This Story is the Real Meaning of Christmas.

Posted on December 16, 2025 by Jennie
A Glow In The Darkness Is The Best Gift Of All
Posted in Uncategorized | 42 Comments

Best Children’s Christmas Books – My Annual Post

Posted on December 14, 2025 by Jennie

This is a repost of my favorite Christmas books.  The only new edition (featured in my last post) is Mr. Willowby’s Head Over Heels Christmas.  Every year these books grow stronger, because children love them.  These are the books children and adults want to read over and over again.  That’s why they’re the best.  Please, go to the library, get some of these books and read them aloud to your children.  You will be hooked, too.     

Christmas books are often more meaningful to read to a child after the holiday, once a child has experienced the joy of Christmas.  Here is my collection:

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 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.

Red and Lulu, by Matt Tavares is the story of two cardinals who live in a mighty evergreen tree.  They love their home, their tree.  Best of all, they love it when winter arrives and Christmas carolers sing close by.  Red leaves to get food, and when he returns, the tree is being cut down and hauled away.  He tells Lulu to stay, and he desperately follows the truck as it drives the tree away – but he can’t fly fast enough.  The tree becomes the tree at Rockefeller Center, and the story behind finding Lulu and what happens is fascinating.  It’s Christmas, nature, love, adventure, and never giving up.

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!

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, by Robert Barry is a delightfully predictable tale of a tree that is too tall.  Each time the top is snipped off, it goes to someone else who has the same problem, and so on.  The mouse gets the very last tree top.  The story is done in rhyme, always a delight to the ears of children.

Morris’s Disappearing Bag, by Rosemary Wells is the story of Morris, the youngest in the family, who is too little to play with his sibling’s gifts.  He discovers one last present under the tree, a disappearing bag.  I wonder if J.K. Rowling read this book- perhaps it was the inspiration to create Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak.

Carl’s Christmas, by Alexandra Day is one of the Carl book series.  It is beautifully done with full color illustrations.  Of course Carl is a dog who is often left to look after the baby.  That beginning alone is a story grabber.  Best of all, it is a wordless book, leaving much to speculate and talk about.

Santa Bruce, by Ryan T. Higgins is the newest book on this list.  Bruce is a grumpy old bear, and is again the victim of mistaken identity.  He is not the real Santa, yet all the animals are convinced that he is.  The book is absolutely hilarious.

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

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 63 Comments

Mr. Willowby’s Book, Then and Now

Posted on December 8, 2025 by Jennie

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, by Robert Barry is a delightfully predictable tale of a tree that is too tall.  Each time the top is snipped off, it goes to someone else who has the same problem, and so on.  The mouse gets the very last tree top.  The story is done in rhyme, always a delight to the ears of children.

Robert Barry wrote and illustrated the book in 1963.  The fact that it is still popular certainly speaks volumes.  Yes, this Christmas book is a classic.  I read it to my preschool class every year.

Fast forward to 2025.

Robert Barry passed away in 2012.  His son, John, found folders in the back of a dusty, old, overstuffed, forgotten filing cabinet.  They contained draft manuscripts and sketches for a second Mr. Willowby story that had never been published.

Wow!  Big wow!

Mr. Willowby’s Head Over Heels Christmas is a delightful story!  The same characters are in the book.  They need to help Mr. Willowby get his big tree.  Their adventure to do so keeps the reader captivated, and the ending is quite a surprise.

The back of the book has a message written by John about his discovery of the manuscript and drawings by his father.  I can only imagine his shock in discovering such a treasure.

I learned that the original book was featured on Captain Kangaroo in the 60’s.  In 1995 it was adapted for a Muppets holiday television special.  This follow-up story was written in the 60’s.  In the words of John upon his discovery,

“Pleased by the positive response to Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, in the 1960’s my father wrote a follow-up story featuring Mr. Willowby, which he hoped to publish someday.  Other projects got in the way, and the story — together with his original sketches — disappeared into an overstuffed file cabinet.  I had no idea that the manuscript for Mr. Willowby’s Head Over Heels Christmas existed, and I was surprised and excited to discover it lost in a stack of old story ideas and sketches.  I am sure my father would be delighted to know that this long-lost holiday tale featuring Mr. Willowby and his animal friends is finally being shared with new generations of readers.  I hope you enjoy it.”  ~John Barry~

Thank goodness John found this treasure.  I love this new book!

Jennie

P.S. Stayed tuned for my favorite Christmas books.

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading, wonder | Tagged , , , | 60 Comments

Gloria’s Thanksgiving

Posted on December 3, 2025 by Jennie

Gloria’s adventures and weekends with children are always wonderful.  When it’s a special holiday, in this case Thanksgiving, Gloria is one lucky gal to spend the holiday with a child.

First, she went to Cape Cod, Massachusetts.  She met the grandparents and quickly made friends with the family.

Then it was game night.  Don’t you love Scrabble?

Then it was Turkey Day!  Food and more food, a parade.  Gloria was patient and kind.  She loved her turkey headdress,
….but the weekend wasn’t over yet.

Hockey Time!
Gloria played hockey.
She loved the hockey helmet.
Apparently there were other kids at the rink
who remember Gloria from long ago.
That was a surprise for the family
(but not for me)
especially when they heard shouts of “Gloria!”


Gloria brings people together.  She has a way about her, and she brings out the kindness and love in others.  No wonder she’s so popular.

Jennie

Posted in Community, Diversity, Family, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , | 83 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted on November 27, 2025 by Jennie

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jennie

Posted in Community, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Heart, Inspiration, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , | 71 Comments

Writing With Children Makes a Difference

Posted on November 24, 2025 by Jennie

Language is the key to literacy, and literacy is the key to writing and reading.  That’s the pattern, how it develops.  So, what do I do in school to make this happen?

I sing.  Singing cements words.  I sing “The Days of the Week” song.  I sing the “Hello To” song to each child.  I sing books, like Goodnight Moon.  I sing in the bathroom with children.  When I was a child I learned how to spell ‘encyclopedia’ from Jiminy Cricket singing in the movie “Pinocchio.”

I read aloud.   When it comes to language and words, the receptive part of the brain is well-developed compared to the expressive part of the brain.  That means children ‘get it’ long before they can verbalize.  I read picture books throughout the day, sometimes to a group, sometimes to an individual child.  It often happens that a child brings me a book and asks, “Jennie, will you read this to me?”  I chapter read at rest time.  This is a work-out for the brain, as there are no pictures.

Pouring all these words into little brains is the beginning.  Next, they need to see words in print.  In the classroom, everything is labeled.  Does that mean children can read those words?  No.  But it lets a child know there is a written word for everything.  This helps develop familiarity and comfort.  This is the start of literacy.

Next, I write their names and I write letters, all with children looking on beside me.  Sometimes children want to try and write, too.  We play games with alphabet letters, and we focus on the first letter in a child’s name.  Children roll playdoh to make letters.  There is no structure or agenda, just exposure and fun.

Ramping up words into writing happens when we write giant thank you notes to guests.  I write the words with children, and they decorate the thank you note.  Here is smiling General Z holding the thank you note we mailed to him:

It gets better!  We are learning about woodland animals.  Bears have been a big focus and very popular.  I have a huge collection of stuffed bears and clothing which we put into dramatic play.  Nothing else, just bears.  Children started to give bears names and personalities.  I added a doll so we could do “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”.  Children used voices.  They were ‘in the zone’.

I seized the moment; “Let’s write a bear story!”  Yes, they were eager.  “Wait, I have to get the clipboard so I can write your words.”  We were all huddled together.  I had my pen and paper ready.  Here is their bear story:

THE BEARS

Once upon a time there were five bears.
They lived in the woods.
They were friendly.
They were a family.
They ate meat.  They were always hungry.
They wanted to go on an adventure.
They went to the river to get fish.
They stayed in the boat and fished.
Then they went to Florida.
They went to Disney and saw Mickey Mouse.
They used the boat to get pizza
and go back home.

THE END


Isn’t this wonderful?  Do you see what’s happening here?  Language and literacy are spilling over into writing, making connections between the spoken word and the written word.  This will set up a foundation for reading.  I’m so proud!

Jennie

P.S.  Speaking of language, there is only one common denominator among National Merit Scholars.  One.  It’s not class president or captain of a team.  They have dinner together with their families at least four times a week.  That speaks volumes (pun intended.)

Posted in Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 73 Comments

Community Service in a Different Way

Posted on November 19, 2025 by Jennie

I live in a town, not a city.  It’s not rural, but pretty close.  40+ years ago when we moved here there were no road signs, no traffic lights, and the phone number was just the last five digits.  It was a bit of a culture shock, especially the people.  Oh, the people.  I’m from the south (outgoing and friendly), and these northerners were rather cold.  So it seemed.  I just had to open my eyes… no, my heart.

People did come together.  I just didn’t see that back then.  Fast forward 40 years.  Now, more than ever, people not only come together, they reach out to help others.  Our town delivers food and services to residents, but there is much more.  We have a Community Center that has everything from soup to nuts – everything to bring people together.

Isn’t that what we all want, what we need?

The Prescott Community Center has it all, whether you’re an oldster like me, or a child.

  • History and culture
  • Current events
  • Arts and crafts
  • Dance
  • Performing arts
  • Fitness
  • Science and technology
  • Nature
  • Home and garden
  • Games and recreation
  • Writing and literature

And more!

Here is where community service plays a big part, especially for me:


I was part of the Community Spelling Bee, the big annual fundraiser.  Participants were in groups of four, and my group was from school, Groton Community School.  We were Three Blind Mice and the Big Cheese.

Although we did not win (who knew daiquiri had three’i’s’?), we had so much fun!

We did get second place in the Humorous Costume award.

What’s really important here?

I saw many past families and people in my community I don’t see often.  Connection.  I was part of something bigger.  I was part of my community.  I was helping.

My library reading groups are my community service, yet this is so much more.  Thank you, Prescott Community Center.  Groton has come a long way.  I have, too.

Jennie

Posted in geography, Giving, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, literacy, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 62 Comments

Look What Arrived!

Posted on November 15, 2025 by Jennie

Look what arrived today!
Darlene Foster’s new Amanda book,
Amanda in Ireland,
The Body in the Bog.

I’m so excited!

Jennie

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, literacy, reading | Tagged , , , | 57 Comments

Thanking a Veteran

Posted on November 11, 2025 by Jennie

Veterans Day is one thing.  Thanking a veteran is another thing.  Making it ‘real’ for children is what I did.

Retired two star General, Bruce Z, was our guest at school today.


Can you imagine what it was like for children to see him in uniform?  He was wonderful!  First we presented him with the American flag the children made.

Do you know how hard it is for three-year-olds to cut seven red stripes?  They worked hard, and they were very proud.  General Z beamed.


Children had so many questions.  They asked him about his uniform and his ribbons and medals.  He told them about his favorite medal, an award for parachuting.  My goodness, he told stories about parachuting from a plane and a helicopter, parachuting when your chute doesn’t open, and describing a reserve chute.  Oh, there were more stories.

Then it was time to ask children if they wanted to shake General Z’s hand and say thank you.

My goodness, every child was eager.  I’m so glad they had far more than an opportunity to thank a veteran.  Of course we wrote him and decorated a gigantic thank you note.

Jennie

Posted in America, American flag, Giving thanks, military, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 76 Comments

More on Diversity

Posted on November 7, 2025 by Jennie

I’m reading Katherine Applegate’s award winning book, Wishtree, to my library Read Aloud group.  The story is told by Red the tree, who is over two centuries old.  Red is the Wish Tree in the neighborhood, carrying on a long tradition of making wishes on the first of May.  Wish Trees are a real thing throughout the world.

Red’s neighborhood is colorful, with people from everywhere who bring different cultures, food, and languages.  Everyone gets along.  When Samar moves into the neighborhood with her family, she sneaks out at night to sit under Red.  She tells Red she wants a friend.

Today we read that a boy carved the word LEAVE into Red with a screwdriver.  Of course we stopped to talk about how terrible that was.  It hurt Red.  Who would do such a thing?  Putting two and two together, we guessed LEAVE was directed at Samar.  Even Red was puzzled, as so many cultures were part of the neighborhood.

Children’s eyes were big.  No one said anything.  That means the words were pouring into their heads and they had to process everything.

I stopped.  “Do you know my classroom has a Samar?”

Silence.  Big eyes.  Everyone stared at me.

“Her name is Gloria.  No one understood her or liked her at her old school, so she wanted to be in my classroom.  Would you like to see some pictures?”

I pulled up pictures on my phone.  Everyone enjoyed them.  Children asked, “Why didn’t they like Gloria?”

OMG!  This is the magic question, the one every teacher wants to hear, the one that opens the door and validates diversity.

I answered, “People called her a witch.  She’s just different, like Samar.”

The nods of heads and matter-of-fact looks told me they got it.

Gloria provided something real, something children could understand in the context of our chapter book.

Jennie

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, literacy, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 75 Comments