Jon J. Muth (Scholastic)
This gentle charming story captures the magic of Christmas: the time of year that starts in the far north where reindeer live, and one special man prepares for the magic that comes at last, as it always has, and always will.

For Readers (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade)

STICK MAN
Written by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler (Arthur A. Levine Books)
This book is a hilarious spin slightly reminiscent of the Gingerbread Man. In this version, however, we learn the many uses and challenges of not just a stick but the Stick Man.

THE WEE CHRISTMAS CABIN
Written by Margaret Hodges, illustrated by Kimberly Bulcken Root (Holiday House)
This retelling of an Irish folktale, set during difficult times, brings out the unending kindness of one abandoned tinker’s daughter named Oona. She never stopped giving and it is said she still opens her home today to the needy each white Christmas.

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Retold and illustrated by Rachel Isadora (Putnam)
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and Rachel Isadora takes us through a beautifully illustrated retelling of Clement C. Moore’s poem.  While we may not recognize the setting as our home, if we use a little imagination we will learn that all of our dreams have much in common.

For Readers (3rd to 6th Grade)

THE STORY OF SNOW: THE SCIENCE OF WINTER’S WONDER
Written by Mark Cassino & Jon Nelson, illustrated by Nora Aoyagi (Chronicle Books)
Amazing photos of actual snow crystals and snowflakes are unbelievably gorgeous. Readers will also learn the science behind the formation of snow crystals in this fascinating nonfiction book.

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
Written by E.T.A. Hoffman, illustrated by Gail de Marcken (Orchard Books)
The Nutcracker ballet is a holiday favorite for many youngsters. The large cast of dancers in colorful costumes truly is a sight to behold. This beautifully illustrated adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffman’s original story is perfect for learning the story from which the ballet was created.

WHO WOULD LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE? A TREE FOR ALL SEASONS
Written by Ellen Bryan Obed, illustrated by Anne Hunter (Houghton Mifflin)
What is a Christmas tree when it is not Christmas? This insightful book introduces readers to the many animals who depend on the evergreen trees throughout each month of the year.

Book reviews provided by BSU professor Stan Steiner, the Bookman.  For more book suggestions and reviews, visit his web page at http://education.boisestate.edu/stansteiner.