2009 Christmas Book Recommendations
December 16, 2009 by Stephen Schneider
Grace parishioner Patty Walhood, retired Librarian at Oregon Episcopal School, shared her annual Christmas book recommendations for families at the Raising Grace Forum on Sunday, December 6. She included 2009 publications, recent traditional Christmas story books and some other older favorites.
2009 Publications
The Christmas Magic
By Lauren Thompson, pictures by Jon J Muth
Far, far North, when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, Santa begins to prepare for his big night of giving. He gathers his reindeer, feeds them parsnips and berries, and polishes his bells and his sled. Then lovingly, he chooses toys for every child in the world. For Santa loves them all, and he knows what each child at heart wants most. Then, with the thrum of magic that makes reindeers fly, he spreads the Christmas joy and warmth throughout the world--as he always has -- and always will until the end of time.
Suzy Goose and the Christmas Star
Written and illustrated by Petr Horácek
It's Christmas Eve, and Suzy Goose (from "Silly Suzy Goose") and her friends are admiring their beautifully decorated tree. Tenacious Suzy is determined to top the Christmas tree with a star from the sky--with unexpectedly wondrous results--in this vibrant, whimsical tale.
Recent Traditional Christmas Story Books
The Christmas Story: From the Gospels of Matthew and Luke
Metropolitan Museum of Art Staff 2009
The timeless story of Christmas is beautifully retold through paintings by some of the world's greatest artists. The artworks are sensitively coupled with excerpts from the King James Bible.
Under the Star: A Christmas Counting Story
By Jane Yolen, illustrated by Vlasta van Kampen
Yolen's "Under the Star" is a charming Christmas counting tale written with the youngest reader in mind. The story builds to a delightfully crowded finish as one and all gather around the crche. The book features stunning artwork by van Kampen.
The First Night
2008 reissue of a 1993 book by B.G. Hennesy, illustrated by Steve Johnson with Lou Fancher
Spare moving text and tender, luminous paintings provide an exquisite retelling of the nativity with a sense of mystery and wonder.
Hurry! Hurry! Have you Heard?
by Laura Krauss Melmed with illustrations by Jane Dyer. 2008
Sure to be a family favorite! A small bird in the rafters of the manger finds her heart filled with love and wonders and flies out over the countryside to carry the tidings to all the woodland creatures.
Santa’s Favorite Story
2007 re-issue of a 1982 favorite, written by Hisako Aoki and illustrated by Ivan Gantschev..
Santa tells the woodland animals his favorite story – the story of the very first Christmas when Christ was born in Bethlehem. The animals then pitch in to help Santa and make it a very special Christmas Day.
Tonight You are my baby: Mary’s Christmas Gift
By Jeannine Q. Norris, illustrated by Tim Ladwig. 2008.
A beautifully illustrated, intimate and poignant retelling of the Christmas story, infused with a mother’s boundless love.
Some Old Favorites Worth Repeating
Christmas Tapestry
Written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco. Pilomel Books: 2002
A tapestry that is being used to cover a hole in a church wall at Christmas brings surprising results. A two-hanky book!
The Polar Express
Written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg. Houghton Mifflin Company: 1985
A Caldecott award winning story of a magical ride on Christmas Eve, which takes a boy to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa Claus. (Also a film I love to watch.)
Mr. Willowby's Christmas tree
Written and illustrated by Robert Barry in 1963 and re-done in 2000.
“…full and fresh and glistening green, it was the biggest tree he had ever seen..” The trouble was, the tree was so tall, it couldn't stand up straight in his parlor. Mr. Willowby asked his butler to chop off the top of the tree. What happens to the treetop? Where will it be for Christmas? Snuggle up with this story and follow along through a forest full of friendly creatures who get to share in a bit of Christmas joy.