‘Tis the Season for Reading {FWMB’s Favorite Holiday Books}

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holiday books

My very favorite moments of motherhood are when my sweet boy is snuggled in my lap with a book, and my very favorite moments of the Christmas season are no different. Reading together helps us to slow down and breathe in the magic of season.

Consider adding one of our favorite holiday books to your Christmas list this year.

  • The Christmas Crocodile, Bonny Becker – This is a whimsical tale of a mischievous and surprising Christmas gift. The outlandish characters and a naughty critter make The Christmas Crocodile a fun and memorable read.
  • The Wild Christmas Reindeer, Jan Brett – Jan Brett’s snowy tales should be mandatory Christmas reading. Each one is perfect for the season. But of all of them, The Wild Christmas Reindeer is absolutely our most favorite. It tells about a young girl given the very big responsibility of getting some wild and rowdy reindeer ready for Christmas, despite their unruly behavior.
  • Dream Snow, Eric Carle – This simple tale captures the quiet magic of snow with Eric Carle’s particular brand of perfect.
  • ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Clement C. Moore – This essential Christmas classic has been told and retold. Our copy is beautifully illustrated by Robert Ingpen, and each magical page brings the poem to life for little ones. reading
  • The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Barbara Robinson – Be prepared when you pick up this chapter book with your young readers. It is a naughty kind of hysterical – and may catch you by surprise. We’ve been listening to the audiobook in the evenings, and my seven year has been up every night cackling way past his bedtime.
  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Dr. Seuss – Reading this beloved tale to your child is guaranteed to make your heart grow three sizes. (It’s probably longer than you remember, though, so maybe this isn’t the choice when you’re trying to get the kids to bed early.)
  • Imogene’s Antlers, David Small – Imogen, a young girl, wakes one morning to discover she has grown antlers. Small’s story reminds me a bit of A Bad Case of Stripes, but unlike Camila Cream, Imogene takes it all in stride. While not strictly a “Christmas” book, we especially love this unexpected tale through the holiday season, because, well . . . antlers.
  • The Polar Express, Chris Van Allsburg – Van Allsburg’s ubiquitous tale is basically required reading in December. It is a mysterious story that invites children of all ages to believe just a little bit longer.
  • The Velveteen Rabbit, Margery Williams – This is the fantastic story of a beloved toy who learns the transformative power of love. Be sure to have a box of tissues ready!
  • Bear Stays Up for Christmas, Karma Wilson – I adore all of the Bear Books! I love their perfectly chosen vocabulary and their encouraging message of friendship and community. The holiday version includes all of your child’s favorite animal characters, and a secret visit from Santa.

This season, I hope you’ll indulge in a little time for reading. 

What are your family’s favorite holiday stories?

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Heather P
Heather grew up in Texas and graduated from TCU. Since then, she has made her home in Fort Worth with her husband, her seven-year-old son, one dog, two birds, two frogs and way too many fish. She’s a sucker for a critter and an underdog. Heather has been a teacher for more than 15 years and is currently teaching third grade. She prefers mornings spent watching the Today Show with a cup of coffee and evenings spent on the porch with a margarita. She loves a good, long book, Blue Bell Dutch chocolate ice cream, and relishing every single second of summer.

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