We have quite a lot of Christmas books in our Heritage Library. Some are for the very young, some are for the grown ups, and all ages in between. At least half, though, are great read alouds for the family. We really don’t have nearly as many books for this particular holiday as I’d like to have, but every year I add a few more. In fact, I have six books on order just now! I may have to post a second list for you!
I chose these five books to share with you strictly for my own sentimental reasons. On another day, I might have chosen differently. These are all suitable for reading aloud, and I think you will enjoy each.
1. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
, by Susan Wojciechowski, illustrated by P. J. Lynch. This has been my favorite Christmas read-aloud book for the past several years. In fact, as I pulled it out to work on this post, I opened it up and enjoyed reading it again just for my own pleasure. I prefer the cover of the edition I own to the one in the above link. The book, of course, is identical, but the cover picture on my copy reflects the story-line about mid-way through the book. (The cover in the link is from the final page, and I think it gives away the ending too soon). The story is simple. A widowed wood carver has lost his zeal for life, but he learns afresh about love, happiness and caring for others through the kindness and friendship of a widowed woman and her young son. The illustrations are detailed and beautiful. Don’t miss this one!
2. The Legend of the Candy Cane, by Lori Walburg, illustrated by James Bernardin. This story is a bit on the sugar-coated side, but as it’s about candy canes, perhaps the sugary-sweetness can be forgiven. I, for one, have no interest in whether or not the “legend” of the candy cane is true or not. Whether or not this long-time favorite Christmas candy was actually developed as a witnessing tool or not really doesn’t matter to me. However, I do appreciate the opportunity to remind my children often of what Jesus did for them on the cross. With that in mind, this book has found a permanent home in our Heritage Library. The story unfolds as a stranger arrives in town and begins preparing an abandoned store front to re-open. Everyone, of course, wonders what type of store it will be. The children hope for a candy store. One young girl bravely knocks on the door and asks the owner if she might be of help. She’s invited in to unpack boxes, and as the candy canes are unpacked the candy shop owner explains the significance of the shape of the candy, as well as the stripes. The story is short and quite suitable for reading to even the very young. The illustrations are very colorful and quite sweet.
3. Mary, Did You Know?, by Mark Lowry, illustrated by Phil Boatwright. It’s been several years since I first heard this song sung. I loved it from the start, and admit freely that the tears welled up in my eyes as I heard it that first time. I was, therefore, quite pleased to find this book a couple of years ago. Author/comedian/songwriter/singer Mark Lowry’s introduction to this book explains that in writing these lyrics he was putting voice to questions he had pondered from his childhood. Did Mary know the fullness of Who her baby boy really was? How much did she know? Mark Lowry quotes his own mother saying, “If anyone knew Jesus was virgin born – Mary knew!” As a mother, the lyrics of the song (and the text of this book) are ones that gave me a new respect for Mary, the mother of Jesus. The book is beautifully illustrated with the words of the song the only text (though most pages have an italicized Scripture verse to accompany the text).
4. The Tale of Three Trees (A Traditional Folktale), retold by Angela Elwell Hunt, illustrated by Tim Jonke. The traditional tale of three young trees, all dreaming of what they will one day grow to become. In the end, they all serve a particular part of the gospel story, as one is used for the manger, one a boat, and the third a cross. This simple re-telling is perfect for reading aloud. Mr. Jonke’s illustrations, though not vibrant, are colorful and interesting. Again, another wonderful book to point our children toward the cross.
5. Silent Night, illustrated by Susan Jeffers. Three verses of the traditional Christmas hymn written by Joseph Mohr, are the text of this book. The illustrations are simple, yet gorgeous. Ms. Jeffer’s shows us a tender and affectionate Joseph, tending to Mary as she rides the donkey (my favorite illustration from the book!); and an obviously young Mary nursing (discreetly) the Christ child, as Joseph looks on with the angels and a lone donkey. Each page is a single line or two from the carol, faced with a full page illustration. Again, quite suitable for even the youngest little one, and yet perfect for all ages. A wonderful book for bed time!
For a complete list of all Library Builders post to date, please visit my Library Builders page.
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I'm Cheryl. I've been Copper's wife for 33 years. We have two grown daughters, two teen sons, a wonderful son-in-love and six grandbabies. Copperswife is a place to find encouragement as you joyfully look well to the ways of your own household.
