Classics, Nonfiction, and Children's Literature
Well, here’s an out-of-the-ordinary Caldecott-winning picture book! When an exotic bird visits his home, a lonely janitor is eager to escape the daily grind of life in Hey, Al by Arthur Yorinks (published 1986). But when paradise begins to be less than heaven-like, Al begins to miss his regular life. The illustrations are attractive caricatures
The Twelve Days of Christmas, illustrated by John O’Brien (Boyd Mills Press 2003), brings the ridiculousness of this Christmas carol to life. Although I’ve been told that the gifts for the days of Christmas are symbols for some Catholic tradition, I have no idea what they would mean. This book doesn’t worry about symbolism and
When I was about 8, my mother sewed a beautiful satin Christmas dress for me as well as one for my sister. As a family, we went to Chicago to watch a ballet of The Nutcracker. I have always loved the music and the story of this Christmas tradition. The Nutcracker by Michael Hague brings
I’d never read the original story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert Lewis May until this month. In simple rhymes, Rudolph’s story goes beyond the song. As in the song, Rudolph is ridiculed and outcast because of his red nose. The paragraphs of the rhyming poem expand on the familiar song story, with details
Here Comes Santa Claus by Gene Autry and Oakley Haldeman (illustrated by Bruce Whatley) has beautiful illustrations to the classic song. The realistic illustrations shift from Santa at the North Pole and in the midst of delivering presents, to a family singing carols, hanging stockings, and otherwise preparing for a happy Christmas Eve. This song
There are many different illustrated versions of the The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clark Moore. This story, as most people know, is a lengthy poem with sometimes awkward rhymes. But, it is a tradition, and the season would not be quite the same without the traditional reading on Christmas Eve. Of all the illustrations,
The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale by Angela Elwell Hunt and illustrated by Tim Jonke (David Cooke 1989) tells us of three trees with big dreams. One wants to be a treasure chest, one wants to be a mighty ship, and one wants to stay where he is and point to heaven. When
The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell and illustrated by Paul Micich (Worthy Kids, 2006) is the story of a little angel in heaven who wants to give a special gift to the baby Jesus. I love the beautiful illustrations, and the story resonates with the rest of us who long to make a difference, but
I reread The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry a few months ago, but I appreciated reading an adapted version, illustrated by Carol Heyer (Guidepost books 1994), in celebration of the Christmas season. The adaptation takes out some of O. Henry’s tedious wordiness, thus emphasizing the true message and spirit of the story. Heyer’s
Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale by Martin Waddell and illsutrated by Jason Cockcroft (Margaret K. McElderry 2004) is a gorgeous animal-themed Nativity story. In this wintery story, the Gentle Ox invites the Old Dog, Stray Cat, and Small Mouse into the warm stable before Tired Donkey and the Baby Jesus join them.
The animals of the stable are often the focus of children’s Nativity picture books, possibly because children tend to love animals and because they are so lovely in illustrations. The image of the babe in the manger, humbly surrounded by gentle animals, is a memorable part of the season. One such book that I love
One of our family traditions is to read the Biblical account of the first Noel. I have found a fantastic picture book the illustrates the Bible verses for families to do so! The picture book The Christmas Story features paintings by Gennady Spirin. These paintings appropriately remind me of Europe and the Renaissance, and I
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