Friday, December 21, 2012

Seven Great Holiday Childrens' Books plus a Giveaway!



Today I am excited to yet again join the WinterHaven Sleigh Tour . This week, we are posting our favorite Childrens Winter or Christmas story. To see who else is on the sleigh, go to WinterHaven Sleigh Tour  for a list of all the participating blogs.




Dewey's Christmas at the Library
by Vicki Myron, Bret Witter, 
& Steve James (Illustrator)
Find it: Goodreads | Amazon

The newest adventure in our New York Times bestselling series celebrates Dewey's very first Christmas!

The holiday season is in full swing in Spencer -- the lights are twinkling, the wreaths are hung, and Christmas bells are ringing. Inside the library, Dewey longs to be part of the holiday fun and after a series of silly misadventures, Dewey finds a way to add his own special touch to hisbeloved Christmas tree -- and the results are Dew-rific!

A wonderful way to celebrate the season with everyone's favorite library cat.


Mr Willowby's Christmas Tree

by Robert E Barry
Find it: Goodreads Amazon

Mr. Willowby's Christmas tree 
Came by special delivery. 
Full and fresh and glistening green--
The biggest tree he'd ever seen.


That was the trouble. The tree was so tall, it couldn't stand up straight in his parlor. Mr. Willowby asked his butler to chop off the top of the tree. What happens to the treetop? Where will it be for Christmas? Snuggle up with this story and follow along through a forest full of friendly creatures who get to share in a bit of Christmas joy.






A Pussycat's Christmas
by Margaret Wise Brown & Anne Mortimer (Illustrator)
Find it: Goodreads Amazon

There are certain sounds--the rustle of tissue paper, the melody of a Christmas carol--and certain sights--the light of a fireplace fire, the sparkle of Christmas ornaments--that signal the coming of Christmas. To Pussycat, the essence of Christmas is made up of all of these sensations, which capture the mystery and beauty of this favorite holiday. Margaret Wise Brown's affectionate text, first published in 1949, has been reillustrated by Anne Mortimer in a glowing new edition, perfect for cat lovers and Christmastime revelers to enjoy for many Christmases to come.


The Shortest Day: Celebrating The Winter Solstice
by Wendy Pfeffer & Jesse Reisch (Illustrator)
Find it: Goodreads Amazon

The beginning of winter is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of the year. Long ago, people grew afraid when each day had fewer hours of sunshine than the day before. Over time, they realized that one day each year the sun started moving toward them again. In lyrical prose and cozy illustrations, this book explains what the winter solstice is and how it has been observed by various cultures throughout history. Many contemporary holiday traditions were borrowed from ancient solstice celebrations. Simple science activities, ideas for celebrating the day in school and at home, and a further-reading list are included.


The Night Before Christmas
by Clement Moore & Jan Brett (Illustrator)
Find it: Goodreads Amazon

Who's that peeking out of the sleigh? 

As St. Nick and eight tiny reindeer descend through a brilliant night sky onto the roof of a Victorian house in a snowy New England village, the famous Christmas poem begins. The father of the family narrates the words just as Clement Moore wrote them, and artist Jan Brett captures the spirit in brilliant illustrations that reflect this memorable night. Visually she extends this favorite Christmas story for children, who will delight in watching the two mischievous stowaways from the North Pole enthusiastically exploring the sacks of gifts on the roof while St. Nick, unaware, journeys down the chimney... until the toys spill down onto the lawn and he turns with a jerk!

Antique toys and exquisite ornaments frame the borders in which sometimes the father, St. Nick, or the family cat and dog look on, as the story unfolds.

A unique and beautiful edition to be cherished for years to come by all the family, especially the youngest, who find the night before Christmas perhaps the most exciting night of the year.

Stopping by  Woods on a Snowy Evening
by Robert Frost & Susan Jeffers  (Illustrator)
Find it: Goodreads Amazon

Ever since it was published in 1978, the picture-book presentation of Robert Frost's poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" has been an enduring favorite. For this special edition with a new design, trim size, and three new spreads, Susan Jeffers has added more detail and subtle color to her sweeping backgrounds of frosty New England scenes. There are more animals to find among the trees, and the kindly figure with his "promises to keep" exudes warmth as he stops to appreciate the quiet delights of winter. The handsome new vellum jacket will attract new and old fans as it evokes a frost-covered windowpane. This celebration of a season makes an ideal holiday gift for a child, a teacher, or a host. Robert Frost (1874-1963) is one of America's most celebrated poets and a four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize. 


Not Traditionally a Christmas Story...but one that I had to include:

The Velveteen Rabbit
by Margery Williams & William Nicholson (Illustrator)
Find it: Goodreads Amazon

Nursery magic is very strange and wonderful, and only those playthings that are old and wise and experienced like the Skin Horse understand all about it.

Like the Skin Horse, Margery Williams understood how toys--and people--become real through the wisdom and experience of love. This reissue of a favorite classic, with the original story and illustrations as they first appeared in 1922, will work its magic for all who read it









WinterHaven books is hosting a giveaway that will include two book bundles to be donated to an elementary school or library of the winner's choice. 

The winner will be able to choose two from the following choices:

Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins (includes all 3 books)
Shiver Trilogy by Maggie Steifvater (includes all 3 books)
Dairy Queen Trilogy by Catherine Murdock (includes all 3 books)
Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare (includes first 3 books)



a Rafflecopter giveaway

6 comments:

  1. I loved the Shel Silverstein books like Where the Sidewalk Ends.

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  2. One Monster After Another. Still is, actually. :)

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  3. I definitely see a cat theme there. Hmm my favorite children's book is out of print and I keep trying to get it but not luck it is called Jane's Pink Blanket. I also loved The Monster at the End of the Book with Grover and

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  4. A bunch of these I haven't read yet. I do love The Night Before Christmas and have several versions around the house. The Velveteen Rabbit is one I grew up with. :)

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  5. I'm not entering but just wanted to say thanks for the list! I've read lots of Christmas books to my daughter this week. I think I will try to find Dewey's Christmas at my library :)

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I'd love to know your thoughts! ♥ I adore comments ♥ And I always reply either here to your comment, via email or with a return visit to your site :)

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