The Children’s Book Review | December 13, 2015
Which books will you be reading during the 12 days of Christmas? Here are 6 picture books that we know will make you feel merry …
The Knights Before Christmas
Written by Joan Holub
Illustrated by Scott Magoon
Publisher’s Synopsis: ‘Twas December 24th, and three brave knights were just settling in for the night when out on the drawbridge, there arose such a clatter! The knights try everything to get rid of this unknown invader (Santa Claus!), a red and white knight with a fleet of dragons . . .
But nothing would stop
their white-whiskered foe.
No matter their efforts,
he just would not go!
This parody of Clement Clarke Moore’s well-known poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is kid-friendly, clever, and just plain silly―sure to become a holiday classic of a different kind.
Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. | 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0399551390
The Reindeer Wish
Written by Lori Evert
Illustrated by Per Breiehagen
Publisher’s Synopsis: New York Times bestselling duo Lori Evert and Per Breiehagen (The Christmas Wish and The Tiny Wish) sweep us back into their enchanting world with yet another breathtaking adventure featuring their daughter, Anja.
When Anja discovers an abandoned reindeer baby in the woods, she cares for it and raises it as her own. They become dear friends and have many adventures together, but as the reindeer grows he wishes to rejoin his kind. So Anja leads him to join the greatest reindeer of all—those of Santa’s sled team.
Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers | 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0385379212
All I Want for Christmas Is You
Written by Mariah Carey
Illustrated by Colleen Madden
Publisher’s Synopsis: Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You, one of the bestselling and most beloved songs of all time, brings Christmas joy to countless listeners of all ages every year. And now its classic lyrics will bring that same holiday spirit to readers of all ages in this one-of-a-kind picture book about a young girl whose greatest Christmas wish is for a new puppy! Full of festive December moments with family, friends, presents, and of course, Santa Claus—and featuring lively yuletide illustrations alongside the complete song lyrics—All I Want for Christmas Is You will become a cherished part of your family’s Christmas traditions for many years to come.
Includes a special Christmas letter from Mariah to her fans!
Ages 5-8 | Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers | 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0805099324
When Santa Was a Baby
Written by Linda Bailey
Illustrated by Geneviève Godbout
Publisher’s Synopsis: Santa’s parents think their little one is absolutely wonderful, even though he has a booming voice instead of a baby’s gurgle, loves to stand in front of the refrigerator, gives his birthday presents away, trains his hamsters to pull a matchbox sleigh … and has an unusual interest in chimneys. The adorably funny portrait of an oddball kid who fulfills his destiny – and two very proud parents.
Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Tundra Books | 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-1770495562
The Myth of Santa’s Beard
Written by Sharon Thayer
Illustrated by Marci Chambers
Publisher’s Synopsis: There is an interesting problem growing at the North Pole and it’s all because children around the world are being good and doing their best every day of the year. Each time a child is good Santa’s beard grows a little bit. Eventually this causes a big problem, but you better believe those smart little elves come up with a plan to solve this critical problem. To make their plan successful they must ask Santa to choose the very best kids from the “Good List”. Only those chosen will receive this book and the special snippet of Santa’s long beard.
Ages 3-8 | Publisher: Carousel Publishing | 2012 | ISBN-13: 978-0976623908
Christmas to Color
Written and Illustrated by Mary Tanana
Publisher’s Synopsis: Step into a wintry wonderland with illustrator Mary Tanana’s intricate, gorgeous illustrations of Christmas magic, lovingly represented in this delicately rendered coloring book. From snowflakes to stockings, reindeer to wreaths, every aspect of the holidays is waiting to be brought to life through your creativity. With nearly one hundred pages of pen-and-ink drawings, the wintry coloring book fun will last you well into the new year!
Ages 4+ | Publisher: HarperCollins | 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0062443793
This list of “Christmas Books: 6 Picture Books to Boost Christmas Spirit” was curated by Bianca Schulze. Discover more articles on The Children’s Book Review tagged with Christmas Spirit and Holiday Gift Guide Kids Books.
