Let it Snow

Written and illustrated by Holly Hobbie
Most enjoyed by Kindergartners through 2nd graders


We received this book in the library today and I debated about reading aloud to the 1st graders. It's really a Christmas book so it seemed a little after-the-fact since the holiday has passed. However, I decided to give it a go and read it anyway since it's such a great book about friendship. I'm glad I did; the 1st graders agreed that it's perfect for any time of year.

Toot and Puddle are the best of friends. Puddle knows that Toot loves hiking and maps and is very brave and daring. Toot knows that Puddle loves trees and cooking and is a true artist. In fact, they know each other so well, they're stumped for what to make each other for Christmas (no store-bought whatsits for these two). A snowy day, though, provides just the inspiration both need to create just the right gift for a very best friend.

This is such a warm, wonderful story that perfectly embodies the idea that the best gift giving is from the heart rather than a store. Despite the fact the story takes place at Christmas, it's a sentiment that can be put into play any time of the year. Toot and Puddle are such warm, caring friends that young readers will fall in love with them right away. There are many Toot and Puddle stories and unfortunately, this is the only one we have right now. But I'm adding some of their other titles to our 'must buy' list so we can enjoy more of their adventures together.

Merry Un-Christmas

Written by Mike Reiss

Illustrated by David Catrow

Most enjoyed by those on Christmas overload

Most kids wish every day could be Christmas. And most parents try to convince those kids that they don't know what they're wishing for. Well, here's a book that will help with that argument.

Noelle gets another pony and a new bike for Christmas. Again. She adds them to the bikes and ponies she got for Christmas yesterday, and the day before and the day before that. You see, Noelle lives in Christmas City, Texmas, where it's Christmas 364 days of the year. But one day of the year is Un-Christmas and Noelle and her family look forward to it with glee. They get to un-decorate the tree, go to school, and anxiously wait for a visit from a chubby man with a sack. Can you guess who that might be?

'Merry Un-Christmas' is a funny look at what life might be like if it really was Christmas every day. And after reading it, I'm thankful that Christmas only comes once a year!

Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas

Written by Jane O'Connor

Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

Most enjoyed by Fancy Nancy fans in Preschool through 2nd grade

It's Christmas at Fancy Nancy's house. Her house looks fancy, her gifts are wrapped in a fancy way, and she's even saved her money for a fancy tree topper to crown the family Christmas tree. If only Grandpa would arrive so they could decorate the tree! Waiting is hard, especially when Fancy Nancy opens one of her puppy's gifts a little early. A playful puppy makes for a broken tree topper and one unhappy Fancy Nancy. But Grandpa's arrival comes with a solution, one even fancier than Fancy Nancy could expect.

I love the solution Grandpa comes up with to Nancy's situation. It's a down-to-earth solution that every family can relate to. Despite her fanciness, Nancy is one practical gal after all. Dress up in your best and enjoy this holiday treat with Fancy Nancy.

The True Gift: A Christmas Story

Written by Patricia MacLachlan

Illustrated by Brian Floca

Most enjoyed by 3rd through 8th graders

Lily and Liam are on their way to Grandma and Grandpa's house for Christmas vacation. They're loaded down with books and a little money with which to buy gifts for each other and family in the small town. As they pass the farm field to turn into the driveway, they spot White Cow standing alone in the field. At one time, Grandma and Grandpa had other cows but they are gone now, sold to people who wanted them for their own herds. Liam is bothered by this. Is White Cow lonely, he asks. Grandpa responds that we can't know what cows think. But Liam is pretty sure White Cow is lonely, and no one should be lonely for Christmas, even a cow.

This is a beautiful story just right for reading and savoring as we kick off the holiday season. With Black Friday behind us, and Cyber Monday upon us, it's easy to get caught up in the gift-giving frenzy of the holidays. Yes, 'The True Gift' is about a gift being given, but this gift is given with the greatest of care and love. And isn't that what the best gifts are sweetened with? Be sure to put 'The True Gift' at the top of your holiday reading list. It's a short reminder of the joy a simple kindness can bring.

Reviewed from library copy.

Bear Stays Up For Christmas

Written by Karma Wilson

Illustrated by Jane Chapman

Most enjoyed by Preschoolers through 2nd Graders

Normally, at this time of year, Bear would be sound asleep, just getting started on his long winter's nap. But his animal friends won't hear it; they want him to stay up to help them celebrate Christmas. He sleepily trundles out of his cave with them to get just the right tree and droops as he's stringing popcorn, but he still manages to stay awake. Just when his friends have fallen asleep, the Bear finds all kind of energy to make them gifts. But who else is awake on this special night?

This story is a great read-aloud because listeners can chime in with the refrain 'but the Bear stays up' at just the right time. The illustrations are perfect, making Bear so big and cuddly and the other animals so friendly. Keep cozy warm under a big quilt when you read this one, just like Bear does!

Thomas' Special Delivery

Based on The Railway Series by the Rev. W. Awdry

Illustrated by Tommy Stubs

Most enjoyed by train lovers in Preschool and Kindergarten

Thomas the Tank Engine, a Really Useful Engine, has three special deliveries to make before heading back to the engine shed to hang his Christmas stocking. With each delivery he makes, the snow falls faster and harder, making Thomas worry that he'll miss Father Christmas' visit. At the last stop, a children's hospital, Sir Topham Hatt asks Thomas to make one more stop on his way to the engine shed. Thomas is sure Father Christmas won't forget him for being so useful. When he finally arrives back to the shed, the stockings have been hung. But is it snowing too hard for Father Christmas to make it through?

If you have a Thomas the Tank Engine fan in your house, snuggle up and read this story together. Thomas is a good role model for little ones. He never gives up and always does his best, two messages worth repeating. And most likely it will be repeated because this is one holiday story you'll be asked to read over and over!

Snowmen At Christmas

Written by Caralyn Buehner

Illustrated by Mark Buehner

Most enjoyed by snowmen lovers of all ages

We're lucky to have snow already this early in December. Yes, lucky indeed because it will allow the snowmen we've made in our front yards to celebrate Christmas. If you need to know just how they do that, check out 'Snowmen at Christmas' and you'll find out.

When you're sound asleep at night, you may be dreaming that your snowman is waiting patiently for you right where you left him. But if you could peek out your window, you'd find that he's left your yard and headed for some Christmas fun in town. Admiring the toys on display in store windows, munching on frosty treats, sledding down hills, and waiting for Santa are all pleasures your snowman enjoys. Capping off the evening is a celebtration of the birth of a King in song around the Christmas tree. Your tired snowman will head for home so check him in the morning. Is his carrot nose a little crooked? How about his hat - is it still there? Are you sure he stayed in one place all night?

I wish the snowmen in this book could come to life like Frosty does. Mark Buehner has created such joyful snowmen, I'd love to have the whole bunch decorating my front yard. 'Snowmen at Christmas' is another sure fire Christmas-spirit-lifter of a book!

Silver Packages:An Appalachian Christmas Story

Written by Cynthia Rylant

Illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet

Most enjoyed by 3rd through 8th Graders

This may be considered a Christmas story, and it truly is, but it's also a story about quiet heroes, those unsung people who make lives around the world better because of the simple, selfless acts of kindness they perform.

In the mountains of Appalachia, the children of the small town anxiously wait for the Christmas train. Each year, from the back of the train, a rich man tosses gifts to the waiting children. For most, it will be the only gift they receive. The man's kindness is a way of thanking the townspeople for caring for him and nursing him back to health when he was injured in a car accident. The people who cared for him refused his offer of payment and so he has come back every year, just before Christmas, to bestow gifts on the town's children.

Frankie is hoping for a doctor kit this year. He waits anxiously by the train tracks, shivering with the other children as he tries to keep warm without socks, mittens, scarf or hat. When he opens his silver package on Christmas, he is disappointed to find a cowboy set and three pairs of warm socks. He plays with the set anyway while his feet stay warm. As Christmas comes again, he waits for the train and hopes for a doctor kit. But again he is disappointed, receiving a police car and two pairs of mittens.

The years pass and Frankie never receives the doctor kit. He grows up, moves away, and makes a life for himself. But he can't forget the kindness the rich man showed him when he was young. Frank, now a grown up Frankie, realizes that despite never receiving what he wanted, he always received what he needed - socks, mittens, hats and scarves. Moved to return home by his memories of the kindness of the rich man, Frank joins the children by the train tracks, watching their excitement and savoring his own warm memories. As they receive their silver packages, one child stumbles. That's when we realize how the kindness of one man can impact a young life.

If you can read this story without getting a tear in your eye, you're a much better reader than I am! Put this one on your table to read after making your list to Santa or before you head to the mall. I think you'll find yourself putting a little more love in all you do this season, and perhaps, making sure to reach out to others in small, quiet ways.

Miss Holly is Too Jolly!
By Dan Gutman
Most enjoyed by 1st through 3rd graders

Here's another adventure in the ever popular 'My Weird School' series. Miss Holly is in charge of this year's Christmas program and she is really getting into the holiday spirit. But for which holiday? There's Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa and Miss Holly is determined to celebrate all of them. Will the kids be able to keep up?

Under all the fun, there's some real learning here. Short descriptions of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa introduce kids to the significance of each holiday . Our 1st and 2nd graders absolutely love this series after reading it as part of the Monarch Award program. So if you're still in the holiday spirit, join Miss Holly and be jolly!

N is for Navidad

By Susan Middleton Elya

Illustrated by Joe Cepeda

Most enjoyed by anyone wishing to practice their Spanish!

Here's a great book to celebrate the Christmas holiday and learn some new Spanish words at the same time. The description on the dust jacket describes it best:

"Bienvenidos! to a celebration of Christmas, Latino-style!

From the angel (angel) hung above the door to the

zapatos (shoes) filled with grass for the wise men's camels,

each letter of this festive alphabet introduces children

to a new Spanish word."

The colorful illustrations bring out the joy in the 22 day celebration of Christmas to make this a great introduction to an important part of Latino heritage. Feliz Navidad!

Olivia Helps With Christmas

By Ian Falconer

Most enjoyed by young and old

Everyone loves Olivia, the most precocious piggie ever to grace the pages of a picture book. Olivia wants to help the family get ready for Christmas. There's so much to do. Put up the Christmas tree, watch for Santa, make cookies, watch for Santa, hang stockings so they're just so, watch for Santa. It's almost too much for this little piggie to take! But when Christmas day arrives, Olivia is more than ready to join in the celebrations.

If you're feeling a little Scrooge-ish right about now, pick up 'Olivia Helps With Christmas'. Your spirits will lift and you'll hurry off to bake some cookies or wrap some presents!

Great Joy!

by Kate DiCamillo

Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

Most enjoyed by all ages

Frances is getting ready for her Christmas pageant, but she's curious about the organ grinder and his monkey on the corner. Each day and night, they play for the few coins that clink in the monkey's cup. Frances is curious. Where do they go at night? Can they come for dinner? But Mother is too distracted with Frances's costume and the preparations for the holiday to pay Frances much mind. But Frances's heart is in the right place. Her compassion helps her share the message she's memorized at just the right moment and in just the right way.

Kate DiCamillo, beloved author of "Because of Winn Dixie" and "The Tale of Despereaux", has written a Christmas story to enjoy this season. The illustrations are truly superb. The chill of the streets, the warmth of Frances's apartment, the fear on her face as she can't say her lines in the pageant, are brought to life by Bagram Ibatoulline's beautiful drawings. The artwork is worth looking at well after the story is finished.

Add this one to your library and enjoy it for many Christmases to come!

The All-I'll Ever-Want Christmas Doll

by Patricia McKissack

Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Most appreciated by all ages

"Christmas always came to our house, but Santy Claus only showed up once in a while." It's the Depression, times are tough, but Nellie won't give up hope that this year, Santy Claus will bring her a Baby Betty doll. Her sisters are sure she'll be disappointed. On Christmas morning, Daddy has a special surprise for all of his girls. It's just what Nellie wanted, but the beautiful doll must be shared. "It's mine!" Nellie declares, causing her sisters to play without her. But Baby Betty is not quite the playmate Nellie had hoped she'd be. Nellie finds that sometimes it's more fun to share than to keep something all to herself.

The lesson of this Christmas story is simple. It doesn't overwhelm the joy the sisters find in playing together. The watercolor illustrations are warm and set the time period perfectly. Enjoy this reminder about gifts and their worth with your family.