Six Picks... Holiday Picture Books for Children & Families

Amid the decking of halls and trimming of trees and hanging of weaths and dressing the mantles, a particular tradition in my famly growing up was dusting the Christmas picture books and laying them out on the coffee table where they could be perused throughout the holiday season.  Some books were well worn, passed on from my grandparents, others were newer additions given by family friends who had similar traditions of their own, and shared their favorites titles with us.  These books have become part of the holiday tradition, some silly, some touching, beauifully illustrated- and all with a message in the spirit of the season.

When a small, meaningful family gift, even a hostess gift, is in order, an Illustrated Christmas book makes for a treasure that can be enjoyed for years to come.

All of these titles are available though our Amazon store. Click the titles to purchase! hohoho...

1.

THE TRUE GIFT

by Patricia MacLachlan

All year long, Lily and Liam look forward to Christmas on their grandparents' farm. It's always the perfect trip --- walking to the lilac library, trimming the tree, giving gifts. But this year, thanks to a white cow alone in the meadow, things will be different. This Christmas, Lily and Liam will find out the meaning of a true gift.

2.

HUMPHREY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS

by Carol Heyer

We have all heard the story of the three wise men, who brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus. But what about the camels who carried them? Here is the imaginative story of Humphrey the camel and his long, cold journey to Bethlehem. In addition to an engaging text and gorgeous, whimsical artwork, this story reminds readers of the importance of Christmas and the true meaning of gift-giving.
3.  

SANTA'S STOWAWAY

by Brandon Dorman

Unlike all the other elves in Santa's workshop, Pip is not content simply to know that Christmas Eve is special. No, Pip asks that ever-popular question: WHY? And when no one can tell him, he stows away on Santa's sleigh to find out. Prepare to embark on a journey packed with all the trimmings of the season: an epic sleigh ride, a warm and wonderful Santa, and the wide-eyed children who stay up all night just to catch a glimpse of him.

4.

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

by Nancy Tillman

"As the adult speaker of the story nods off in a comfy red chair, the Spirit of Christmas appears, ready to get the narrator in the holiday spirit. What follows is a buoyant, imagistic tribute to the season, as the Spirit lists joys both tangible and intangible, before offering the reminder: ‘Because it took nothing but love to begin it,/ it's not really Christmas if love isn't in it.' Tillman's ethereal illustrations are surreal but captivating."-Publishers Weekly
5.  

THE CHRISTMAS MAGIC

by Lauren Thompson, illustrated by John J. Muth

Far, far North, when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, Santa begins to prepare for his big night of giving. He gathers his reindeer, feeds them parsnips and berries, and polishes his bells and his sled. Then lovingly, he chooses toys for every child in the world. For Santa loves them all, and he knows what each child at heart wants most. Then, with the thrum of magic that makes reindeers fly, he spreads the Christmas joy and warmth throughout the world--as he always has -- and always will until the end of time.

Lauren Thompson is known for her uncanny ability to reach the hearts and minds of the youngest readers.
Jon J Muth's luminescent watercolor strike all the perfect chords in this warm, reassuring Christmas story.
6.

HEART OF A SNOWMAN

written by Mary Kuryla and Eugene Yeichin
illustrated by Eugene Yeichin

Every Christmas Eve, a boy named Owen builds the very best snowman he can, only to see it melt away on Christmas Day. There must be a way to make it last, he thinks. So begins an adventure that leads Owen to a magical place where curious animals study his snowman piece by piece in an attempt to build a perfect one. But in the end, it is Owen who supplies the one thing they need the most. Have they finally found the secret to making a snowman that will last forever?