There’s something really lovely about the ritual of reading Christmas stories together at this time of year. For the families who celebrate Christmas in some way, we’ve picked out some modern classics and one or two old favourites to put on your library list this month.
The Elf On The Shelf: A Christmas Tradition
by Carol Aebersold, Chanda Bell and Coë Steinwart
Reading level: 3-8
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition™ is an activity the entire family will enjoy. Based on the tradition Carol Aebersold began with her family in the 1970s, this cleverly rhymed children’s book explains that Santa knows who is naughty and/or nice because he sends a scout elf to every home. During the holiday season, the elf watches children by day and reports to Santa each night. When children awake, the elf has returned from the North Pole and can be found hiding in a different location. This activity allows The Elf on the Shelf to become a delightful hide-and-seek game.
Stick Man
by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Reading level: Ages 4-8
“Stick Man lives in the family tree.. With his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three.”
But one day, Stick Man is carried off by a mischievous dog who wants to play fetch! Things go from bad to worse as Stick Man is carried farther and farther away from home. Lonely and lost, Stick Man desperately wants to get home to be with his family for Christmas. And when he helps Santa Claus out of a bind, he finds the perfect ticket home!
The Night Before Christmas
by Jan Brett (A poem by Clement Clarke Moore)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring – not even a mouse!” ..You know the rest! With over 600,000 copies sold, Jan Brett’s New York Times bestselling edition of Clement Moore’s classic Christmas poem celebrates its tenth anniversary with a note from Jan and an exquisitely redesigned jacket with red foil trim, making this a delectable holiday treat.A new generation of readers will find Jan’s visual interpretation of this favorite poem, set in a snowy New England village, both familiar, as St. Nick visits a Victorian family, and surprising, with Jan’s addition of two stowaway elves from the North Pole.
Rock Star Santa
by Gayle C. Krause and Will Terry
Reading level: Ages 3-7
“Santa Claus Live In Concert, One Night Only!” Are you ready to rock? Santa and his rowdy reindeer band bring down the house on Christmas Eve!
A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens
Reading level: Ages 12+
Beloved in Christmases past, and sure to remain a favourite into Christmases of the future, Dickens’ popular holiday tale is the perfect Christmas present. The uplifting tale follows the mysterious and magical events that transform the miserly, miserable Ebenezer Scrooge into “as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man” as ever lived.
Happy reading!