I made an Instagram post with these, but I picked 9 picture books that either came out this year OR became discovered & well-loved in our home. It was a great year for books!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Top 9 Picture Books (2020): 1. Jabari Tries by: Gaia Cornwallis www.amazon.com/Jabari-Tries-Gaia-Cornwall/dp/1536207160/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=jabari+tries&qid=1609449713&sr=8-1 2. What Do You Do with a Problem? by: Kobe Yamada www.amazon.com/What-Do-You-Problem/dp/1943200009/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=what+do+you+do+with+a+problem&qid=1609449772&sr=8-1 3. Brave as Can Be: A Book of Courage by: Jo Witek & Christine Roussey www.amazon.com/Brave-As-Can-Be-Courage/dp/1419719238/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=brave+as+can+be&qid=1609449871&sr=8-1 4. The Couch Potato by: Jory John & Pete Oswald www.amazon.com/Couch-Potato-Jory-John/dp/0062954539/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+couch+potato&qid=1609449950&sr=8-1 5. The Most Magnificent Thing by: Ashley Spires www.amazon.com/Most-Magnificent-Thing-Ashley-Spires/dp/1554537045/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1LCMVF8YCZSF4&dchild=1&keywords=the+most+magnificent+thing+book&qid=1609450084&sprefix=the+most+magnific%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-1 6. I Am Enough by: Grace Byers & Keturah A. Bobo www.amazon.com/I-Am-Enough-Grace-Byers/dp/0062667122/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=I+am+enough&qid=1609450177&sr=8-1 7. If You Had Your Birthday Party on the Moon by: Joyce Lapin & Simona Ceccarelli www.amazon.com/You-Your-Birthday-Party-Moon/dp/1454929707/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ARVMSZRI22ZG&dchild=1&keywords=if+you+had+a+birthday+on+the+moon&qid=1609450234&sprefix=if+you+had+a+birthday%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1 8. How to Read to a Grandma & Grandpa by: Jean Reagan www.amazon.com/Read-Grandma-Grandpa-Jean-Reagan/dp/1524701939/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1M7JQD8L32920&dchild=1&keywords=how+to+read+to+a+grandma+or+grandpa&qid=1609450373&sprefix=how+to+read+to+a+grandm%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-1 9. The World Needs Who You Were Meant to Be by: Joanna Gaines & Julianna Swaney www.amazon.com/World-Needs-Who-Were-Made/dp/1400314232/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=OTXOHKIXOIAT&dchild=1&keywords=who+you+were+made+to+be+joanna+gaines&qid=1609450422&sprefix=who+you+were+%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzMERLVUpWUUZaWkRNJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTkyMjMwM01XSFFRVzdTNzlPNyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjI3NzM0SzZJR0hRTzgwOFZVJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
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Winter has arrived (even in Arizona) & although we may not get snow, it's definitely still chilly here! What's your favorite part about the winter season? I have loved checking out some new wintry, snowy books with my kids this season, as well as pulling out some old favorites, like Snowy Day by: Ezra Jack Keats. Please enjoy this small list I have gathered below, & share any of your favorites with me, too! SNOW & WINTER BOOKS: 1. Snow by: Uri Shulevitz (Everyone dismisses the oncoming snow storm except for a boy & his dog, and as the snowflakes fall, they truly appreciate & enjoy it.) www.amazon.com/Snow-Sunburst-Books-Uri-Shulevitz/dp/0374468621/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=snow&qid=1609814891&sr=8-14 2. Over & Under the Snow by: Kate Messner & Christopher Neal www.amazon.com/Over-Under-Snow-Kate-Messner/dp/1452136467/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=over+%26+under+the+snow&qid=1609814859&sr=8-1 3. A Loud Winter's Nap by: Katy Hudson (Turtle wants to settle down for a nap, but he's having difficulty finding a quiet place to nap. ...& after being woken up several times, he decides that maybe he should just stay up for winter instead of hibernating.) www.amazon.com/Loud-Winters-Nap-Katy-Hudson/dp/1623708699/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=a+loud+winter%27s+nap&qid=1609866300&sr=8-1 4. Pigloo by: Anne Marie Pace & Lorna Hussey (Little Pigloo is an explorer & he is excited to go out & explore in the snow. He likes to imagine & pretend inside too, that he has found the North & South Poles. His sister decides to join in the fun, even after teasing them, & help Pigloo when he reaches the "North Pole" looking for a polar bear.) www.amazon.com/Pigloo-Anne-Marie-Pace/dp/1627792023/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=pigloo&qid=1609964955&s=books&sr=1-1 *5. Waiting for Snow* by: Marsha Diane Arnold & Renata Liwaska (This one has long been a favorite at our house, since it came along in a Bookroo box last year. A group of 5 animal friends are eagerly awaiting the first snow, & some of them try to recreate snow (including powdered sugar) to try & show Badger the snow. My favorite quote from this book is: "Sometimes they come late & sometimes early, but they always come, in their time.") www.amazon.com/Waiting-Snow-Marsha-Diane-Arnold/dp/0544416872/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=waiting+for+snow&qid=1609866472&sr=8-1 6. The Hat by: Jan Brett (Hedgie, our favorite Jan Brett character, gets his prickles stuck in a woolen stocking that flies off the line while it's drying. While all the farm animals mock him, one by one, they go off to find articles of clothing to wear on their heads too.) www.amazon.com/Hat-Jan-Brett/dp/0399231013/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+hat&qid=1609814757&sr=8-1 7. Snow Globe Wishes by: Erin Dealey & Claire Shorrock (While it has Christmasy vibes, this book is about a little girl who shakes a snow globe & makes a wish the stormy night when her family all cuddles up in a fort at home. The next morning, they wake up to a winter wonderland that all their neighbors come to explore & play in too.) www.amazon.com/Snow-Globe-Wishes-Erin-Dealey/dp/1534110313/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=snow+globe+wishes&qid=1609814607&sr=8-1 8. Snowflake Bentley by: Jacqueline Briggs Martin ( www.amazon.com/Snowflake-Bentley-Jacqueline-Briggs-Martin/dp/0547248296/ref=sr_1_1?crid=R5S8U1QVLQ5M&dchild=1&keywords=snowflake+bentley&qid=1609867631&sprefix=snowflake+bentle%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-1 9. The Story of Snow by: Jon Nelson & Mark C. (A very scientific, nonfiction book about the water cycle & specifically, how snow crystals or snowflakes are formed.) 10. The Snow Dancer by: Addie Boswell & Merce Lopez ( www.amazon.com/Snow-Dancer-Addie-Boswell-ebook/dp/B083SLJCRC/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=snow+books&qid=1609967397&s=books&sr=1-7 11. The Shortest Day by: Susan Cooper & Carson Ellis (People used to gather on the shortest night of the year, lighting candles & building fires. Written in lyrical poetry, Cooper's writing captures the magic of hope for a peaceful future; truly a heartwarming read at a chilly time of year!) www.amazon.com/Shortest-Day-Susan-Cooper/dp/0763686980/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+shortest+day&qid=1610127063&sr=8-1 12. The Snowy Nap by: Jan Brett (Hedgie usually hibernates in the winter, but this time he wants to stay up & see what all the fun of winter is about...& his animal friends are determined to help him!) www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399170731/ref=crt_ewc_img_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER 13. Little Owl's Snow by: Divya Srinivasan (A third book in the series that teaches about seasonal transitions as Owl sights his first snow with his friend Racoon.) www.amazon.com/Little-Owls-Snow-Divya-Srinivasan/dp/0593115341/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=little+owl%27s+snow&qid=1610065021&s=books&sr=1-1 14. One Snowy Morning by: Kevin Tseny (This story follows a cute squirrel & chipmunk who discover a snowman, but they don't know what it is & they have their own ideas about the accessories on the snowman too.) www.amazon.com/One-Snowy-Morning-Kevin-Tseng/dp/0735230412/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+snowy+morning&qid=1610064922&s=books&sr=1-1 15. Bear Can't Sleep by: Karma Wilson (Bear knows he's supposed to be hibernating, but he just can't. When his woodland friends decide to check in on him, they all try different methods to get him to sleep, but he decides to tell them a story, & then he ends up drifting off to sleep.) www.amazon.com/Bear-Cant-Sleep-Books/dp/1481459732/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=bear+can%27t+sleep&qid=1610064894&sr=8-1 16. Animals in Winter by: Henrietta Bancroft ( kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9780064451659B/animals-in-winter-lets-read-and-find-out-scie 17. The Snowy Day* by: Ezra Jack Keats (A young boy wakes up & goes out to enjoy the freshly fallen snow! He is younger & doesn't get included in all of the games with the older kids, but he still enjoys making snow angels & making footprints in the snow. He becomes somewhat dismayed when he arrives back at the house & discovers the carefully packed snowball he made has melted through his pocket! But he wakes up the next morning & goes out with a friend to cheerfully explore the snow once more.) www.amazon.com/Snowy-Day-Ezra-Jack-Keats/dp/0670654000/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1610127217&sr=8-1 18.Katy & The Big Snow by: Virginia Lee Burton (Katy is a snowplow, ready to hit the roads & clean up after a big snow hits the town. She shovels around the whole town so that the people can continue to use the roads.) www.amazon.com/Katy-Snow-KATY-SNOW-Hardcover/dp/B00QPOF0I2/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=katy+%26+the+big+snow&qid=1610127335&sr=8-2 19. Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by: Kenard Pak (A brother & a sister are out on a hike in nature, exploring & greeting all the signs of the coming season: winter.) www.amazon.com/Goodbye-Autumn-Hello-Winter-Kenard/dp/1627794166/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=goodbye+autumn+hello+winter&qid=1610065106&s=books&sr=1-1 20. The Magic of Friendship Snow by: Andi Cann (Jojo is sad & lonely, but then she meets Puddles the snowman; a snowman made of magical snow.) www.amazon.com/Magic-Friendship-Snow-Andi-Cann/dp/099802144X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1610139641&sr=8-1 www.amazon.com/Little-Red-Sleigh-Erin-Guendelsberger/dp/1728223555/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=little+red+sleigh&qid=1607708138&s=books&sr=1-1
I did a few different Christmas Picture Book lists this year (you have probably already seen my 25 books of Christ here on the blog or on Instagram) & this is just me pulling in all kinds of themes related to Christmas & snow. But don't worry, I will have a separate winter season book list to share very soon! Please enjoy these books & the snuggles that inevitably come when a good, cozy story is shared! :) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHRISTMAS PICTURE BOOKS: 1. The Polar Express by: Chris Van Allsburg (Have you seen this movie too? Tom Hanks does a fantastic job impersonating most of the characters, but it's a pretty sweet film & just expands on what is in this iconic picture book by Allsburg.) www.amazon.com/Polar-Express-anniversary-Chris-Allsburg/dp/0544580141/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=the+polar+express&qid=1607664317&s=books&sr=1-3 2. Room for a Little One (*My son's favorite; we read it constantly!) by: Martin Waddell & Jason Cockcroft (The animals in the stable are showing up, one by one, & Kind Ox invites them in out of the cold to stay. Then a donkey comes along with a special rider-- Mary, the mother of Jesus. Kind Ox invites the donkey & the people in & the animals all get to welcome in the Christ child.) www.amazon.com/Room-Little-One-Christmas-Tale/dp/141692518X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=PZ39L1X10UZL&dchild=1&keywords=room+for+a+little+one&qid=1607664406&s=books&sprefix=room+for+a+little%2Cstripbooks%2C208&sr=1-1 3. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas by: Dr. Seuss (To remind us what the true meaning of Christmas is, the Grinch comes along to steal all the Whos decorations, food, & presents, but he is surprised to wake up & hear them singing Christmas morning anyway. And his heart grows as he learns to share & love the Whos down in Whoville.) www.amazon.com/Grinch-Stole-Christmas-Classic-Seuss/dp/0394800796/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2U1C2JR41MXKA&dchild=1&keywords=the+grinch+who+stole+christmas+book&qid=1607664479&s=books&sprefix=the+grinch%2Cstripbooks%2C225&sr=1-1 4. I Got the Christmas Spirit by: Connie Schofield-Morrison & Frank Morrison www.amazon.com/Got-Christmas-Spirit-Connie-Schofield-Morrison/dp/1681195283/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1C80C39MOFW2P&dchild=1&keywords=i+got+the+christmas+spirit&qid=1607578689&sprefix=I+Got+the+Christmas+%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-1 5. 5 More Sleeps Til Christmas by: Jimmy Fallon (Making the last week until Santa comes even more fun by counting down how many nights until the magic begins!) www.amazon.com/5-More-Sleeps-til-Christmas/dp/1250266475/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QF9XOZ1IYSGK&dchild=1&keywords=5+more+sleeps+til+christmas&qid=1607664552&s=books&sprefix=5+more+slee%2Cstripbooks%2C203&sr=1-3 6. Mortimer's Christmas Manger (*My son's other favorite this Christmas season!) by: Karma Wilson (Mortimer is a mouse who lives under the stairs, but he dislikes it there & wants a new place to live. When the family whose house he lives in starts to decorate for Christmas, Mortimer spies a new house with some little people in it & a baby in the hay; he decides to move all of them out for a new place to sleep! But he doesn't know who they characters are until he hears the father of the house telling the Christmas story one night; then Mortimer wants to make room for the baby Jesus once more.) www.amazon.com/Mortimers-Christmas-Manger-Karma-Wilson/dp/1416950494/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2I32HZ9C7NKGR&dchild=1&keywords=mortimer%27s+christmas+manger&qid=1607664582&s=books&sprefix=mortimer%27s+chri%2Cstripbooks%2C212&sr=1-2 7.Merry Christmas Mom & Dad by: Mercer Mayer www.amazon.com/Merry-Christmas-Golden-Look-Look-Book/dp/030711886X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=merry+christmas+mom+%26+dad&qid=1607703201&s=books&sr=1-1 8. Little Santa by: Jon Agee (This is the tale of how Santa came to be-- it focuses on his life as a young boy, & how he helped his family, who was sick of the snow & wanting to move away to Florida. Little Santa comes to the rescue for a reindeer & with a whole fleet of elves, & well...the rest is history!) www.amazon.com/Little-Santa-Jon-Agee/dp/0803739060/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=little+santa&qid=1607703312&s=books&sr=1-3 9. Little Blue Truck's Christmas by: Alice Schertle & Jill McElmurry (Little Blue Truck is busy getting ready for the Christmas holiday by picking up & delivering Christmas trees to all the animals. He saves one special tree for him & Toad at the end of his journey & it lights up in our version!) www.amazon.com/Little-Trucks-Christmas-Alice-Schertle/dp/0544320417/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3636MBGXAYHQD&dchild=1&keywords=little+blue+truck+christmas+book+with+lights&qid=1607703418&s=books&sprefix=little+blue+truck+christmas+%2Cstripbooks%2C206&sr=1-3 10. Bear Stays Up for Christmas by: Karma Wilson (Bear wants to sleep & hibernate....it's what he does each winter! But Bear's friends are all determined to help him stay up to catch Christmas; & it's a wonderful celebration indeed!) www.amazon.com/Bear-Stays-Up-Christmas-Books/dp/1416958967/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1607704198&sr=1-1 11. All the Colors of Christmas by: Matthew Paul Turner & Gillian Gamble (Have you ever noticed how many colors are present in the celebration of the Christmas holiday? Turner artfully describes it all, from the holiday reds & greens, to including colors like white like the baby's skin & brown pinecones & a donkey.) www.amazon.com/Colors-Christmas-Matthew-Paul-Turner/dp/0525654143/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=all+the+colors+of+christmas&qid=1607704257&s=books&sr=1-1 12. Little Red Sleigh by: Erin Guendelsberger (This little sleigh has dreamed all her life of becoming Santa's sleigh someday; but she's told she is too small & can't fly. But with the help of some friends, she's determined to do the impossible.) www.amazon.com/Little-Red-Sleigh-Erin-Guendelsberger/dp/1728223555/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=little+red+sleigh&qid=1607708138&s=books&sr=1-1 13. Goodnight Santa by:Michelle Robinson & Nick East (A darling rhyming bedtime story of saying good night to Santa & all the magical, exciting things of Christmas.) www.amazon.com/Goodnight-Santa-Perfect-Bedtime-Book/dp/1438006608/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=christmas+eve+goodnight&qid=1607711112&s=books&sr=1-9 14. Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas by: Jane O'Connor & Robin Preiss Glasser (Nancy loves all things Christmas, but especially picking out a Christmas tree where her special tree topper will go. But as they're getting ready to decorate on Christmas Eve, she starts playing Tug-o-War with Frenchie & her precious tree topper shatters. Such a cute story about problem resolution & heirlooms that will touch your heart.) www.amazon.com/Fancy-Nancy-Splendiferous-Jane-OConnor/dp/0062847260/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2VSKQ248FTX0F&dchild=1&keywords=fancy+nancy+splendiferous+christmas&qid=1607711328&s=books&sprefix=fancy+nancy+splend%2Cstripbooks%2C199&sr=1-1 15. The Story of Mary, the Mother of God by: Dorrie Papademetriou www.amazon.com/Story-Mary-Mother-God/dp/0881412058/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=the+story+of+mary&qid=1607711420&s=books&sr=1-6 16. The Wild Christmas Reindeer by: Jan Brett (Teeka is in charge of getting the reindeers trained & ready for Santa's flight on Christmas Eve. But at first, the reindeers only get tangled up & make a great big mess; will Teeka be able to get them organized in time?) www.amazon.com/Wild-Christmas-Reindeer-Jan-Brett/dp/0698116526/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2XK0ZTL7W74K9&dchild=1&keywords=the+wild+christmas+reindeer+jan+brett&qid=1607711511&s=books&sprefix=the+wild+Christmas+rein%2Cstripbooks%2C205&sr=1-1 17. Mistletoe: A Christmas Story by: Tad Hill www.amazon.com/Mistletoe-Christmas-Story-Tad-Hills/dp/0593174429/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19OKN1HX5JNO&dchild=1&keywords=mistletoe+tad+hills&qid=1607664875&s=books&sprefix=mistelto%2Cstripbooks%2C204&sr=1-1 18. The Christmas Star by: Marcus Pfister (The shining star leads all the people & animals to the Christ child the night of His birth.) www.amazon.com/Christmas-Star-Marcus-Pfister/dp/073584299X/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=christmas+star&qid=1607711879&s=books&sr=1-4 19. Who's that Knocking on Christmas Eve? by: Jan Brett (A young girl & her father have to battle trolls each Christmas; they always come & steal their Christmas Eve feast & make a huge mess. But this year Kyrie has a friend & his giant polar bear visiting-- those trolls will think twice about disturbing this family in the future.) www.amazon.com/Whos-That-Knocking-Christmas-Eve/dp/0399238735/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2ZHA2E4MS5TRZ&dchild=1&keywords=who%27s+that+knocking+on+christmas+eve&qid=1607711669&s=books&sprefix=who%27s+that+knocking+%2Cstripbooks%2C203&sr=1-2 20. The Night before Christmas by: Jan Brett (It's the cherished poem by Clement Moore we all know & love, but set to beautiful, brilliant illustrations by Jan Brett.) www.amazon.com/Night-Before-Christmas-Jan-Brett/dp/1984816829/ref=sr_1_4?crid=36EYGYHJGY99B&dchild=1&keywords=twas+the+night+before+christmas+book+jan+brett&qid=1607711717&s=books&sprefix=twas+the+night+%2Cstripbooks%2C216&sr=1-4 21. Pick a Pine Tree by: Patricia Toht & Jarvis (Do you pick your family Christmas tree out each year? This beautiful wintry book shows the excitement of picking out a special tree to decorate for Christmas with your family.) www.amazon.com/Pick-Pine-Tree-Patricia-Toht/dp/0763695718/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=pick+a+pine+tree&qid=1607711792&s=books&sr=1-1 22.Twas Nochebuena by: Roseanne Thong www.amazon.com/Twas-Nochebuena-Roseanne-Greenfield-Thong/dp/0670016349/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=twas+nochebuena&qid=1607711611&s=books&sr=1-1 23. The First Christmas Night by: Keith Christopher www.amazon.com/First-Christmas-Night-Keith-Christopher/dp/0824956532/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+first+christmas+night&qid=1607664997&s=books&sr=1-2 24. Llama Llama, Holiday Drama by: Anna Dewdney (Llama Llama is so excited for Christmas & counting down the days. But then, it all gets to be too much for him; he's stressed by all the baking & decorating! Thankfully Mama Llama is able to calm him down & remind him the most important gift of the holiday season, is having each other.) www.amazon.com/Llama-Holiday-Drama-Anna-Dewdney/dp/0670011614/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=llama+llama+holiday+drama+books&qid=1607704655&s=books&sr=1-1 25. The Lights in the Church by: Marilee Joy Mayfield ( www.amazon.com/Lights-Church-Marilee-Joy-Mayfield/dp/1953177352/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=the+lights+in+the+church&qid=1607706350&s=books&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzVVNEVlhUOExJSzVDJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjk0MjIwMjNFQU9VUjNQUkxVTyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDEzMjk5MkdOSENISDU0M0lTVSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= 27. Construction Site on Christmas Night by: Sherri Duskey Rinker (Rinker is back with all those lovable construction vehicles, & this time, they are getting ready to decorate the town Christmas tree!) www.amazon.com/Construction-Christmas-Sherri-Duskey-Rinker/dp/1452139113/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=christmas+eve+goodnight&qid=1607706304&s=books&sr=1-3 28. Jingle Bells by: Susan Jeffers (I can't read this one without singing along to the classic Christmas tune, accompanied by wintry white illustrations.) www.amazon.com/Jingle-Bells-Susan-Jeffers/dp/0062360205/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=jingle+bells&qid=1607704561&s=books&sr=1-4 29. Dasher: How A Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by: Matt Tavares (You know the name Dasher from the song about Rudolph, but do you know the story of Dasher? The first reindeer to help Santa & his horse, Silver Bells, pull the sleigh one Christmas Eve. And furthermore, she escapes from the circus where she & her family have been trapped for a long time; but she returns to rescue her family & all the reindeers get hooked up to Santa's sleigh to carry it on Christmas Eve after that.) www.amazon.com/Dasher-Little-Changed-Christmas-Forever/dp/1536201375/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=little+red+sleigh&qid=1607704414&s=books&sr=1-2 30. The Berenstain Bears & the Christmas Angel by: Mike Berenstain www.amazon.com/Berenstain-Bears-Christmas-Living-Lights/dp/0310749247/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+berenstain+bears+%26+the+christmas+angel&qid=1607704697&s=books&sr=1-1 I read a lot this year (a bit more, due to pandemic restrictions) & I am happy to say there were a lot of amazing books on my list! I'm going to share my top 10 favorite books with you on this post today & I'll give a quick summary as well as why it was a favorite for me. I hope you can find some commonality or perhaps a new book recommendation from this list; enjoy!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Atomic Habits by: James Clear (This book rocked my way of thinking about goals vs. habits, & how we have to think of habits more as a lifestyle change & recognize that it takes time. It introduced 4 laws of habit change: 1) make it obvious, 2) make it attractive, 30 make it easy & 4) make it satisfying. I bought the habits calendar & have been keeping myself accountable daily since I read this book, as I strive to turn into the person I want to be.) www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Atomic+habits&qid=1607445720&sr=8-1 2. The Read-Aloud Family: Eighth Edition by: Jim Trelease (My interest in this book should be self-explanatory, but it has greatly added to my knowledge base about reading with kids & early literacy, which is what I primarily discuss on my podcast. There are so many great tips as well as carefully curated book lists for all age levels in the back.) www.amazon.com/Jim-Treleases-Read-Aloud-Handbook-Eighth/dp/0143133799/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+read-aloud+handbook&qid=1607445690&sr=8-1 3. Lovely War by: Julie Berry (This is one of the first WWI novels I've read in a long while & Berry is SO masterful in the way she weaves this tale. It goes from Greek gods convening with the goddess of love, who then tells the story of 4 individuals during WWI times, who fought or served in the war, & fell in love with each other. Hazel & James are my absolute favorite!) www.amazon.com/Lovely-War-Julie-Berry/dp/0147512972/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=lovely+war&qid=1607445802&sr=8-1 4.The Hiding Place by: Corrie Ten Boom & Elizabeth Sherrill (Corrie is a lovable woman who, during World War II, risked her life to protect & hide Jews from the Nazis. Eventually, she & her sister Betsy were taken to concentration camps when they were caught, but the life lessons Corrie learned continued in those camps. Betsy even shows one how to be grateful in spite of horrific circumstances, & it's a truly memorable tale from WWII.) www.amazon.com/Hiding-Place-Corrie-Ten-Boom/dp/0800794052/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+hiding+place&qid=1607445828&sr=8-1 5. The Giver of Stars by: Jojo Moyes (Taking place during the Great Depression, another historical fiction novel I enjoyed, is the story of the packhorse librarians from Kentucky. www.amazon.com/Giver-Stars-Novel-Jojo-Moyes/dp/0399562486/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+giver+of+stars&qid=1607445862&sr=8-1 6. Edenbrooke by: Julianne Donaldson (One of the cleanest romances out there & a very intriguing one at that. www.amazon.com/Edenbrooke-Julianne-Donaldson/dp/1609089464/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=edenbrooke&qid=1607445908&sr=8-2 7. The Self-Driven Child by: William Stixrud & Ned Johnson (A thorough parenting book if I've ever read one! It discusses how to handle things from toddlers through high school age kids & I know that information will come more in handy as my kids grow. I love the idea of helping my children learn to be more accountable human beings!) www.amazon.com/Self-Driven-Child-Science-Giving-Control/dp/0735222525/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+self-driven+child&qid=1607445957&sr=8-2 8. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by: Heather Morris (An unlikely love story, as well as many atrocities, takes place in this WWII novel; it still ended up in my top 10 for the year though! I loved Lale's development; the main character & the one selected to tattoo all of the Jews who ended up in the Auschwitz- Birkenau camp, mainly because of his linguistic ability. Believe it or not, this one did have a somewhat happy ending, in spite of all the terrible things that happened to Lale & his love, Gita.) www.amazon.com/Tattooist-Auschwitz-Novel-Heather-Morris/dp/0062797158/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2KJM85F0R0SJN&dchild=1&keywords=the+tattooist+of+auschwitz&qid=1607446037&sprefix=the+tattoist+of%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-4 9. American Spy by: Lauren Wilkinson (Do you like a good spy story? What about when the spy falls in love with the person she's spying on? This book was SO good; it was not even remotely boring, even during the political situation explanations of the Cold War. Marie, even though she has 2 children, has been an agent for years, & the flashbacks to her former life, before children, make it intriguing & somewhat confusing. Also, this book touched on the themes of: racism, family relationships, & romance and it was done masterfully.) www.amazon.com/American-Spy-Novel-Lauren-Wilkinson/dp/0812998952/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=american+spy&qid=1607446766&sr=8-1 10. American Royals by: Katharine McGee (What if America had become a monarchy after the Revolutionary War, & George Washington had been our first king instead of the first president? This concept truly fascinated me & made the book plot interesting, but of course, there was plenty of drama & royalty, as well as several relationships to follow in this book, AND McGee skillfully rolls out the story from 4 different points of view-- which keeps you on your toes for what happens next!) www.amazon.com/American-Royals-Katharine-McGee/dp/1984830201/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=american+royals&qid=1607446060&sr=8-1 I feel like I had to be a little intentional to find more books that paint the true picture of Christmas or focus on Christ this year, but I am SO excited to share these with you! Now don't get me wrong....I love the occasional Santa or Rudolph tale too, but I wanted to incorporate a more Christ-centered Christmas holiday in my home & what better way than through children's books?
Please share any books about Christ or the true meaning of Christmas, that are your favorites with me & I will be happy to add them to this list. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Christmas Books About Christ: 1. The First Christmas by: Thomas D. Williams & Frank Fraser (A poem that tells the story of Christ's birth.) www.amazon.com/First-Christmas-Thomas-D-Williams/dp/1622828542/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=the+first+Christmas&qid=1607038712&sr=8-6 2. Jesus Calling: the Story of Christmas by: Sarah Young & Katya Longhi (This story starts long before Christ's birth; it goes back to the Creation! God has always planned for a Christmas & His great plan involved one very important character: Jesus.) www.amazon.com/Jesus-Calling-Story-Christmas-picture/dp/1400210291/ref=sr_1_2?crid=24NWR6658SPEM&dchild=1&keywords=jesus+calling+the+story+of+christmas&qid=1607038811&sprefix=jesus+calling%3A+the+story+%2Caps%2C201&sr=8-2 3. Over in a Stable by: Suzanne Nelson & Aleksander Zolotic (A charming counting & rhyming book leading to the stable where Christ was born.) www.amazon.com/Over-Stable-Suzanne-Nelson/dp/0310761123/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=over+in+a+stable&qid=1607038853&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExV05KOExBQk8yRUhDJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDE5NDk5M045M0NZQVJKMTRKMyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDIyNzM4U0dNUjVGRlJUSFVKJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== 4. The Littlest Watchman by: Scott James & Geraldine Rodriguez (Benjamin's job is to watch a stump as a sign of all of God's promises coming true. Benjamin's family finally gives up waiting, but one night, outside of Bethlehem, Benjamin gets to watch something wonderful.) www.amazon.com/Littlest-Watchman-Watching-Waiting-Christmas/dp/1784981400/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+littlest+watchman&qid=1607038956&sr=8-1 5. Long Ago on a Silent Night by: Julie Berry & Annie Won (This one tells the story of the miracle of Christmas, the wonder of the Nativity, shown through wonderful illustrations.) www.amazon.com/Long-Silent-Night-Julie-Berry/dp/1338277723/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JXLGU73XBRCN&dchild=1&keywords=long+ago+on+a+silent+night&qid=1607039071&sprefix=Long+ago+on+a+s%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1 6. Born on Christmas Morn by: Melinda Busch & Melanie Hall (Rhymes & colorful pictures bring the Bible story of Jesus' birth, in Luke 2, to life.) www.amazon.com/When-Jesus-Was-Born-Bethlehem/dp/1573458414/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3W182U8MK2H1O&dchild=1&keywords=jesus+was+born+in+bethlehem&qid=1607042795&sprefix=jesus+was+born%2Caps%2C239&sr=8-1 7. Mary's First Christmas by: Walter Wangerin Jr. & Timothy Ladwig (Mary tells Jesus the story of his birth & His upbringing; the story is told in 4 different parts.) www.amazon.com/Marys-First-Christmas-Walter-Wangerin/dp/0310222168/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=mary%27s+first+christmas&qid=1608520622&sr=8-1 8. Mary's Little Donkey: And the Escape to Egypt by: Gunhild Sehin (Mary's donkey was once a donkey who hated hard work, but then he met Mary & the donkey is proud to carry Mary to Bethlehem & then away to Egypt to escape evil King Herod.) www.amazon.com/Marys-Little-Donkey-Escape-Egypt/dp/0863159338/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=mary%27s+little+donkey&qid=1607061860&s=books&sr=1-1 9. Come & See by: Monica Mayper (Everyone comes to see the Christ child the night He is born; shepherds, neighbors, townsfolk, etc. gather to celebrate the child sleeping in a manger.) www.amazon.com/Come-see-Christmas-Monica-Mayper/dp/0439216230/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=come+%26+see&qid=1607062972&s=books&sr=1-11 10. God Gave us Christmas by: Lisa Tawn Bergren (Little Cub thinks Santa gave everyone Christmas; Mama Bear decides to take Little Cub out in nature to see all the ways God has blessed them with Christmas. She also takes this time to teach Cub about baby Jesus & His role in God's plan.) www.amazon.com/God-Gave-Us-Christmas/dp/1400071755/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=god+gave+us+christmas&qid=1607038452&sr=8-2 11. There Was No Snow on Christmas Eve by: Pam Munoz Ryan & Dennis Nolan (Instead of snow, a desert wind blew palm fronds in the desert as the Christ child was being born. The Nativity is told in the correct time & season, by emphasizing the true importance of the spirit of the season, no matter what the weather is like.) www.amazon.com/There-Was-Snow-Christmas-Eve/dp/0786854928/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3T29X29UT2IKT&dchild=1&keywords=there+was+no+snow+on+christmas+eve&qid=1607062636&s=books&sprefix=there+was+no+snow+o%2Cstripbooks%2C373&sr=1-1 12. Asleep in the Stable by: Will Hillenbrand www.amazon.com/Asleep-Stable-Will-Hillenbrand/dp/0439727952/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=asleep+in+a+stable&qid=1607062605&s=books&sr=1-1 13. The Little Drummer Boy by: Bernadette Watts OR Ezra Jack Keats version (A little poor boy named Benjamin goes with his friend to see the newborn King & he ends up playing on his drum for the baby because he is too poor to bring any other gifts.) www.amazon.com/Little-Drummer-Boy-Bernadette-Watts/dp/0735843252/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3V9RV4SFEW8FJ&dchild=1&keywords=little+drummer+boy&qid=1607024409&s=books&sprefix=little+drummer%2Cstripbooks%2C199&sr=1-3 www.amazon.com/Little-Drummer-Ezra-Jack-Keats/dp/0140567437/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3V9RV4SFEW8FJ&dchild=1&keywords=little+drummer+boy&qid=1607024464&s=books&sprefix=little+drummer%2Cstripbooks%2C199&sr=1-1 14. Mary's Little Donkey: And the Escape to Egypt by: Gunhild Sehlin & Jan www.amazon.com/Marys-Little-Donkey-Escape-Egypt/dp/0863159338/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3GTMR5L2L8XI1&dchild=1&keywords=mary%27s+little+donkey&qid=1607034725&sprefix=Mary%27s+Little%2Caps%2C234&sr=8-1 15. The Night Of His Birth by: Katherine Paterson & Lisa Aisato (Mary marvels at her perfect little baby as Joseph sleeps & wonders as she realizes her baby is not only a gift to her, but God's gift to the world.) www.amazon.com/Night-His-Birth-Katherine-Paterson/dp/1947888129/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+night+of+his+birth&qid=1607035115&sr=8-2 16. Silent Night by: Lara Hawthorne www.amazon.com/Silent-Night-Lara-Hawthorne/dp/1786030667/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=silent+night&qid=1607062560&s=books&sr=1-2 17. The Christmas Promise by: Alison Mitchell & Catalina Echeverri (A Bible-centered story of God's promise to send a new King; a forever King!) www.amazon.com/Christmas-Promise-Alison-Mitchell/dp/1910307114/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+christmas+promise&qid=1607062411&s=books&sr=1-1 18. The Night Before Jesus by: Herbert Brokering & David Miles (This sweet story is set to the rhythm of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" but it depicts the story of Christ's birth.) www.amazon.com/Night-Before-Jesus-Herbert-Brokering/dp/0758660294/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+night+before+jesus&qid=1607062496&s=books&sr=1-1 19. A Night the Stars Danced for Joy by: Bob Hartman & Tim Jonke (On a clear night, an angel appears in the sky before a shepherd family & instructs them to travel to Bethlehem to witness the birth of the Christ child.) www.amazon.com/Night-Stars-Danced-Joy/dp/0745940862/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=a+night+the+stars+danced+for+joy&qid=1607105540&sr=8-1 20. The Legend of the Candy Cane by: Lori Walburg (Peppermint candy canes are not just a delicious treat we enjoy at Christmastime. A young girl named Lucy learns this when a stranger comes into town & she is curious what he is up to, so she offers to help him unpack his store. He shares with Lucy the legend of the candy cane, including the Christian symbolism behind the red and white striped stick.) www.amazon.com/Legend-Candy-Cane-Newly-Illustrated/dp/0310730120/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1607062182&sr=1-1 21. The Birds of Bethlehem by: Tomie DePaola (The Nativity story is shared from a birds-eye view. The birds gather in the fields to both eat & share the exciting news of an angel appearing; then they fly off to find the stable where the Messiah lay.) www.amazon.com/Birds-Bethlehem-Tomie-dePaola/dp/0399257802/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+birds+of+bethlehem&qid=1607062052&s=books&sr=1-2 22. A Savior is Born: Rocks Tell the Story of Christmas by: Patti Rokus (A picture book using rock art to inspire wonder & awe as all of the characters of the Christmas story are depicted the night that Jesus was born.) www.amazon.com/Savior-Born-Rocks-Story-Christmas/dp/0310764963/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=a+savior+is+born&qid=1607062013&s=books&sr=1-1 23. A Child was Born by: Grace Maccarone (A first Nativity book for children.) www.amazon.com/Nativity-Maccarone-illustrated-Softcover-Scholastic/dp/B002ISXLZI/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=a+child+was+born&qid=1607061987&s=books&sr=1-1 24. Mary, the Mother of Jesus by: Tomie dePaola (DePaola draws on the Bible & brings the Giotto frescoes of Mary from a chapel in Italy, to life in this book. This book includes 15 stories about Mary, including her role as the mother of the Savior.) www.amazon.com/Mary-Mother-Jesus-Tomie-dePaola/dp/0823410188/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3P1506TVSQ5D7&dchild=1&keywords=mary+the+mother+of+jesus+by+tomie+depaola&qid=1607039351&sprefix=mary+the+mother+of+jes%2Caps%2C271&sr=8-1 25. Jesus is Born Retold by: Sophie Piper & Anne Yvonne Gilbert (A picture book retelling the story of Christ's birth from Luke 2 & Matthew in the Bible.) www.amazon.com/Jesus-Born-Sophie-Piper/dp/1680991876/ref=sr_1_20?dchild=1&keywords=Jesus+is+Born&qid=1607542907&sr=8-20 |
AuthorHi, I'm Katie! I'm 35 years old, love the outdoors, reading books & being a mama! And I also enjoy literacy research for my podcast. Archives
August 2024
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