This is the season full of Christmas books of all types. Of course, the best kind of Christmas book is the one that fills the reader with hope and goodwill. The following books will not only give you hope and goodwill, but you will find each story leaving you with love in your heart and a desire to help others. I believe these are a few of the very best books for this special season that all families will enjoy. After reading any one of these books, you may find yourself making it a tradition every Christmas.
If you haven't heard or read the story, "Christmas Day in the Morning", you've been missing out on a wonderful story. Mark Buehner, an award winning illustrator, has now brought Pearl S. Buck's story to life with his most remarkable pictures. It begins with a man waking up at four in the morning. He does this often even though it's been over fifty years ago that he used to get up with his own father to do the chores on the farm. He remembers a very special Christmas morning, when he decided to give his father the best Christmas present that he could afford. He got up extra early and did the chores for his father without his father knowing. When his father came to wake him up, the boy just smiled in the dark, knowing that his father was about to find the necessary early morning milking already done! When his father came back, his son hugged him and told him, "It's Christmas, Dad!" His father exclaimed that he had never seen his children get up and see the Christmas tree. He had always been out in the barn. Mr. Buehner has written his own extraordinary story of how this book came to be illustrated. It only adds to the inspiration of the book. His illustrations are so incredible and real that they will take you back to a time when people had little and worked hard for what they had. You will be so touched with the pictures and text that don't be surprised if you don't feel a surge of happiness and hope in your heart! This picture book is a must for everyone, young and old!
"The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey", by Susan Wojciechowski, and illustrated by P.J. Lynch, is another remarkable and inspiring picture book about a bitter woodcarver who shuns the world. When widow McDowell comes to town with her seven year old son, she asks Mr. Toomey if he would carve her a new set of figures for her crèche. She lost her grandfather's special handmade set when she moved. He responded in his usual irritable way that he would do it, but that he couldn't get it done by Christmas. But, as he works on the different figures, her son comes to watch and learn. And, each time she brings her son, she brings the woodcarver treats from her kitchen. You will find your heart warming as the woodcarver's hardness begins to soften with each visit. I will save the surprise ending as you will not guess how this wonderful and uplifting story ends! This is another book that should be shared every Holiday season with the ones you love!
"The Christmas Barn", by C.L. Davis, is a fiction book filled with life in rural America in 1930. The depression hadn't really affected this family as they were self sufficient on their farm. They were already so poor that they only had what was necessary to survive. When a huge snow storm buries their meager home, they move out to the barn just before Christmas. Children will be amazed at what little this family has as far as material possessions and yet they are thrilled to open their meager presents. Life was tough back then, clothes were mended and re-mended as there was little money to buy anything new. But, what was evident was the love and joy that each member shared for this family. This would be a great read aloud during the month of December for all ages!
"The Christmas Doll", by Elvira Woodruff, is a touching story about young sisters who run away from the orphanage to escape the dreaded fever that was killing everyone in the building. The year is 1848 and the girls are now on the streets of London in the chill of December. Ten year old Lucy is fearful that her 6 year old sister is growing sick and that they have no shelter to protect them from the harsh weather. This is another story that will spellbound children at appreciating what they have, where they live and being alive in the present era. These two homeless urchins seem to have nothing and the reader will wonder how they are going to survive. But, what is evident, is that they have a bond of love that keeps their hope of survival alive. This is a beautifully written story that would be another great read aloud during the Holiday Season for all ages!
Now on the lighter side, there are two picture books that have a wonderful message of goodwill for the young and young at heart. "Angelina's Christmas", by Katharine Holabird, and illustrated by Helen Craig, is about a young mouse who decides she wants to help a retired, lonely postman. "I'll Be Home for Christmas", by Holly Hobbie, is a delightful, magical story about how Toot manages to get back home through a terrible snow storm to be with his good friend, Puddle. Both of these picture books will bring a wonderful message of kindness and friendship to children ages 3 through 7.