ONE SNOWY MORNING
written by Kevin Tseng, illus. by Dana Wulfekotte, (Dial Books for Young Readers, $16.99, Nov. 2019, ISBN 978-0-7352-3041-5), 32p, Ages 3-5

“One snowy morning... two friends found the oddest things stuck in a giant pile of snow.” Perplexed about the lump of snow with its stick legs (arms), kick balls (coal for eyes), a rowboat (top hat), curtain (scarf), fish puppets (mittens) dragon tooth (carrot), and shields (buttons), chipmunk and squirrel take the items home and throw a party for friends. The hat makes a table, the scarf a tablecloth, buttons become plates, mittens make perfect hats, and the dragon tooth soup is delicious. In the morning they return everything to the lump of snow, well almost everything and almost where they found it. Lots of snowy fun and warm giggles await little ones in this sweet story of sharing.
        Themes: Animals, Friendship, Holidays, Humor

LITTLE ROBIN’S CHRISTMAS
written/illus. by Jan Fearnley, (Noisy Crow, $16.99, Sept 2019, ISBN
978-1-5362-0825-2), 32p, Ages 2-5

“It was one week before Christmas and Little Robin was getting very excited. He sets out his seven warm vests for the frosty days ahead.” Each day, wearing a different vest, he encounters an animal, struggling to stay warm, and thoughtfully offers to share his vest.

The white vest goes to Frog, the green one is shared with Hedgehog, and the pink vest is given to Mole, all shivering from the cold. When Little Robin meets Squirrel in an oak tree, he hands over his yellow vest to help him sleep warmer. With three vests left, Little Robin encounters shivering Rabbit, who is given the blue vest and wears it as a hat with his long ears sticking out of the arm holes. Skipping along with riverbank, he encounters Otter trying to keep her baby warm, and the purple vest is a perfect fit the little one. The last orange vest, is kindly given to a freezing little mouse.

In this sweet holiday tale of sharing, find out how a familiar figure comes to the rescue and rewards Little Robin’s kindness by providing him with a newly knitted red vest (for which he is known today).
        Themes: Animals, Heroes, Holidays, Seasons

SANTA’S STORY
written/illus. by Will Hillenbrand, (Two Lions, $17.99, Sept. 2019, ISBN
978-1542043380), 32p, Ages 3-6 (Pre/K)

It’s Christmas Eve and Santa’s reindeer are missing. It seems that the reindeer have forgotten their annual tradition and are busy spinning, jigging, dancing, howling, and practicing take-offs. Santa uses his all-call horn, rings the sleigh bells, and loudly calls for them to come home, but nothing works, until he remembers his Christmas Eve tradition of reading a famous Christmas poem. Calling out “STORY TIME,” the reindeer gather around to listen to "'Twas the Night Before Christmas.” In this cheerful holiday tribute to storytelling, the reindeer thank Santa for reading to them and fly off for their annual Christmas Eve journey around the world.
        Themes: Fantasy, Holidays

THE TEDDY BEARS’ CHRISTMAS SURPRISE
written by Bruno Hächler, Illus. by Anastasia Arkhipova. (minedition, October 2019, $17.99, ISBN
978-988-8341-63-4), 32p, Ages 3-7

“It was Christmas Eve. A teddy bear with a red bow tie sat forgotten on the bookshelf, waiting for something to happen. He had been waiting there for years. His fur had become dull and shaggy, but his eyes still glinted like they did when he was first held in a child’s arms. He was the first bear to disappear.”

Teddy bears all over town gather to begin a secret mission to remind families of the true spirit of Christmas. At the stroke of midnight the teddies sneak into homes, remove the gifts and substitute notes that remind people what they have forgotten at this time of the year. Find out how the notes change hearts and lives throughout the town. Oh yes, and discover what happened to all the teddy bears and the gifts. Whether young or young-at-heart, everyone should enjoy this warm reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
Themes: Families, Heroes, Holidays, Toys

SANTA MOUSE
written by Michael Brown, illus. by Elfrieda De Witt, (Little Simon, $17.99, Sept. 2019, ISBN 978-1-5344-33793-7), 32p, Ages 4-7

This charming holiday story, first published in 1966, tells of a lonely mouse, with no name, who resides in an empty old mansion on Christmas Eve. Deciding that Santa never receives presents, he wraps up a delicious piece of cheese that he saved all year, leaves it for Santa, and goes to bed. What a surprise Christmas morning to find a thankful Santa giving him a new name and a new job as Santa’s helper. “Then over all the rooftops, / on a journey with no end, / away they went together, / Santa with his tiny friend.” After listening to this delightful story of giving and receiving, don't be surprised if children leave a piece of cheese for Santa Mouse on Christmas Eve.
        Themes: Animals, Holidays, Series
Other in the Series: Santa Mouse, Where Are You?

ONE WILD CHRISTMAS (Life in the Wild series)
written/illus. by Nicholas Oldland, (Kids Can Press, $16.99, Sept. 2019, ISBN 978-1-5253-0203-9), 32p, Ages 4-7

Great friends, Moose, Beaver, and Bear look forward to a great Christmas. As they prepare food, hang stockings, put up lights, and wrap presents, they realize one thing is missing—a tree. The three friends search the forest for a perfect tree, eventually finding a beautiful pine, but Bear is concerned about saving his precious forest, and he stops beaver and the moose from cutting down the tree. “The bear was happy the tree was safe, but he worried that his love of trees might ruin their Christmas. Then he had an idea.” Find out how compromise and friendship result in a very special tree-hugging Christmas for three diverse friends.
        Themes: Animals, FR, HO, Series
Others in the Series: Big Bear Hug (2009) Making the Moose Out of Life (2010), The Busy Beaver (2011), Up the Creek (2013), Walk on the Wild Side (2015)

SHARING CHRISTMAS
written by Kate Westerlund, illus. by Eve Tharlet, (minedition, $17.99, October 2019, ISBN 978-988-8341-84-9), 32p, Ages 5-7

This year, with an unusual amount of snow, the forest animals realize that Christmas will be bleak with little food. When Clara’s mother worries about the lack of food, Clara wishes on a star, and hears bells in the distance. Her friends, the squirrels, rabbits, and birds, join the search for the bells and discover nuts, berries and Osgood the donkey, who tells them the story behind all the magical treats. “‘The children from the farms have been worried that with so much snow you might not have enough to eat,’ said Osgood. ‘I helped them carry things, and they placed the food in indifferent spots so you could find it. Then they decorated this tree for Christmas.’” Osgood, with his bridle of bells, then tells them the story of the first Christmas. Kids will especially love Clara’s ear warmers in this delightful tale of sharing and kindness at Christmas.
        Themes: Animals, Holidays, Nature, Seasons

DASHER
written/illus. by Matt Tavares, (Candlewick Press, $17.99, Sept. 2019, ISBN 978-1-5362-0137-6), 40p, Ages 4-7)

This beautiful and elegant story explains how a family of reindeer becomes Santa’s eight Christmas flyers with the help of a doe named Dasher. “There was a time, long ago, when Santa’s sleigh was pulled, not by a team of reindeer but by a single horse named Silverbell.” As Santa’s load increases, Silverbell struggles to pull the sleigh, until a reindeer by the name of Dasher daringly escapes a traveling circus, searches for the North Star, and meets a man dressed in red, who is struggling with his horse. Dasher offers to help, and “All night, Dasher and Silverbell pulled Santa’s sleigh through the air as Santa guided it from rooftop to rooftop, delivering toys to children everywhere.”

Find out how Santa helps Dasher rescue her remaining family from J.P. Finnegan’s Traveling circus and Menagerie, find a wonderful home, and live happily ever after. Children will enjoy the magical illustrations that accompany this delightful prequel to the classical “A Visit From St. Nicholas.”
        Themes: Adventure, Animals, Families, Holidays

SNOWMEN LIVE FOREVER
written/illus. by Thierry Dedieu, (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, $17.99, August 2019, ISBN 978-0-8028-5526-8), 40p, Ages 4-7

Snowman is a friend to all the woodland animals, especially Squirrel, Rabbit, Hedgehog, and Owl, who enjoy listening to his amazing tales of far away places, playing his wonderful games, and listening to his riddles. As the weather begins to change, the Snowman begins to melt and finally disappears. Devastated, the animals turn to Master Bear, who teaches them, “about how snow melts and water naturally flows from the mountains down to the sea.” Remembering how Snowman desired to learn to swim, they race down the mountain, make a raft, and search for any trace of him in the ocean. Discouraged, they head home, only to find him in a most unexpected place, telling them about his recent adventures over Tibet, the great white tiger, and promising to return with the next snowfall. Kids will love the delightful illustrations that make the characters come alive.
        Themes: Adventure, Animals, Friendship, Nature, Seasons

CHRISTMAS IN CAMELOT
Magic Tree House. Merlin Mission Book 1
written by Mary Pope Osborne, illus. by Antonio Javier Caparo, (Random House Books for Young Readers, $18.99, October 2019, ISBN
978-1-9848-9519-6), 144p, Ages 7-10

This holiday season in the Magic Tree House series, Jack and Annie from Frog Creek, Pennsylvania, receive a Royal Invitation to spend Christmas Eve in the Kingdom of Camelot. Once there, they soon realize that Camelot may end forever, unless they solve three rhymes given by the Christmas Knight. As they travel to the Otherworld to bring back the Water of Memory and Imagination to Camelot, foes are overcome, knights are rescued, rhyming clues are solved, Camelot is restored to its former glory, and the wizard behind it all is revealed. Originally published in 2001, this updated Deluxe Holiday Edition contains newly illustrated artwork that readers will treasure. A Note from the Author explains how the story was influenced by Celtic myths and legends that have been handed down through the ages.
         Themes: Adventure, Families, Fantasy, Folk Literature, Heroes, Series

SANTA'S PUPPY
written by Catherine Hapka, (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers, $14.99, October 2019, ISBN 978-0-358-05184-8), 240p, Ages 8-11

Peppermint Bark helps herd Santa’s reindeer and keeps track of the elves, but he’s never been allowed on any of Santa’s Christmas Eve trips, until now. After stowing away in Santa’s sleigh, he accidentally becomes wedged in the chimney on Chris and Holly Kerstman’s roof, and is left behind by Santa. When he is rescued by the kids, they are amazed that not only does his breath smell minty and jingle bells can be heard when his tale wages, but he has the ability to talk.

After explaining his predicament, the kids and a friend work together to locate a portal that will return Peppermint to the North Pole before midnight on Christmas day, or the gates to the North Pole will close until next Christmas Eve. They experience all kinds of trouble, as do two elves, who have been sent to find the missing puppy. Kids will enjoy this heartwarming and action-filled Christmas tale of adventure, friendship, and the most exciting Christmas ever for Santa Puppy, the Kerstman kids, and Santa.
        Themes: Families, Friendship, Heroes, Humor, Holidays, Pets

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
written by Clement C. Moore, illus. by Charles Santore, (Applesauce Press, Oct. 2011), 44p, Ages 4-8

Written as a Christmas present for his children in 1822, Dr. Moore’s classic poem tells the story of a magical visit one Christmas Eve from Santa Claus. Hearing clatter on his roof, the father of a sleeping family discovers “a right jolly old elf” in his living room placing toys under their Christmas tree.

Upon completing his task, an ash-tarnished Santa winks, nods, zooms up the chimney, and leaves in a sleigh pulled by eight miniature reindeer. This charming and memorable tale, accompanied by exquisite illustrations from award-winning artist Charles Santore, should be read as a Christmas tradition every year.
        Themes: Classics, Holidays, Rhythm & Rhyme

THE STEADFAST TIN SOLDIER
written by Hans Christian Andersen, retold by Tor Siedler, illus. by Fred Marcellino, (Michael di Capua Books, 1992, Atheneum Books, 2017), 32p, Ages 5-8

First published at Christmastime in 1838, this enchanting tale tells of a discarded one-legged tin soldier, who sees a paper ballerina dancing on one leg, and loves her from afar. One Christmas a young boy receives 25 tin soldiers standing at attention in their red and blue uniforms, except for one who was missing a leg. “He was the last to be cast, and the tin had run out. But he stood a steadily on his single leg as the others did on two—and of them all, he was the one destined for greatness.”

From a distance he admires a beautiful paper ballerina, who is also balanced on one leg. Through a series of unusual events, the tin solder falls off the boy’s windowsill into a stream, travels down a sewer, is swallowed by a fish, and eventually reunited with the boy. When a thoughtless child throws the tin soldier into the fireplace, the ballerina joins him via a gust of wind. This holiday classic of romance, endurance, and heroism is a special holiday treat for all ages.
        Themes: Classics, Heroes, Holidays

CHRISTMAS COOKIES: Bite-Size Holiday Lessons
written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illus. by Jane Dyer, (HarperCollins Books, 2008), 40p, Ages 5-10

Wisdom for the holidays comes together with appealing illustrations in a delightful sequel to Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons. Basic concepts and feelings are incorporated into a clever sort of dictionary surrounding Christmas. From “Anticipation” (thinking about making cookies), “Appreciation” (thanking the baker), and “Moderation” (eating just enough cookies) to “Frustrated” (burned cookies), “Perseverance” (trying again), “Thoughtful” (sharing with a neighbor), and “Gratitude” (thankful for cookies and family), 23 holiday lessons are presented for children’s enjoyment and education. Endpapers reveal a Christmas sugar cookie recipe.
        Themes: Concept, Food, Holidays, Values

CHANUKAH IN CHELM
written by David A. Adler, illus. by Kevin O’Malley, (Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, 1997), 32p., Ages 6-9

In Jewish folklore, tales are told about the kindhearted but foolish people of Chelm, who manage to turn the easiest tasks into monumental quests. Mendel, a good-natured, hard-working caretaker of the synagogue, needs a table to hold the menorah on the first night of Chanukah. In the storage closet, the caretaker is unable to locate a table (he’s leaning on it), so he borrows one from the local workshop, Tables Are Us. On the way home, Mendel decides the table is too heavy and concludes that since it has four legs, it could very well walk by itself. Humorous dialogue balloons in which the characters comment on the events add a zany flavor to this Polish folktale.
        Themes: Folk Literature, Holidays, Humor

OSKAR AND THE EIGHT BLESSINGS
written by Richard Simon/Tanya Simon, illus. by Mark Siegel, (Roaring Brook Press, $17.99, Sept. 2015, ISBN 978-1-59643-949-8), 40p, Ages 4-8

“Oskar, even in bad times, people can be good. You have to look for the blessings.” With this reminder from his father, in 1938 on Christmas Eve and the seventh day of Hanukkah, a young Jewish refugee arrives by ship from Nazi Europe with a photograph and address of an unknown aunt. As Oskar walks the length of Manhattan (100 blocks), he encounters kind New Yorkers, who bless him with gifts of food, mittens, music, and even the very first Superman comic.

Each small act of kindness welcomes Oskar into a new life in a country where miracles happen, especially during the holidays. Endpapers feature a map of Manhattan and Oskar's route from the Battery, past Union Square, Herald Square, Carnegie Hall, and Central Park to Aunt Ester's home. The engaging illustrations bring this story of kindness and generosity to life during a dark period in world history.
        Themes: Historical Fiction, Holidays, Friendship

THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY
written by Susan Wojciechowski, illus. By P. J. Lunch, (Candlewick Press, 1985/1995/2015), 40p, Ages 8-11

“Jonathan Toomey seldom smiled and never laughed. He went about mumbling and grumbling, muttering and sputtering, grumping and griping. He complained that the church bells rang too often, that the birds sang too shrilly, that the children played too loudly.” A woodcarver by trade, Jonathan was lonely and mourning the loss of his wife and child.

Before Christmas a widow requests a manger scene and asks that her son, an aspiring woodcarver, watch the process. Gradually over the next few visits the boy offers suggestions, and the widow brings small gifts of food. Slowly Jonathan changes from a sad, lonely woodcarver into a caring and joyful human being, transformed by the miracle of love and hope at Christmastime. This simple and heartwarming story has been enjoyed as a Christmas classic for years since written in 1985.
        Themes: Classics, Families, Holidays

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
written by Charles Dickens, illus. by P. J. Lynch, (1843, Candlewick Press, 2006), 160p, Ages 10+

This newly illustrated, unabridged edition of a classic holiday tale tells of love, goodwill, mercy, and redemption. On Christmas Eve in Victorian England, old, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge encounters three spirits: Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come. Each spirit teaches him the meaning of Christmas by reviewing his past, disclosing his present, and foretelling his grim future. Can Scrooge reverse his miserable destiny and change his cold heart? Every Christmas we should try to read the timeless story that was first published in 1843. P. J. Lynch’s lavish illustrations definitely enhance this spectacular edition.
        Themes: Classics, Families, Holidays

Over the years, we have researched thousands of children's books, and can recommend some of the best in outstanding children's literature for parents to read aloud and children to read.

Our recommendations must meet certain criteria: fun, creative and imaginative stories, delightful illustrations, and excellent for age appropriate listening and reading. We hope that you enjoyed our recommendations. If you desire further information some of the best in children's literature, please visit our website, www.tchliteracy.com.