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For the Youngest Readers (Toddlers to Kindergarten)
A CHRISTMAS GOODNIGHT
Written by Nola Buck, illustrated by Sarah Jane Wright (Katherine Tegen Books)
In the spirit of the classic Goodnight Moon, this book features a young boy saying goodnight to all the characters in the nativity scene.
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Illustrated by Laurel Long (Dial)
This familiar song takes on a new classiness with these stunning illustrations. This book truly is a feast for reader’s eyes. Another spectacular version this year is Jane Ray’s Candlewick Press book with the same title.
CAN YOU SEE WHAT I SEE? TOYLAND EXPRESS
Written and illustrated by Walter Wick (Scholastic)
Picture puzzles have a way of capturing the attention of a wide audience. These books are great for vocabulary development, quality time with a child, and letting your imagination soar in a world of toys. Look for I Spy a Christmas Tree for more adventure in the world of search and find books.
For Readers (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade)
A CHRISTMAS TREE FOR PYN
Written and illustrated by Olivier Dunrea (Philomel)
Pyn’s father, Oother, comes across as a gruff and no-nonsense giant of a man. Pyn, on the other hand, has all the curiosity and dreams of any child living in the forest. This year she wants a Christmas tree, but Oother says no. Pyn softens his heart through her kindness and determination. Look for two wonderful companion books, The Littlest Evergreen by Henry Cole and The Scrawny Little Tree by Ed Mehler.
GRACE AT CHRISTMAS
Written by Mary Hoffman, illustrated by Cornelius van Wright & Ying-Hwa Hu (Dial)
This book in the Grace series reflects her mother and Nana reaching out to relatives who cannot get home to Trinidad for the holidays. Grace’s love for acting out stories brings everyone closer together for the best Christmas ever.
FANCY NANCY: SPLENDIFEROUS CHRISTMAS
Written by Jane O’Connor, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser (Harper)
Christmas is the perfect match for Fancy Nancy’s penchant for tree shopping, decorations, baking, and caroling, but patience while waiting for grandpa’s arrival is a challenge. A little game of tussle with her dog almost turns Christmas into a total disaster. Grandpa and a little Fancy Nancy creativity save the day.
For Readers (3rd to 6th Grade)
A BAD KITTY CHRISTMAS
Written and illustrated by Nick Bruel (Roaring Brook Press)
Bad Kitty fans will enjoy the mischief-making before the holidays, but this time he goes too far. A lesson in humility and the importance of family during the holidays comes into play. A delightful story!
DUKE ELLINGTON’S NUTCRACKER SUITE
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER
Written by Barbara Robinson, illustrated by Laura Cornell (Harper)
The notorious Herdmans are about to wreck the yearly Christmas play, but in end the nativity story changes them. This charming picture book version of one of the most heartwarming Christmas stories is a great lead-in to reading the chapter book, performing the play, or watching the movie version.
Book reviews provided by BSU professor Stan Steiner, the Bookman. For more suggestions and reviews, visit his web page at http://education.boisestate.edu/stansteiner. Book Nook is archived at treasurevalley family.com.
Written by Anna Harwell Celenza, illustrated by Don Tate (Charlesbridge)
Duke Ellington was one of America’s greatest jazz musicians. This wonderful story, based on fact, is about Duke and his friend Billy Strayhorn who composed and then played with the band a jazz rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Two other holiday books with CDs to look for are: The Happy Elf by Harry Connick, Jr. and The Night Before Christmas performed by Peter, Paul & Mary.
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