I’ve been having fun exploring some of the new Christmas books this December, new meaning books of this century! I wrote about my favorite old books last time, and now it’s time for some updated treasures.
What I’ve been looking for is the kind of book I expect to become a classic; something that resonates with the reader and the listener, something that can be read and re-read. For me, unique illustrations are important to create the setting of a story. I love to find a new story that adds to Christmas lore and emphasizes the uplifting aspects of the season, or shares a “backstory” behind our traditions.
Here are some of my favorite new Christmas books for children:
The Christmas Magic by Lauren Thompson, illustrated by Jon J. Muth, is a tale that pinpoints that feeling that grows as the Christmas season progresses and we come nearer and nearer to the special day itself. It’s a quiet book, and the subtle watercolor illustrations emphasize the gentle qualities of the book.
Santa feels the time for Christmas is approaching – he can feel the magic approaching by the tingling in his whiskers. He carries out the simple preparations for his big job on Christmas Eve. He calls in the reindeer, polishes his sleigh, his boots, and the jingle bells, and carefully chooses the perfect gift for each child to fill his toy bag. In the end, the magic arrives and Santa is off on his sleigh.
Dasher
Written & Illustrated by Matt Tavares
Matt Tavares adds to legend with Dasher; How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever, a story of how the reindeer came to join Santa’s team long ago.
Dasher and her family live in a circus far from their home under the North Star. Dasher escapes the circus and follows the North Star until she discovers Santa and his horse Silverbell. She helps them pull the sleigh, they help her family escape from the circus, and the tale ends with the familiar “Now Dasher, now Dancer…”. Note how the illustrations move from gray tones to cheerful colors as the book progresses.
Red and Lulu
Written & Illustrated by Matt Tavares
Matt Tavares also wrote Red and Lulu, a nod to the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Square in New York City. A pair of cardinals live in a majestic evergreen tree which is enjoyed by the family and their neighbors. One day Red returns to see that his tree has been cut down and loaded on a truck, with Lulu still inside the boughs! He follows the truck to the city and finally is reunited with Lulu in the tree, decorated in Rockefeller Square. The pictures are bright and cheery, as is the story.
Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale by Martin Waddell and illustrated by Jason Cockcroft, will especially enjoyed by animal lovers. The gorgeous acrylic illustrations of the animals who come to the stable for warmth and rest, including Mary, Joseph, and Tired Donkey, are a visual treat. This is one to read again and again, especially at bedtime.
Christmas in the Country by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Diane Goode, takes us back to the olden days, and I especially like it because I now live in the country, in a quiet life much like the one depicted in this book.
A little girl lives with her grandparents in the country. The simple ink and wash illustrations show the seasons and how the little girl spends her days, coming finally to the Christmas season. There were Christmas decorations from the attic, a big tree from the woods. On Christmas Eve, “I left Santa a saucer of cookies and a glass of milk, and the nicest note I could think of. Then I went to bed.” In the short country church service, the preacher “just reminded us what Christmas was about and sent us home.” Family and friends visit on Christmas Day. Simple, and real.
A book that paints a picture of the Christmas season is All the Colors of Christmas, by Matthew Paul Turner, illustrated by Gillian Gamble. This rhyming story leads us through the many scenes of Christmas – sleigh rides, the Nutcracker, gifts and trees, nativity miracles, and families gathered to celebrate. This is another one that evokes that Christmas magic.
For babies and toddlers, do get First 100 Christmas Words by Roger Priddy. It has realistic pictures of all the words of the season in a sturdy book, like his First 100 Words. Another wonderful one is Eric Carle’s Dream Snow, a lift the flap book hiding the animals hidden under the snowscape.
For more Christmas book recommendations, check out Favorite Classic Christmas Books for Children. Merry Christmas!
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