LITTLE FIR TREE: Finger-Puppet Book
written/illus. by Yu-Hsuan Huang, (Chronicle Books, 2024, $7.99, ISBN 978-1-7972-2809-9), 12p, Ages 0-3

Little ones will love touching and snuggling up to the Little Fir Tree as he grows in the shelter of the other pine trees and invites his friends to keep warm close to him as the snow falls. All through the winter he grows taller and taller and it’s a happy time when the Litte Fir Tree grows so tall that he can see the stars in the sky, just like little ones enjoying this cute tale.
        Themes: Adventure, Nature, Series
Other books in the series: Baby Alligator, Baby Bear, Baby Bunny, Baby Cactus, Baby Chipmunk, Baby Duck, Baby Elephant, Baby Fish, Baby Fox, Baby Giraffe, Baby Hedgehog, Baby Hippo, Baby Kitten, Baby Koala, Baby Llama, Baby Mushroom, Baby Narwhal, Baby Octopus, Baby Orca, Baby Otter, Baby Piglet, Baby Puppy, Baby Raccoon, Baby Red Panda, Baby Sunflower, Baby Tiger, Baby Unicorn

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MERRY CHRISTMAS, SPOT!
written/illus. by Eric Hill, (Frederick Warne, $8.99, Oct. 2024, ISBN 978-0-241-68634-8), 10p, Ages 2+

Little ones will love Spot as he has fun guessing what each present under the Christmas tree will hold. “A present for Spot – what can it be? Lift the page to find out.” Upon lifting each flap, kids will discover a bicycle for Spot, a trumpet for Steve the Monkey, ice skates for Helen the Hippo, and a sled for Tom the Alligator in this clever interactive story of curiosity, imagination, and just plain fun.
        Themes: Adventure, Animals, Friendship, Holidays Other Books in the Series: Where’s Spot? | Spot Loves Bedtime | Spot Goes to the Farm | Spot Loves His Mommy | Spot at the Wildlife Park | Find Spot on a Rainy Day | Find Spot at Preschool | Find Spot at the Beach | Spot Loves His Daddy | Spot Says Please | Spot Can Count | Spot Goes to the Swimming Pool | Spot’s Birthday Party

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SANTA MOUSE FINDS A FURRY FRIEND
written by Michael Brown, illus. by Robert McPhillips, (Little Simon, $18.99, 2024, ISBN 978-1-6659-6089-2), 40p, Ages 3-6

In rhyming text, Santa and his trusty companion, Santa Mouse, set out to fly around the world on Christmas Eve delivering presents. When Santa Mouse asks him which gift is the best, Santa replies that food, clothes, and home are good gifts, but friendship is the best gift of all.
As they fly through the snowy skies, Santa Mouse hears a small cry from a tiny kitten who looks hungry and frightened. Santa feels there is not enough time to help the little kitten, but Santa Mouse reminds him, “Weren’t you the one who said what’s best for all is feeling you have found a friend?” Devising a plan, Santa Mouse takes the reign, flies high, and swoops down so Santa can rescue the baby kitten, gives her a special toy, and names her Joy. “Our story has a happy end. / We helped someone this Christmas Eve / and found ourselves a brand-new friend. MEOWY CHRISTMAS!” Kids will enjoy this new family of three in another delightful Christmas Mouse story of love and friendship.
        Themes: Adventure, Animals, Holidays, Rhythm & Rhyme, Series
Other books in the Series: Santa Mouse | Santa Mouse, Where Are You? | Santa Mouse Makes a Christmas Wish | Santa Mouse Bakes Christmas Cookies

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A STICKLER CHRISTMAS
written/illus. by Lane Smith, (Random House Studio, $18.99, Oct. 2024, ISBN 978-0-593-81528-1), 40p, Ages 4-7

Stickler is a little woodland character who roams the forest delivering sticks to his friends for Christmas. He surprises Rabbit with a Hop-Higher stick, an Idea Stick for Crow, who uses it as a nose for his snowman, and a In-a-Pear-Tree Stick for Partridge. When Doug-the-Fir refuses any more decorations for his overdecorated tree, Stickler discovers the perfect gift for his friend and receives a Christmas gift in return from Doug.
Kids will love this sweet and silly character, who exemplifies holiday kindness and reminds us that even sticks are valuable presents when they come from the heart! Instructions on how “To Be a Stickler” are found at the bottom of the publication page.
        Themes: Adventure, Character, Friendship, Holidays, Series
Another Book in the Series: Stickler Loves the World

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MERRY CHRISTMAS ZOO
written by Lisa Eickholdt / Lola M. Schaefer, illus. by Laura Watkins, (Chronicle Books, $17.99, Sept. 2024, ISBN 978-9778-1-7972-1656-0), 40p, Ages 4-7

Inspired by Zoo events around the world, kids will discover a magical adventure behind the scenes and watch how zookeepers prepare to surprise their animals with treats at Christmas. “It’s the night before Christmas / and all through the zoo, / we’re working nonstop--/ there’s so much to do! / We study the lists, / checking them twice, / to make sure that the gifts / are healthy and nice.”
Zookeepers decorate the zoo with thousands of lights on trees and walkways, wrap treats for the animals, and wait for Santa to deliver them throughout the zoo. Giraffes love the kale wreaths; otters, penguins, and polar bears enjoy fish frozen in ice blocks; tigers jump on paper-mâché zebras; the seals love balls to play with; hippos enjoy the edible stars on the trees in their enclosures; monkeys find grapes in their stockings; jaguars play with huge candy canes; gorillas drink tea.
Kids will love this cheery, delightful, practice of many zookeepers who provide gifts for their animals at Christmas. End papers feature “How Zoos Celebrate with the Animals” and relate the importance of gifts that stimulate the animals both mentally and physically.
        Themes: Adventure, Animals, Holidays, Humor, Rhythm & Rhyme

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THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE
written by Thomas Meyer, Illus. by Philippe Goossens, translated by Marshall Yarbrough, (NorthSouth Books, $19.95, Oct. 2024, ISBN 978-0-7358-4541-1), 32p, Ages 4-7

Alex is the smallest fir tree in his tree school where Ms. Bear, the tree schoolteacher, instructs the trees to “Stand up straight! Don’t sing along! Drop as few needles as possible!” In the ornament holding class, Kurt, a larger tree classmate, criticizes Alex for being unable to hold many decorations on his little branches, and Alex begins to worry that no family will choose him. Ms. Bear scolds Kurt and tells Alex that “there’s much more to being a Christmas tree. Being a Christmas tree means being kind all year round!”
When the animal families arrive and pick out their trees, Alex is not chosen until a rabbit family appears and little Selma chooses him for their tree. When asked why she picked such a little tree, she explains that there is nothing wrong with being small. When the rabbit family begins singing “O Christmas Tree” Alex surprises the family by singing along. “And so, they sang Christmas carols together, loudly, all night long.”
Kids will love Alex’s huge holiday spirit and the message of kindness, heart, and love.
        Themes: Animals, Families, Heroes, Holidays

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SHOSHI’S SHABBAT
written by Caryn Yacowitz, illus. by Keviin Hawkes, (Candlewick Press, $18.99, 2022, ISBN 978-1-5362-1654-7) 48p, Ages 5-8

Based on the traditional Jewish story of celebrating rest, uniting with nature, and religious observances of other cultures, a young ox, Shoshi, and her owner, Simon, work hard for six days and rest on the seventh day, called the Shabbat. Simon enjoys his family while Shoshi rests with fresh hay and clean water in the barn. When Simon decides to retire, he sells Shoshi to a non-Jewish neighbor, Yohanan, who appreciates Shoshi’s arduous work but is perplexed by her refusal to work on the seventh day. When he realizes that Simon and Shoshi use their day off to rest, he rethinks his work schedule and realizes that there are merits to a day of rest.

Author’s Note explains that the clever story is based on Rabbi Yohanan ben Torta, “a beloved teacher who lived in Israel almost two thousand years ago, when the Romans ruled the Holy Land.” According to tradition he converted to Judaism after purchasing a cow from a Jewish farmer.
        Themes: Adventure, Animals, Families, Friendship, Nature, Religious Observances

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STELLA ENDICOTT AND THE ANYTHING-IS-POSSIBLE POEM: Tales from Deckawoo Drive
written by Kate DiCamillo, illus. by Chris Van Dusen, (Candlewick Press, 2020, $6.99, ISBN 978-1-5362-1904-3). 96p, Ages 7-10

At the beginning of second grade, Stella’s class is assigned to write a poem with a metaphor in it. She crafts a beautiful one about Mercy Watson, the pet pig who lives next door. After school while sitting on the couch with Mercy, Stella begins to write. “It is good to sit on a couch next to a pig and listen to a wizard play a sad song on the accordion.”
When her irritating classmate, Horace Broom, insists that her poem contains lies because pigs don’t live in houses, their shouting results in being sent to the principal’s office. Frightened, Horace panics and runs away into an open door, the Janitorial Supply Closet Number One. Stella follows, shuts the door, and they become locked in. Find out how Stella and Horace reconcile their differences in this wild, adventurous school day where hurt feelings are mended, friendships are established, and metaphors take center stage.
         Themes: Adventure, Chapter Books, Friendships, Heroes, Humor, Series
Other Books in the Series: Leroy Ninker Saddles Up | Francine Poulett Meets the Ghost Raccoon | Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln? | Eugenia Lincoln and the Unexpected Package | Franklin Endicott and the Third Key | Mercy Watson Is Missing

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TOP ELF
written by Caleb Zane Huett, (Scholastic Press, $16.99, 2017, ISBN 978-1-338-05212-1), 288p, Ages 8-12

When Santa announces to the residents and workers of the North Pole that this year will be his last. Instead of handing the reins to his son Klaus, he decides on a series of competitions to test those who are worthy of handling his title. Santa opens it up to anyone, 16 and under, who wishes to apply, including 11-year-old elves Ollie and Celia. They have no idea that they will be required to sneak past fire-breathing robot toddlers, squeeze through chimneys, race runaway sleighs, be nice to rowdy reindeer, survive ten additional wacky contests, and consume huge amounts of cookies and milk. Both an adventure and survival test, find out who will win and receive a bigger reward than Christmas in this fun, clever, humorous tale of friendship and teamwork. Kids will love some of the reindeer names like Crasher, Rocker, Slammer, Jammer, Snoozer, Truther, Treason, Dreamer, Season, and Stargazer.
         Themes: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy, Friendship, Heroes, Holidays, Humor

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THE SEED OF FAITH: A Christmas Miracle
written by Daniel Petronelli, illus. by Emily Pritchett, (Walnut Ridge Publishing, $15.99, 2021, ISBN 9778-1-7374855-1-3), 74p, Ages 9+

On Christmas Eve, a father relates the unforgettable and miraculous Christmas story of faith and miracles to his daughter. Around 40 years ago on Christmas Eve there were two villages called Shiloh and Reidsville, positioned on opposite sides of Faith Hill. After Shiloh suffered from a severe drought that left no Christmas trees for celebration at the village square, a group of boys from each town decided independently and secretly to set out on a dangerous hike to obtain a Christmas tree for Shiloh. When a nor’easter blizzard suddenly blew in, the boys were in trouble. A mysterious man called Joshua, appeared, took them to his cabin, and gave them a red and green painted box with a miracle inside that saved Christmas for Shiloh.
Discover the contents of the mysterious box, the identity of the father, and the boys’ future lives in this charming Christmas story within a story of faith, miracles, kindness, courage, and helping others less fortunate. Readers will enjoy the sentimental illustrations that add to the story’s charm.
         Themes: Adventure, Families, Friendship, Heroes, Holidays, Values

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THE FIRST ADVENTURE OF SHERLOCK HOLMES: A Study In Scarlet
written by Authur Conan Doyle, illus. by Vincent Mallié, (Magnetic Press, 2023, $24.99, ISBN 978-1-951719-74-6), 120p, Ages 15+

This new edition follows the same story line, dialogue, and narration as the original book first published in 1887. Meeting for the first time, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are both looking for a roommate and decide to room together at 221B Baker Street.
When a man is mysteriously murdered in an empty house and “Rache” is written on the wall in blood, Scotland Yard enlists Sherlock’s help in solving a dark murder case. When Dr. Watson joins the investigation, it is the beginning of a lasting partnership.
Structured in two parts, the murder investigation occurs in the first half, with a tale-within-a-tale flashback in the second part. The book title, “A Study in Scarlet” is derived from a speech by Sherlock to Dr Watson on the nature of his work. “There’s the scarlet thread of murder running through the colorless skein of life, and our duty is to unravel it, and isolate it and expose every inch of it.” From Victorian London to the frontiers of Utah and Nevada in the 1860s, readers will experience a true global adventure as well as the wonderful 80 illustrations.
         Themes: Adventure, Classics, Friendship, Mysteries, Series
Other Books in the Series: The Sign of the Four, 1890 | The Hound of the Baskervilles, 1902 | The Valley of Fear, 1915

BEAR STAYS UP FOR CHRISTMAS
written by Karma Wilson, illus. by Jane Chapman, (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2004/2008), 40p, Ages 3-6

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CHRISTMAS CRICKET
written by Eve Bunting, illus. by Timothy Bush, (Clarion Books, 2002), 32p, Ages 3-7

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CONSTRUCTION SITE ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT
written by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illus. by A. G. Ford, (Chronicle Books, 2018), 40p, Ages 3-7

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HARRY AND THE DINOSAURS MAKE A CHRISTMAS WISH
written by Ian Whybrow, Illus. by Adrian Reynolds, (Random House, 2004), 32p, Ages 3-7

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LITTLE BLUE TRUCK’S CHRISTMAS
written by Alice Schertle, illus. by Jill McElmurry, (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers, 2014), 24p, Ages 3-6

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MARY ENGELBREIT’S A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS: Celebrate From A to Z
written/illus. by Mary Engelbreit, (HarperCollins, 2006), 40p, Ages 3-6

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THE MOUSE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
written & illus. by Michael Garland, (Dutton Children’s Books, 1997), 32p, Ages 2-6

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PETER RABBIT’S CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
written & illus. by Beatrix Potter, (Frederick Warne & Co., 2003) Ages 3-7

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CAPTAIN SKY BLUE
written/illus. by Richard Egielski, (Scholasltic Books, 2010), 32p, Ages 4-7

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THE FOURTH KING: The Story of the Other Wise Man
written/illus. by Ted Sieger, (Candlewick Press, 2006), 48p, Ages 5-8

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THE LITTLE BELL THAT WOULDN’T RING: A Christmas Story
written by Heike Conradi, illus. by Maja Dusiková, (NorthSouth Books, $17.95, October 2020), 32p, Ages 4-7

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MR. WILLOWBY’S CHRISTMAS TREE
written & illus. by Robert Barry, (1963, Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2000), 32p, Ages 4-7

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A LITTLE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TREASURY: Festive Holliday Stories
written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, illus. by Garth Williams, (HarperCollins, $12.99, 2005), 144p, Ages 8-12

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AN ORANGE FOR FRANKIE
written/illus. by Patricia Polacco, (Philomel Books, 2004), 48p, Ages 7+

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THE PETERKINS’ CHRISTMAS
adapted by Elizabeth Spurr, illus. by Wendy Anderson Halperin, (Antheneum Books, 2004), 32p, Ages 7-10

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THE THIRD GIFT
written by Linda Sue Park, illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline, (Clarion Books, 2011), 32p, Ages 6-9

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WHERE DID THEY HIDE MY PRESENTS? SILLY DILLY CHRISTMAS SONGS
written by Alan Katz, illus. by David Catrow, (McElderry Books, $15.99, 2005), 32p, Ages 7-10

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

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FRANKLIN AND WINSTON: A Christmas That Changed the World
written by Douglas Wood, illus. by Barry Moser, (Candlewick Press, 2011), 40p, Ages 8-11

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THE NUTCRACKER MICE
written by Kristin Kladstrup, illus. by Brett Helquist, (Candlewick Press, Oct. 2017), 336p, Ages 9-12

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

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NICKEL BAY NICK
written by Dean Pitchford, (G. P. Putnam’s Sons, $16.99, Oct. 2013), 272p, Ages 10+

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THE TOYMAKER'S APPRENTICE
written by Sherri L. Smith, illus. by Sarah Watts, (G. P. Putnam's Sons, Oct. 2015), 400p, Ages 10-14

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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.