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Five Christmas Books for Children – A Roundup 2024

December 20, 2024
goodreadswithronna
Ages 2 and up, Ages 3-7, Ages 4-8, Bedtime & Dreams, Board Books - Interactive Books, Children's Book Reviews, Children's Books > Social Situations > Family Life > New Experiences, Children's Games Books, Christmas, Christmas Traditions, Christmas Tree, Concepts, Holidays & Celebrations, Humorous Stories, Juvenile Fiction, Novelty, Santa stories

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS BOOKS

∼A ROUNDUP FOR 2024∼

BOARD BOOK:

CHRISTMAS CHEER IS EVERYWHERE
Book Format by Hans Wilhelm
Concept by Naomi Kirsten
Illustrated by Wednesday Kirwan
Design by Eugenia Yoh
(Chronicle Kids; $10.99, Ages 2 and up)

Get ready for some spinning satisfaction with this spin-the-wheel and lift-the-flap board book. Little ones learn that holiday objects such as bows, mistletoes, snowflakes, Santa’s cap, Christmas cookies, and more are hidden on every page. “Turn the wheel to choose a holiday object.” Are they behind the wreaths, the candy cane, the stocking, or the Christmas tree? Little ones can guess and then guess some more with every spin of the wheel to keep them busy with this cheer-filled board book game.

PICTURE BOOKS:

SANTA’S FIRST CHRISTMAS
Written by Mac Barnett
Illustrated by Sydney Smith
(Viking BYR; $18.99, Ages 3-7)

When this picture book began with such an intriguing line, I was immediately drawn in.

In the old days,
Santa didn’t have Christmas.

I’d never really thought about this. Had you? The credits and dedication pages spread feature a polar bear looking up at Santa in his sleigh. A clue of what’s to come. It seems Santa is always so wrapped up in his gift-giving that he has never taken time to celebrate Christmas. When this fact is confirmed by the North Pole elves to Polar Bear, passing by on his way to his cave, a thoughtful plot evolves. This means Santa’s typical Christmas is about to change. No more sleeping late and doing absolutely nothing after his big Christmas Eve deliveries. The elves and Polar Bear have something lovely in store. Something that will tug at your heartstrings.

Smith’s rendering of Santa, the elves, and then Polar Bear Santa are presented without outlines. They may appear simple but they are complex in their execution. Santa’s personality jumps off the page with warmth and emotion. My heart felt full as he was celebrated that morning with one kind deed after another. First, the elves brought him breakfast in bed, and the day kept getting better and better. They picked out a tree, decorated it, and ultimately there was baking and stories by the fire. What a delight when Polar Bear arrives, “dressed in red, with a sack full of gifts …” A splendid feast follows and everyone is beyond content. A new tradition has begun. And I’m not only talking about Santa’s Christmas but the new tradition of reading this rewarding origin story every year.

BUNNIES IN A SLEIGH:
A Chaotic Christmas Tale!
Written by Philip Ardagh
Illustrated by Ben Mantle
(Candlewick Press; $17.99, Ages 3-7)

I don’t know exactly why but there’s something about bunnies behaving silly in a story that cracks me up. Add rhyme to it and I’m sold. That’s why this Christmas picture book grabbed me. Ardagh’s humor will make kids happy this holiday as they get caught up in the rabbits’ adventure.

Something’s amiss in Santa’s workshop. The elves have gotten tummy aches from wolfing down too many candy canes. Help is needed so it’s rabbits to the rescue. They assist Santa on his sleigh in the most delightful way. They also complete some amazing feats, like barely banging into a clock tower when Santa’s busy searching through his toy sac. What I love the most about the rollicking ride is the bunnies’ expressions. Just check out their faces on the cover. And there’s more hilarity on every page. Don’t miss the bunny looking for a kiss. See what else you can find. Perhaps my favorite illustration is a bunch of bunnies stuck in a chimney. Another I enjoyed was when they delivered presents to imprisoned raccoons. If you’re looking for a lively read-aloud this Christmas, look no further than Bunnies in a Sleigh.

HOORAY, IT’S THREE KINGS DAY!
Written by Annette M. Clayton
Illustrated by Jone Leal
(Familius; $17.99; Ages 5-7)

Sophia, a young girl excited for Christmas, receives a visit from her abuela on Christmas morning.

Her abuela brings three wooden “santos” or religious figurines with her that depict the three kings from the Christmas story. Abuela shares the story of the kings with Sophia before asking her to participate in their family tradition of moving them closer to the manager during the twelve days of Christmas.

As El Dia de Reyes (Three Kings Day) approaches, Sophia and her abuela enjoy all the season has to offer: stories, sled rides, special baking, and family dinners. Finally, the night before Three Kings Day, Sophia prepares a special shoebox for the kings’ camels and wakes the next morning to a delicious surprise!

This sweet, relatable tale from Annette M Clayton celebrates the season in the best way—with family and the sharing of traditions. Warm illustrations by Jone Leal add to the holiday charm while backmatter explains more about the traditions of Three Kings Day and includes a glossary of unfamiliar words. •Reviewed by Roxanne Troup

A CITY FULL OF SANTAS
Written by Joanna Ho
Illustrated by Thai My Phuong
(HarperCollins BYR; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

I finished this fantastic book wondering why someone hadn’t written this story sooner but the answer is obvious. It needed to be written by Joanna Ho and illustrated by Thai My Phuong to get it just right. From the first page, I knew I was in for a treat. Written both lyrically and joyfully, Ho’s story introduces us to a little girl who has been eager to meet Santa but for the past five years, she hasn’t managed to stay awake. This year her mom is taking her to meet him at a city department store. Imagine the child’s surprise when leaving the train station to see firsthand that Santas are EVERYWHERE. That spread has to be one of my favorites. Phuong captures the wild experience of a city, a Santascape, peopled by every kind of Santa imaginable.

But which one is the real Santa? The girl and readers wonder. If he smells like peppermint and chocolate, laughs like the sun clapping its hands, and feels like a heart full of glitter, she’ll know he’s the one. What fun illustrations await kids when they see the main character encounter several of the city Santas and realize they don’t meet her criteria! Her anticipation is high, though, as she waits in line to meet the department store Santa, the one she thinks will be legit. Only he’s far from it. He doesn’t smell or laugh right, and he definitely does not make her heart feel like glitter “not even one tiny sparkle!” Hugely disappointed, the child is determined to stay up to see Santa but once again falls asleep. However, upon awakening, she discovers Santa has visited. She smells peppermint and chocolate and feels that glitter in her heart, all despite having slept through the magic. In fact, the magic of Santa and the promise of Christmas joy are truly present on every page of this heartwarming tale.

Picture Book Review – Juneteenth Is

June 17, 2024
goodreadswithronna
African-American interest, Ages 5-8, Ancestors, Children's Book Reviews, Diversity, Family & Relationships, Family ties, Grandparent - grandfather, Juvenile Fiction, Multigenerational

JUNETEENTH IS
Written by Natasha Tripplett
Illustrated by Daniel J. O’Brien
(Chronicle Kids; $17.99, Ages 5-8)

From the first page of Juneteenth Is, when the young girl wakes up “to the smoky smell of Daddy’s slow-cooking brisket” on the barbeque outside, I knew I was in for a treat. Author Tripplett wastes no time getting the main characters on the move to grab good sidewalk seats to watch the parade. O’Brien’s digitally rendered art, imbued with emotion and movement, makes us want to reach out to grab the candy being tossed as jubilant music is played. His detailed illustrations invite careful study and Tripplett’s prose keeps the story flowing at a steady pace, much like the parade itself.

Later on, the family gathers at Granddaddy’s house in what is one of my favorite spreads. While the main character takes photos, other people are playing dominoes, and some are playing music. “Juneteenth is ladies singing in the kitchen.” There is lots of activity but everyone takes some time out to watch an informal game of basketball before heading back indoors for a prayer and a meal. A great line, “Juneteenth is generations of family recipes,” is followed by an array of hearty food including “Secret rub on finger-lickin’ chicken, juicy mouth-on-fire hot links, mac ‘n’ cheese, collard greens, potato salad …” and much more including, because what’s a celebration without tales to go with it, “… stories from the past.”

Juneteenth Is int1 Juneteenth parade. — Interior spread from Juneteenth Is written by Natasha Tripplett and illustrated by Daniel J. O’Brien, Chronicle Kids ©2024.

Juneteenth is so much more than the food and all the fun. Readers will see in this picture book’s art how in this family’s home, photographs play an important role. Not only is the little girl capturing the festivities on film she is also looking at Granddaddy’s wall of photos honoring family members past and present. “Juneteenth is the history lesson not taught in school.” He explains to his granddaughter about the hardships their enslaved ancestors endured, and about the opportunities denied them. Then came that historic day when “General Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and read the order: Slaves are free.” That day was June 19, 1865. It’s now a federal holiday.

Juneteenth Is int2 Juneteenth is the house getting louder. — Interior spread from Juneteenth Is written by Natasha Tripplett and illustrated by Daniel J. O’Brien, Chronicle Kids ©2024.

“Former slaves marched in the first Juneteenth parade.” And the marching continues every Juneteenth to celebrate that freedom as the Black community unites to reflect on the struggles and lives lost while also looking forward in hope for the future of our country and the Black community. “Juneteenth is all of us.” “We are America.” Proud, powerful words bring the book to a close but not before checking out Tripplett explanation of the significance the color red plays on the Juneteenth celebrations. Add this book to your bookshelf today to give your children a meaningful introduction to this important American holiday.

Find out more about the author, Natasha Tripplett, here.

Find out more about the illustrator, Daniel J. O’Brien, here.