Christmas Book

This year choosing a Christmas book for my girls was difficult.  My almost 9 year old loves the tradition of the Christmas books but really doesn't want to listen to me read them anymore.  She'll gather a pile of them up and bring them into her room and read them to herself, though.  My 6 year old is still there, asking me to read them to her.

Other than my oldest's changing preferences I found it challenging to find a good, meaty story.  Not a novelty book or one where the story is secondary to the illustrations.  A meaningful, well-written, story - like The Polar Express, Mr Willoby's Christmas Tree or Santa's Book of Names.  I browsed at a couple book stores (shopping online doesn't lend itself to this kind of gift selection) and just didn't find the book. 

In the end I just went with Ella Bella Ballerina and The Nutcracker because I liked the illustrations and because of my emotional attachment to The Nutcracker (which we're seeing again this year!!)  My almost 9 year old didn't even look through it and my 6 year old listened to it once.  Maybe they'll grow fond of it the longer it is around.

 In Ella Bella Ballerina and The Nutcracker, Ella Bella is magically swept into the Nutcracker ballet by Clara.  The magic happens in her ballet studio after her teacher, Madam Rosa, announces that the class will be performing the Nutcracker.  Clara takes Ella Bella by the hand and together they experience the Nutcracker.

 Did you buy a Christmas book this year?  Was it a winner?  I'd love any Christmas book recommendations too. 

Previous Christmas Book posts here.

Speaking of the Nutcracker

which was as wonderful as ever! Here is the Christmas book that was added to our collection this year. If you love Mary Engelbreit's illustrations this is the book for you! The illustrations really capture the magic of the Nutcracker.

Are you enjoying a new Christmas book this season?

Christmas Book

Since we've been in Luxembourg we've given the girls a new Christmas book to add to our collection. The first year here it was Gingerbread Friends. Last year it was Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. This year I intentionally searched Amazon.uk for an English Christmas story. I'm taking full advantage of having access (aka no shipping charges) to so many wonderful books that are new to us. I thought Musgrove and Father Christmas sounded perfect!

Musgrove, a large and apparently friendly, rat is nanny to Hermione. Their adventures together have formed a series of Musgrove books. In this one Musgrove and Hermione search for the perfect Christmas tree. One that smells of Christmas. In the end it is Father Christmas himself who supplies the perfect tree, smell and all. It is a charming book with an feel of days gone by. Written in script and accompanied by sweet illustrations, it was the perfect addition to our Christmas collection this year.

Here are a few of our other Christmas book favorites. What are yours?

Christmas Book Favorites

Ah, back at home. Feels so good. That added ocean crossing definitely added another day of jet-lag to the trip. Yesterday felt almost dream like. Today I'm a bit more conscious. Tomorrow I hope to be human. We're going to the circus tomorrow here in Luxembourg. I'm just as excited as the girls. Last year I was just so blown away by the Christmas Circus we saw in Trier. I can hardly wait to see what this one is like. Sunday we're headed to Trier for the Christmas Market. It is nice to have the in-laws here to share some of the local holiday traditions with them.

Speaking of traditions, our Christmas books are out and we're all really enjoying them. I LOVE the book we added this season. If you're looking for a gift or for a book to add to your own Christmas book stash I highly recommend, Mr. Willoby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry (first published in 1963.)

The story starts with the delivery of Mr. Willoby's christmas tree. It is perfect in every way except it is too tall. So, Mr. Willoby's butler chops the top off of the tree and gives the top to the maid. The maid sets up the tree top in her house and discovers it too is too tall so she cuts off the top. That top is then given to the gardener. And wouldn't you know, the tree is too tall for his house as well. The story continues on like this until the top finds it's way into a mouse house. The text is a lively rhyme. The illustrations are whimsical pen and ink drawings. This is a must have.

Here are a few of our other favorites, mentioned last year.

The Gingerbread man retold by Barbara McClintock

Santa's Book of Names by David McPhail

A Firefly in a Firtree by Hilary Knight

Christmas Book Favorite!

The tale of the gingerbread man is close to my heart. We own many versions of this tale, but this one is my favorite. The gingerbread man is especially brash in this version, shouting a sassy little chant to his assailants in addition to the traditional run, run as fast as you can. The old time looking illustrations are darling too. The animals (especially the fox) remind me of this artist's illustrations. The Crafty Crow as a cute gingerbread beanbag project to go along with this book.

Christmas Book Favorite!

Santa's Book of Names
By David McPhail

This book is actually my favorite. It is the story of a little boy, Edward, who desperately wants to learn how to read. When Santa needs his help, Edward must read the names from Santa's book. With some gentle coaching from Santa, Edward saves Christmas (and learns to read!) Teachers and mothers beware, this story pulls at the heart strings!

Christmas Book Favorite!

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A Christmas Book Favorite

A Firefly in a Fir Tree
A Carol for Mice
by Hilary Knight

My girls received this book last year and it was an instant favorite. I wasn't surprised it continued to be one this year as well. It is written to the tune of a Partridge in a Pear Tree. The gifts of 4 holly berries, 5 golden bells and 6 wrens a-nesting are shared by a sweet little mouse couple. The illustrations are charming - who doesn't love a little mouse house?