I want to share with you my favorite Christmas books. I love books, and I love reading to children. After a gazillion years, these are the ‘tried and true’, stories that children love. Me, too!
Grab tissues, laughter, and wonder, and some history. Some books you will recognize. Others might seem new, but they’re not— they’re just better.
The first time I read The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg was was in 1985, when the book was published. I was at a huge family Christmas gathering. Someone put the book in my hand and asked me to read it to the crowd. This was a new book for me, and as I read the words I was on that train ride. The ending was hard to read aloud with my heart in my throat. The movie is good, but the book is superior.
On Christmas Eve, by Peter Collington is a captivating wordless book, in the style of The Snowman by Raymond Briggs. It is based in England, with fairies and Santa Claus traditions. It is fascinating to follow the fairies helping Santa!
If I had to pick only one out of the pile of books, it would be Apple Tree Christmas, by Trinka Hakes Noble. The story takes place in New Hampshire in the 1800’s. A blizzard, a farm, a tree, and a child who loves to draw. It is thrilling from beginning to end… grab the tissues, it’s a true story.
My almost number one book is The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree, by Gloria Houston. The story takes place in rural Appalachia, close to my roots. It is a story of rural traditions, WWI, a train, and what a mother does on Christmas Eve. And, it’s a true story. Recommended for kindergarten and above.
Merry Christmas, Strega Nona, by Tomie dePaola is a favorite. Everyone loves Strega Nona and Big Anthony. This book incorporates the culture of Italy and Christmas, and the lessons of life.
Night Tree, by Eve Bunting is a modern tale that tells the story of a family and their tree in the woods. Every Christmas Eve the family bundles up and heads from their house to the woods. They find “their tree”, the one they have decorated every year for the animals. It is a well written story, weaving adventure and giving, and family being together.
Dr. Seuss has always been one of the best. He outdid himself with How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The message of the true meaning of Christmas shines through in this book. Please skip the movie, it doesn’t hold a candle to the book.
Every adult should read these books. Period. They are that good. Then, spread the joy and learning by reading aloud these books to children, young and old. They will love the stories. You will, too.
Merry Christmas!
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Excellent choices, Jennie. The Grinch, of course, is classic. Merry Christmas, Jennie.
Steve
>
Hello Steve, you have been very quiet on your blog and I miss your humorous posts. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas.
Robbie, I was thinking the same thing. Then I read his two posts (below). Wonderful!
Yes, I have. A couple of things. We’ve been having some work done in our house and it’s interfered with my thinking (not hard to do); I seem to be having a writer’s block and can’t get past a story I’ve been tying to write (I can’t believe that I said ‘writer’ block’, what an ego). But your nice comment has encouraged me to keep trying. Thanks, Robbie. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
🙂 Best to you, Steve!
If you like funny, I thought this was funny. Based on our ‘first time’ doing it…buying in QVC, that is… http://srbottch.com/2015/04/06/samusing-i-was-a-qvc-virgin/
Hysterical! Love it!
Thanks, Jennie. It was fun writing this one.
You’re welcome, Steve!
You must keep going, Steve. I love your posts and writing. Happy Christmas to you and yours.
I second that!
Thank you, Jennie.
You’re welcome, and I meant it!
Wow, such nice words. I’m humbled and appreciative.
Thank you, Steve.
Here’re two of my favs. 😉
http://srbottch.com/2015/12/19/the-prettiest-christmas-tree-ever-a-holiday-tradition/
http://srbottch.com/2015/11/23/today-i-smell-gingerbread/
Steve
>
Wonderful, Steve. Just wonderful. Merry Christmas to you. 🎄
Merry Christmas, Jennie!
🎄😀
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
Thank you for reblogging!
Some news books to me here, Jennie. I love these posts, it is like finding new treasure to find new books.
Yes, it’s like a treasure hunt. Thanks, Robbie!
I don’t know these, Jennie. I didn’t have Christmas books as such when I was young.
I will bookmark the post, and explore some of the titles with our grandson when he is older.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. I wondered if you knew of On Christmas Eve since it is from England. And speaking of England, you were right when you told me the Queen answers her mail. Thank you! We received a lovely letter from Buckingham Palace yesterday. Blog post soon. Best to you, Pete.
I knew you would get a reply of some sort. Glad to hear it! 🙂
😀
These are excellent recommendations, Jennie.
Thank you, Dan.
I must confess to not having read ANY of these – but they all sound wonderful! Merry Christmas!
Thank you, and Merry Christmas! 🎄
Thank you for your lovely post, Jennie. It was a perfect way to begin my day. I’m going to be curling up with these great titles later this week. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you, and happy reading. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Susan. 🎄
Excellent choices. Merry Christmas.
Thank you! Merry Christmas. 🎄
Merry Christmas 🙂
Thank you, and a Merry Christmas to you!
This brings back so many lovely memories, Jennie💕
I’m glad they do, Tina! ❤️
Looks like I have a few more to look for and read. I missed so many in my growing up and even my children’s. That’s what you get with all the moving around and no roots or access to good books. I’ll probably spend lifetimes trying to read them all. Thank you for sharing these and no movie will ever compare with the original book. Merry Christmas, Jennie and Happy New Year.
Thanks so much, Marlene. Merry Christmas to you! 🎄
Love this post, Jennie! Wonderful choices and now I’ll have to find copies of the three I don’t recognize: Apple Tree Christmas, The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree, and On Christmas Eve–they all sound like beautiful books. Thanks so much and Merry Christmas!
They’re not as well known, yet are SO good. Please read and enjoy!! And, let me know what you think. 🙂 Merry Christmas, Marcia. 🎄
I read very few childrens books as a kid. I had my own library card when I was 6 and had free rein of the stacks. I’m sure that I missed some excellent things.
Like you, I read very few books as a child. I went to the library one time with my grandmother, and that was a treat. I think I am living proof that it’s never too late. Treat yourself to reading “The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree.” It will make your holiday. Promise. Best to you, John.
What a great list. I loved (loved) Polar Express. I’ll try the others!
Thanks, Jacqui. You’ll love them! 🙂
Wonderful picks Jennie-I love them all. Also check out another of my favorites – The Mole Family Christmas by Russell Hoban.
I love it!
Great and wonderful stories you share. You may appreciate “The Christmas Cookie Club” a novel by Ann Pearlman. Not actually a child’s book though….
Oooo, thank you for the recommendation. Glad you enjoyed this!