Favorite Things: Christmas Book List

I had a reader ask if I could share some of the titles from our Christmas book basket pictured HERE!

Well sure!  I'm so happy to share!  Quickly though, a short little history.

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As a young girl in elementary school, I remember rushing home with the Scholastic book orders, plopping myself down in the living room at the coffee table, and circling all the books I wanted to buy.  My parents were so kind as to encourage my brother, sister, and I as readers, and we often got to put in our order.  This went on all through elementary school, every year, every teacher, each time Scholastic orders were handed out in my classrooms.  I couldn't get enough.

Fast forward to college.  Growing up wanting to do so, I was blessed to go to school to become a teacher.  In the School of Education classes, several of my professors offered Scholastic book orders, and I had a hard time passing them up.  Always on the lookout, bookstores (mostly the sales bins and shelves) were my playground.  As a teacher, my school had book fairs filled with beautiful books for students and teachers to buy.  In the staff room, the "Book Man" would come and leave a display of special books for teachers to be enticed by peruse and purchase.  When I think about it, I don't think I ever passed up an opportunity to add to my collection.  Mostly I ordered thinking of my future students and my totally awesome classroom library.    I also considered the future twinkles in my eye (the little munchkins I so hoped for).  But I also ordered for myself...for my love of books...for the love of beautiful illustrations and the joy of reading a precious story.

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With that in mind, I'll share a few of our Christmas favorites...and some I hope to purchase in the future.  I posted these links through Amazon, so if you'd like, click the picture of the book, and in most cases, it will take you to the page where you can in fact "click to look inside" the books.  So fun to get a little sneak peek.  A bit of a long list...I just couldn't help myself!  They are in no particular order.  Enjoy!

Twas the Night Before Christmas

This version specifically has the most gorgeous illustrations.

One Winter's Night

The nativity from an unusual perspective.

A Snowman Named Just Bob

My students made the most beautiful snowman art inspired by this story. 

The Polar Express

Great for a full day experience.  Ticket under your child's door 

in the morning (or on a desk after recess).  Polar Express reading 

and hot chocolate in the evening (or following afternoon story time).

Special jingle bell gift awaiting them when finished.  So special.

  

The Little Shepherd Girl: A Christmas Story

I'll Be Home for Christmas - Toot & Puddle

The cutest little pigs you ever did see.  

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Humphrey's First Christmas

Christmas Day in the Morning

Christmas Cookies

A gift from my Mom.  Gotta love Christmas cookies.

The Gift of the Christmas Cookie

Frosty the Snowman

The Spirit of Christmas

Would love to get this book in the future.
Looks just lovely and magical.

The Legend of the Christmas Tree

The Christmas Candle

Legend of the Christmas Stocking

Olive the Other Reindeer

We met the author at a book signing in Portland, Oregon while visiting 

with friends.  He was quite "carefree."  They had the marijuana parade 

that same weekend.  Get my drift?  Even so, the book is pretty cute.

Who Is Coming to Our House?

Board Book

Christmas In the Manger

Board Book

Baby Jesus is Here

Touch and Feel Board Book

Room for A Little One

A Wish to Be A Christmas Tree

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I've read that some folks wrap up all their Christmas books and then open one each night to read as a family as an advent acitivity and celebration.  I think I might try that one of these years!

Happy reading to you and your family,