Books for Younger Children
Froggy's Best Christmas
Written by Jonathan London; Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz
For anyone who regularly checks out these holiday book recommendations, it is no secret that Jonathan London's Froggy books are among my favorite. Of the series, though, Froggy's Best Christmas stands apart as one of the best. In this tale, Froggy's friends rouse him from his winter sleep so that he can celebrate Christmas for the first time ever. Of course, it wouldn't be a true Froggy story without a few mishaps and misadventures along the way ...
The Sweet Smell of Christmas (Scented Storybook)
Written by Patricia M. Scarry; illustrated by J. P. Miller
This scratch-and-sniff storybook is perhaps one of the most memorable from my own preschool days. And while I've purchased at least two copies of this book in my adult years (copies that got left behind with preschool and kindergarten classes in S. Korea), the first copy still sits on the bookcase in my parents' home, where countless little hands have enjoyed those scratch-and-sniff pictures over the years. Yes, most of the scent is long gone. But with a little imagination, I still catch a whiff of pine whenever I flip through this book some three decades after it was first given to me.
The Night Before Christmas
Written by Clement Clarke Moore: illustrated by Will Moses
Although Clement Clarke Moore's classic poem has been illustrated many times over, this version, illustrated by the grandson of Grandma Moses, is perhaps my favorite.The pictures will help the youngest listeners comprehend the text, while at the same time giving even adults a new appreciation for this classic work.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Written by Dr. Seuss
Great fun for young and old alike, no Christmas library is complete without this classic Seuss tale of the Whos down in Whoville and the Grinch -- both of whom discovered a little more about the real meaning of Christmas that fateful holiday when the Grinch made off with every last holiday decoration, gift, delicacy, and trinket.
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Books for Older Children
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Written by Barbara Robinson
"The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. ..." So how did they become the stars of the best Christmas pageant ever? Read this timeless tale to find out ... and in the process, be reacquainted with the love and hope the Christmas season offers.
The Cat Who Came for Christmas
Written by Cleveland Amory
Although not written as a children's book, this novel will appeal to virtually any pet lover ... especially cat lovers. (I think I was in fourth grade the year my sister bought this book for me for Christmas.) Laugh and cry as Amory tells how a stray cat gave him a whole new perspective on love and friendship.
