Book advent calendars are a new thing in my life, I’m not sure why I didn’t think of it but
whoever did is brilliant. All you need to do is wrap up your holiday books, we use the
same ones year after year will a couple new ones added to spice things up. We have
them displayed but not within reach, since the little kiddos have a hard time stopping at
just one. Here is a short list of a couple you can still get together for the second half of
December.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss — It’s a classic and of course has to be
on the list. This is a story of a grumpy Grinch whose heart was changed by the power of
love. I suggest reading it before watching the T.V. special.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg – Another classic that I recommend reading
before watching the movie, although the movie is fantastic too. The illustrations are
almost as wonderful as the story of a boy’s magical trip to the North Pole to make his
Christmas wish.
Why Christmas Trees Aren’t Perfect by Richard Schneider – This is a lovely book that
talks about how love and concern for others is more important that looks. A good story
with a good moral.
A Christmas Carol (picture book) by Charles Dickens – Ok I am a sucker for the
classics but seriously you can’t miss this one. What you give is more important that
what you keep.
The Littlest Christmas Tree by R.A. Herman — The Littlest Christmas Tree watches
as one by one all the trees find homes. All the little tree wants is to find a home of its
own. Wishes do come true.
The Twelve Days of Christmas in Pennsylvania by Martha Peaslee Levine — The
illustrations are all places we know and love and I always find myself singing along as I
read.
How Santa Got His Job by Stephen Krensky – Ever wondered what Santa did before
he got his big career delivering presents? Explore what jobs Santa tried and before
finding his perfect job.
Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner — What in the world do snowmen do for
Christmas? Turns out, they have all kinds of fun in the snow while the rest of us are
sleeping. Everyone will love this story told in rhyme.
Merry Christmas, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt — Do you suffer from the “what ifs?”
Then let Stinky Face’s mom reassure you as she takes away the worries of the things
that could possibly keep Christmas from coming.
Santa’s Underwear by Marty Rhodes Figley — Giggles will take over once you start
this book. Santa can’t find his old, holey, lucky underwear that he wears every
Christmas Eve. He tries different options until one special gift ensures a merry
Christmas for everyone!
Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney – Llama Llama has to wait and he
doesn’t like it. Rushing around Mama Llama teaches him what the best gift is. There is
also Llama Llama Jingle Bells
Punchinello and the Most Marvelous Gift by Max Lucado – Punchinello searches for
the best gift as the Maker-Day Festival approaches. He turns what could have been a
disaster into the perfect gift for Eli, the woodcarver, teaching the town what the festival
is all about.
The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore — Oh, the memories. Christmas Eve
just isn’t complete without this classic story and classic illustrations. There are many
versions out there including a Little Golden Book.
Ok so it was 13 books, but really you can never have too many.
Happy Holidays!
Liz Bleacher