Christmas favorites
Publishing
with original recommendations, descriptions and references by Kristin Addington Culpepper (Parenting Expert and Author)
A Merry Month of Christmas Reading!
Click on an image to order the book today!
Or download your own copy of the booklist for your next trip to the library.
1
Merrytale: A Christmas Adventure
A lift the flap board book with LOADS of color and hidden treasures to keep your little one engaged as you read together. One of my children’s and my favorite things has always been to notice every obscure detail in the illustrations as it opens great conversation….even if it’s at a 2 year old level.
2
An Invisible Thread
A true story about how simply noticing those around us can heal the whole world, one act of kindness at a time. The messages in the back of the book from the real-life people involved in the story are powerful. There are also some ideas and resources for how your can bring this message home to your family and start acting on it.
3
The Message of the Birds
If you believe in learning from the surrounding animals and nature like I am, here is a message of truth, hope and peace that will resonate. Beautifully painted illustrations of birds, children, and more in a book that is the perfect size for little hands.
5
St. Nicholas Day - December 6th
Santa Lucia Day - December 13th
Strega Nona’s Gift
Perfect for those of us who like to celebrate and make every day special. The story follows the sacred feasts of Italy and Christian tradition that include Saint Nicholas on December 6th and Santa Lucia on the 13th all the way through Epiphany. Animals, food, familiar characters and magic round out another of Tomie de Paola’s memorable picture books.
4
The Berenstain Bears’ Christmas Tree
In typical Papa Bear style, through the very real life lessons he always learns the hard way, he and his children gain valuable perspective. Noticing and understanding others. empathy, and celebrating the gifts that everyone in the world around them has to offer are among these. An all-time favorite of mine with some memorable lines. One even used in our family Christmas card years ago: "…whatever it was, Pa shouldered his ax and spared the Tree….”This..is a time to thing of..others—mamas, papas, sisters, brother, nature’s creatures great and Small, fellow creatures one and all.”
6
St. Nicholas Day - December 6th
The Baker's Dozen
A baker learns about generosity the hard way and discovers how it can return to you many fold! A richly illustrated enchanting story perfect to help celebrate Saint Nicholas Day on December 6th!
7
The Friendly Beasts: An Old English
Christmas Carol
Fans of Tomie be Paola will certainly recognize this one. Books that can be sung are such gifts as they are two in one! This is one of my favorite carols, celebrating the animals and the valuable gifts they bestowed upon baby Jesus.
9
I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles
Part of a series of the classic I Spy books. A feast for the eyes, the pages are filled with Christmas themed toys, baubles and other scenes for you and your child to explore. There are even extra riddles in the back if you want MORE!
8
Silver Packages: An Appalachian
Christmas Story
A heart-warming story of remembering and offering gratitude in practical ways to those who help us. Set in Appalachia, this story highlights the culture. It also serves as a reminder that we reap what we sow.
10
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree
This story shows how one person’s rubbage is another’s treasure even applies to Christmas trees! A darling story that follows one tree bringing joy to countless families….human and beyond.
11
Christmas Day in the Morning
A dear story of a gift from the heart…true love. A little boy surprises his hard working and exhausted dad with a break from his farm work as his Christmas present. Very sweet.
12
The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale About the Rockefeller Center Tree
Though I have a hard time with ANY tree being cut down, this is an example of how blessing can come from the natural cycle of life. The sentiment of helping others, strength in community and giving back is strong here. The illustrations are soft, warm, and alluring- typical of Jim LaMarche. A little history on the actual Rockefeller tree is even shared in the back.
13
Santa Lucia Day - December 13th
Lucia Morning in Sweden
Santa Lucia Day is typically a Swedish holiday that has also been a special tradition in our family. We celebrate good deeds and the light Lucia was in the darkness through singing, lighting candles, baking sweet breads, and have even reenacted Lucia and the star boy lighting the way in the darkness, bringing food and treats to grateful family members! Maybe this book will spark a new tradition in your family.
14
Little Rabbit's Christmas
Darling illustrations and a very relatable story. Themes of anticipation, disappointment, sharing and community coming together will help your little one, as they did Rabbit, see that sharing can be a lot more fun that having it all to yourself...alone.
15
Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale
Precious illustrations and a simple story line will remind your child that there is always room for them, no matter their need, situation or how they are feeling. A welcomed message for all.
16
Bob and 6 More Christmas Stories
17
The Christmas Mircale of Jonathan Toomey
Better suited for slightly older children, this book really sets the tone for what Christmas is all about. It doesn’t always feel easy, and festive for everyone and this opens our eyes to the journey of those around us and can help our children be sensitive to this reality. It is ultimately uplifting and the illustrations are breathtaking. Between the story and illustrations, you will be drawn right in.
18
Gingerbread Friends
19
Winter Solstice - December 21st
The Shortest Day: Celebrating the
Winter Solstice
20
Winter Solstice - December 21st
Stopping By Woods on Snowy Evening
This classic seasonal poem comes alive with the travels of the narrator and the winter scenes depicted on each page.
21
Winter Solstice - December 21st
WinterCake
I always love stories that teach in a non teachy way how not jumping to conclusions and looking for the best in everyone is a lovely way to live.
22
A Christmas Tree for Pyn
23
The Nutcracker
24
Christmas Farm
25
Mistletoe: A Christmas Story
Handmade Christmas gifts, exploring in the snow, good buddies and knitting! Bright illustrations children will love. A must-read for anyone who loves to knit and wants to pass this passion along to their own children.
26
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree
27
Home for Christmas
28
Great Joy
29
Night Tree
A simple tradition you can start with your family to get you out of the house and connecting with nature in a meaningful way. This is something we have done to celebrate the Winter Solstice and feed the birds and other critters in our woods. If you live in the city, you can create a variation of it that works for you.
30
A Merry Little Christmas
31
Bright Christmas: An Angel Remembers
A telling of the first Christmas told from an angel’s point of view- refreshing.
32
Let it Snow
33
Only A Star
What decorations were there on that first Christmas, anyway? You can imagine together with your child and consider how nature provided beauty enough for even such a special occasion as this.
34
A Christmas Wish
35
The Yule Tomte and the Little Rabbits: A Christmas Story for Advent
