This may be my favorite Christmas picture book of all time. Patricia Polacco combines family history, traditions, service, honesty, forgiveness into aThis may be my favorite Christmas picture book of all time. Patricia Polacco combines family history, traditions, service, honesty, forgiveness into a lovely story for the whole family. You may want to buy a chocolate orange to share after reading this book together....more
Several years ago, I gave away my copy of this book as a Christmas gift to a dear friend. When I went to replace it, I discovered that this wonderful Several years ago, I gave away my copy of this book as a Christmas gift to a dear friend. When I went to replace it, I discovered that this wonderful book is out of print. I had to buy a used copy at more than list price, but it was worth it! This Nephite Christmas story is perfect for LDS families. It brings the Book of Mormon story of Christ's birth to life. It even includes scripture references for further study. I hope this treasure will be back in print sometime soon! ...more
My love language is "Acts of Service", so this classic Christmas story resonates with me. Mark Buehner's warm illustrations bring to life the sweet stMy love language is "Acts of Service", so this classic Christmas story resonates with me. Mark Buehner's warm illustrations bring to life the sweet story of a son's gift of service to his father....more
This book is one we got years ago when the kids were little. This silly story never fails to start everyone laughing and quoting their favorite lines.This book is one we got years ago when the kids were little. This silly story never fails to start everyone laughing and quoting their favorite lines. Morris’s Disappearing Bag by Rosemary Wells is the story of what happens after all the presents are opened. The three older siblings all take turns playing with each other’s gifts, but no one wants to play with little Morris' bear and they certainly don’t want him touching their toys. Then Morris notices a present that was overlooked. What he finds inside changes everything! ...more
My children were supposed to be in bed, but they saw me reading Shoemaker Martin by Bernadette Watts and begged for one more story. Strictly speaking,My children were supposed to be in bed, but they saw me reading Shoemaker Martin by Bernadette Watts and begged for one more story. Strictly speaking, this isn’t a Christmas story, but this tale of a man seeking Christ captures the spirit of the season. This book is based on a short story by Leo Tolstoy called “Where Love is, God is". Martin the cobbler reads the Bible each night and wonders how he would receive a visit from Jesus. He is woken from his sleep that night by a voice saying, “Martin, be sure you watch the street tomorrow, for I shall come.� The next day Martin is ready. He receives many visitors and is filled with joy!...more
Clement Moore’s classic poem is illustrated by two pop-ups on each page. The large pop-up is the central focus and hidden underneath a flap is a smallClement Moore’s classic poem is illustrated by two pop-ups on each page. The large pop-up is the central focus and hidden underneath a flap is a smaller, but very detailed pop-up. The images of Santa are delightful and the village scene on the final page even has a wheel for you to turn. Read Jan Brett’s Night Before Christmas for a very different interpretation of the same poem. Her detailed illustrations are wonderful! You’ll want to spend some time exploring the borders of each page....more
A simple format with one pop-up for each letter hidden behind a flap. The white cutouts contrast beautifully with the colored backgrounds. Our family A simple format with one pop-up for each letter hidden behind a flap. The white cutouts contrast beautifully with the colored backgrounds. Our family likes to cover the word and guess what the pop-up image represents. I love that Sabuda has included some religious images to remind us of the nativity....more
Say is my favorite author/illustrator for all things Japanese. My husband served a mission in Japan, so he always enjoys this type of story. In this tSay is my favorite author/illustrator for all things Japanese. My husband served a mission in Japan, so he always enjoys this type of story. In this tale, the little boy disobeys his mother and end up catching a cold. When he gets home he is sent straight to bed, but is mother is preoccupied and he can’t understand her strange behavior. Finally she gathers origami cranes, candles and a little tree and tells him a story he will never forget....more
With the same title as one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, I loved this book before I ever opened it. This pop-ups in this nature themed book are alWith the same title as one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, I loved this book before I ever opened it. This pop-ups in this nature themed book are all in white. The story ends with a musical display. It is a beautiful book that reminds me of Susan Jeffers� Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening and makes me yearn for a stroll through the forest on a winter’s day....more
This is one of my Christmas favorites. How can you go wrong with the combination of cookies and a pop-up? As a bonus, this doubles as a counting book,This is one of my Christmas favorites. How can you go wrong with the combination of cookies and a pop-up? As a bonus, this doubles as a counting book, but be sure to protect the pop-up by having little ones sit on your lap while readying. You’ll love the little mice who sample the cookies and likely be inspired to get out your favorite cookie recipes!...more
As you might expect, this story begins: "In and old house in Paris That was covered with vines Lived twelve little girls In two straight lines"
But things As you might expect, this story begins: "In and old house in Paris That was covered with vines Lived twelve little girls In two straight lines"
But things are a little different from the traditional Madeline books. In America, the girls take an exciting holiday trip to a Texas cattle ranch that Madeline has inherited. It has some very funny rhymes such as:
"Merry Christmas and howdy, ma'am The name is Crockett, but call me Sam."
The girls have a great adventure until the wealth and power go to Madeline's head and she declares: "And there'll be no more school, that is the best part For who is rich is already smart."
Fortunately Miss Clavel comes to the rescue and the girls all head back to Paris where: "In two straight lines they broke their bread And brushed their teeth and went to bed."
This is another of my kids' favorites that we've had for years. It is an "old school" Arthur book that pre-dates the tv show. We all laugh at DW's milThis is another of my kids' favorites that we've had for years. It is an "old school" Arthur book that pre-dates the tv show. We all laugh at DW's mile-long Christmas list written in red pencil and Arthur's attempts to find the perfect gift for Santa. Arthur finally settles on a home cooked meal for Santa. Unfortunately Arthur's creative recipes are pretty disgusting. DW saves Christmas with the help of their dog "Killer" (more tamely named Pal on TV!) and her red pencil. ...more
Another classic illustrated by Graef is Santa Comes to Little House. This story always humbles us when we read about the joy and gratitude the girls fAnother classic illustrated by Graef is Santa Comes to Little House. This story always humbles us when we read about the joy and gratitude the girls feel when they receive their simple gifts. This is the perfect soothing story to read after a busy day of Christmas shopping or baking. This will put you in the mood for an old-fashioned Christmas!...more
I have several picture book versions of The Nutcracker, but my favorite is this one, illustrated by Renee Graef. Her warm and wonderful illustrations I have several picture book versions of The Nutcracker, but my favorite is this one, illustrated by Renee Graef. Her warm and wonderful illustrations are the perfect complement to Hoffman's classic story. This is the version to buy because it also includes a CD with the story and Tchaikovsky's music. ...more
Okay, this one isn't really from my childhood, but it could have been. First published in 1958, this is a children's classic. My kids want me to read iOkay, this one isn't really from my childhood, but it could have been. First published in 1958, this is a children's classic. My kids want me to read it every Christmas. Who wouldn't love a book written in first person by Petey the puppy?...more
This is another one that makes me feel nostalgic. Santa Mouse was published the year I was born. My copy was torn and missing the cover, but I got a sThis is another one that makes me feel nostalgic. Santa Mouse was published the year I was born. My copy was torn and missing the cover, but I got a shiny new copy this year. The endpapers aren't as pretty, but the illustrations and rhymes are as sweet as ever....more
This is one of those stories from my childhood that never fail to get me in the mood for Christmas. As a child I never thought there was anything straThis is one of those stories from my childhood that never fail to get me in the mood for Christmas. As a child I never thought there was anything strange about this story of the moles who want a telescope from the Fat Man in the Red Suit and risk death to wait for him. Maybe I related to their glasses, having worn them since I was 3 years old. The illustrations are so cute that you'll find yourself saying, "Hey, even moles deserve a Christmas present!" ...more
It feels like Christmas the moment you pick up Kate DiCamillo's Great Joy. The metallic gold endpapers let you know this book is something special. ThIt feels like Christmas the moment you pick up Kate DiCamillo's Great Joy. The metallic gold endpapers let you know this book is something special. This is the story of Frances who really understands the meaning of Christmas. The lovely illustrations take you right into 1940s. As you see the world through Frances' eyes, you'll want to decide what you can do to bring "great joy" to others at Christmas time. This story will remind you of the power of one. One person (even a child) can make a difference!...more
This is a must-read for Christmas! It is great fun to read aloud, especially if you can pull off an Irish accent! Who can resist the story of little AThis is a must-read for Christmas! It is great fun to read aloud, especially if you can pull off an Irish accent! Who can resist the story of little Angela who steals the baby Jesus from the nativity display in St. Joseph's church? She only wants to warm him up, and if he'll cooperate she'll let him rest in her bed. This book is the perfect balance of sweet and funny. Your teenagers and maybe even your husband will listen!...more
My sister gave me this little gem last Christmas. The author really digs into the nativity story and debunks many of the myths surrounding Christ's biMy sister gave me this little gem last Christmas. The author really digs into the nativity story and debunks many of the myths surrounding Christ's birth. He includes some quizzes that are fun for the family. Written from an LDS perspective....more
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