✰✰✰✰ With verses written to the tune of the classic song Jingle Bells, the reader follows two children as they travel the world in a sleigh through a growing snowstorm. Along the way they observe holiday traditions in many countries including Mexico, Sweden, Kenya, and more. The children return home with a sleighful of new friends just in time to celebrate.
The Bottom Line: This sweet holiday tale is filled with colorful, festive watercolors. The story puts a spotlight on celebrating diversity, making it perfect for school or library story times. Trapani has also thoughtfully included a page describing Christmas traditions in the featured countries and a page with the music and words to Jingle Bells.
Details: Jingle Bells as told & illustrated by Iza Trapani. Hardcover picture book published by Charlsebridge in 2005. 32 p. ISBN: 1-58089-095-4
✰✰✰✰ Christmas is almost here, but Little Hedgehog just isn't ready. His tree doesn't sparkle, and he has forgotten to get presents. Luckily his friend Mouse knows just how to make a home shimmer with glitter. As the day turns into night, Fox helps with the presents, but there's still something missing. Can you guess what it is?
The Bottom Line: Check out this Sparkling Glitter Book for a shimmering tale of holiday fun and friendship. Kids ages 3 - 7 will enjoy the bright and colorful illustrations with just a dash of glitter. Pick up this sweet tale for storytime or bedtime reading.
Details: One Christmas Night written by M. Christina Butler & illustrated by Tina Macnaughton. Hardcover picture book published by Good Books in 2011. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-56148-727-1
✰✰✰✰ As the magic of Christmas draws near, there is much for Santa Claus to do. He brushes the reindeer and shines up his sleigh. He checks his list and packs up the toys. Santa loves all the children and knows that the magic of Christmas will soon be here. And when it arrives, the reindeer will fly, and Santa will be on his way.
The Bottom Line: Muth's enchanting illustrations bring Thompson's gentle holiday story to life. Filled with soft, glowing watercolors, this picture book is magic. Enthusiastically recommended for bedtime reading for kids in PreK - Grade 2.
Details: The Christmas Magic written by Lauren Thompson & illustrated by Jon J. Muth. Hardcover picture book published by Scholastic Press in 2009. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-439-77497-0
✰✰✰✰½ Bear has only read about Christmas, but he has agreed to have a party. When Mouse arrives, Bear is a little bit grumpy. He tells Mouse there will be pickles and a poem. Mouse is a tiny bit disappointed and bored, and Bear is annoyed. Every time Bear goes into the kitchen for something, Mouse disappears. Finally, Mouse reluctantly settles down for a long poem and pickles only to be surprised by a little Christmas cheer when he least expects it.
The Bottom Line: Fans of Bear and Mouse will enjoy this sweet and thoughtful holiday tale of friendship and giving. Denton's engaging illustrations in watercolor, ink, and gouache are soft and minimal. Enthusiastically recommended for little ones ages 4 - 7.
Details: A Christmas for Bear written by Bonny Becker & illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Hardcover picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2017. 48 p. ISBN: 978-0-7636-4923-4
✰✰✰✰½ Millie is back, and she has a new job delivering Christmas mail. It's a very busy time of year, but Millie loves it. On Christmas Eve, she is sent home with a bundle of packages for the farmer and the other animals. Unfortunately, the snow turns the simple trek home into a confusing maze, and Millie gets lost. What will happen to the undelivered presents? Will she be able to find her way home in time for Christmas? Check out this humorous story and find out.
The Bottom Line: This sweet, misadventure of Millie the cow will appeal to kids in preschool through first grade. The large format and comical illustrations in watercolor are perfect for school and library storytime. Highly recommended for bedtime reading too.
Details: Millie in the Snow written & illustrated by Alexander Steffensmeier. Hardcover picture book published by Walker & Company in 2007. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-8027-9801-5
