Sister Bear: A Norse Tale

by Jane Yolen

Summary: Halva is traveling with her trained bear to visit the King of Denmark when they stop for the night at a cottage where, they learn, a pack of trolls is about to make its annual Christmas Eve visit, causing trouble and making a big mess. Includes author's note about the story's origins.

This is a captivating tale with gorgeous, vibrant illustrations. This lesser known European folktale is wonderful for genre studies lesson units. However, is lengthy and I do not recommend reading this book aloud to a young class.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 4

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS!

Also known as Three Kings Day and the Epiphany

(January 6th)

MARTIN LUTHER KING JUNIOR DAY IS
JANUARY 16TH

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

(January 23rd)

See the labels below for books related to these holidays



Home for Christmas by Jan Brett

Summary: Rollo the troll is tired of chores, but after spending time on the tundra with various animal families, from owls to moose, he realizes that he wants to be home for Christmas even if that means behaving himself.

This is a cute story about appreciating what one has in life, including family. It is also a great story for discussing selfishness or helping others. I liked that the reader must draw some conclusions for themselves from Jan Brett’s usual beautiful illustrations. Especially when read one-on-one to a child, the illustrations can make the book very interactive. A reader can ask questions such as, “What do you see here? What do you think that means? Why do you think is happening in the picture?”

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 3

Michael Hague's Family Christmas Treasury  

by Michael Hague

Summary: Includes stories, poems, and music associated with Christmas.

The beautiful classic illustrations work well with the traditional songs. I especially cared for the illustrations of rabbits and other animals. I found the note at the end of the note about the history of songs contained in the book fascinating. Older children may find the note interesting, also.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 3 

A Wish for Elves

by Mark Gonyea

Summary: A picture book in which a boy makes a wish for a little holiday help. He gets more than he bargained for and Santa pays the price.

This book is formatted in a similar fashion to graphic novels. The elves are depicted in an unusual way, but children will enjoy this book for its humorous aspect.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

One Starry Night 

by Lauren Thompson

Summary: As all sorts of animals watch over their young, Mary and Joseph watch over their baby boy, Jesus, in Bethlehem.

This is a wonderful bedtime story, especially during the Christmas season and for celebrating a mother’s love for her offspring. The illustrations of animal and human characters are fantastic; they have pointed features and are heavily outlined in black. Though not a tradition prayer, this rhyming text ends with “amen.”

Interest Level: birth-age 4

Reading Level: grade 1

A Christmas Spider's Miracle 

by Trinka Hakes Noble

Summary: A poor peasant woman who has no money for gifts or a special meal for her children gets help from a kindly mother spider on Christmas.

This is a heart-warming old Ukrainian tale. The traditionally beautiful paintings compliment the text. The story is somewhat lengthy. I recommend that this book be read one-on-one to a child or independently by an advanced reader.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 5

Listen to the Silent Night 

by Dandi Mackall

Summary: Rhyming text reveals many sounds heard on the night of Jesus' birth, such as the flapping of Joseph's sandals as he walks into Bethlehem, the lowing of a cow in the stable, and the flutter of angels' wings as they proclaim the news.

This story could be called “The Not So Silent Night!” The rhyme scheme is unusual for picture books, but is very well done. The story of this book allows for a light read with a subtle touch of religious education. The dark and vibrant illustrations add to the appeal of reading before bed. 

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 3

 

A Christmas Goodnight 

by Nola Buck

Summary: Illustrations and rhyming text portray characters from the Nativity story, from doves in the stable to the wise men, as they go to sleep on Christmas Eve.

This is a sweet Christmas bedtime book. The illustrations consist of classic, realistic looking cartoons. This book can be used as a break from more heavy Christmas books, but still is a more religious than commercial tale.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 2

A Bad Kitty Christmas

by Nick Bruel

Summary: After destroying all of the gifts and decorations at home, Bad Kitty escapes from the car on Christmas Eve and finds a new friend, who helps her learn the true meaning of Christmas.

I love this book! The book contains three alphabetical lists, including naughty things kitty did. The rhyming lists are woven beautifully into this heartwarming story. The text is lengthy, and may be most enjoyed when read one-on-one with a child. Like other books in the Bad Kitty series, this holiday story involves humor.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 4

New Christmas picture books

Click on image for larger print

Elmer's Christmas 

by David McKee

Summary: Elmer, the patchwork elephant, helps the excited youngsters prepare for the Christmas visit of Papa Red.

This is a wonderful Christmas book for discussing the deeper meanings of the holiday season, especially generosity. The story seems to be going down a predictable path, but the ending has a twist. I have never seen this type of ending to a Christmas story before. This book may be most enjoyed when an adult reads it with a child one-on-one. However, primary school age children may like it as well. There are other Elmer books by David McKee that also address personal characteristics. 

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 2

Strega Nona's Gift 

by Tomie dePaola

Summary: Smelling the treats Strega Nona is cooking for her animals for the holidays, Big Anthony can't resist and samples everything, bringing about unexpected consequences.

This is a wonderful tale about generosity. Italian Christmas traditions and other holiday traditions are explored throughout this book. As a read aloud, this book is most appropriate for older primary school children. 

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 4

 

Oh, What a Christmas! 

by Michael Garland

Summary: After Santa loses his reindeer midflight on Christmas Eve, he improvises by seeking the help of some barnyard animals to complete his trip.

This original Santa story is slightly off-beat, but humorous. Children will enjoy the bright, vibrant illustrations that make the night come alive.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 4

Snowed Under and Other Christmas Confusions 

by Serge Bloch

Summary: A snow storm the day before Christmas causes a boy many worries, which are not helped by such confusing phrases as: "Don't be a wet blanket" and "That's the way the cookie crumbles."

This is a terrific book for discussing idioms and figures of speech. The story’s light humor makes it a fun read aloud whether it is used as a teaching tool or not. Children who enjoy this holiday treat may enjoy Michael Dahl’s Monster Street series, Tedd Arnold’s Parts series or Amelia Parrish’s Amelia Bedelia series. 

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 3

Happy December!

Celebrate the holidays with a great book!

Christmas is December 25th

Hanukkah starts December 20th

Winter Solstice is December 22nd

Kwanzaa starts December 26th

New Year's Eve is December 31st

Click on the tabs below for previous bibliographies and books

 

Note to authors: Please write more Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve stories! These are the underrepresented holiday books this December.

La Noche Buena: A Christmas Story

La Noche Buena: A Christmas Story

by Antonio Sacre

Summary: While spending Christmas with her Cuban American grandmother in Miami, Florida, young Nina misses her usual New England holiday but enjoys learning about the foods and other traditions her father knew as a child.

This picture book is fantastic for discussing different cultures and Christmas around the world. It is lengthy and most appropriate for older readers.

Interest Level: grades K-3, grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Christmas Reads

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