Jane's 2011 Holiday Picks for Children

One of our favorite holiday traditions at The Bookstore is when Jane puts together her annual list of holiday books for children. As many of you know, Jane is a happy grandmother, and loves previewing the newest books of the season. Here she is with two of her adorable granddaughters.

Did you know that you can place a pick-up order for any of these books by clicking the titles below? Just click "add to cart" and "I would like to pick this order up at the store," and we will call you when it's ready. There is even a message box where you can request complimentary gift wrapping!

 
Happy holidays to you and yours! 
 

 

THE SCRAWNY LITTLE TREE  by Ed Mehler: This is a charming little book about a boy rich in the spirit of Christmas and a very special tree.

THE CARPENTER’S GIFT by David Rubel: A touching story about the beginnings of the famous Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. A small boy, a Christmas wish, and an amazing story. This one is a keeper and the pictures are grand.

A CHRISTMAS TREE FOR PYN by Olivier Dunrea: This is a sweet story about a little girl who really wants a Christmas tree and although her papa has very little to say, she will indeed have her Christmas tree.

SONG OF THE STARS  by Sally Lloyd-Jones: If you love those stories that incorporate the creation story into the Christmas story, this is the book for you. The pictures in this one are beautiful too.

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by Jan Brett: In Brett’s usual beautifully detailed style we meet a little troll who is not especially nice and has a lot to learn.  He gets it figured out by Christmas, thank goodness!  Brett’s THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS has also been re-released with a CD read by Jim Dale, of Harry Potter fame and accompanied by the Boston Pops.

THE THIRD GIFT by Linda Sue Park: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of myrrh, how it is collected, and is a beautiful story of father and son and their relationship.  A great gift for the celebration of Epiphany.

CHANUKAH LIGHTS by Michael Rosen and Robert Sabuda: Robert Sabuda has worked his magic with pop-up art yet again to give us this beautiful Chanukah book.  This is a treat and a must have for all our Jewish friends.

Jane's Holiday Picks For Kids 2010

Jane Stroh is pictured above with two of her grandaughters, Lydia and Gloria, reading one of their favorite holiday books, Christmas Kitten, Home at Last. Here is Jane's annual list of holiday recommendations:

At the top of my list this year is a small gem of a book, The First Christmas by Anthony Knott. A tiny book written in rhyme with lovely pictures, it is a treat to share with your favorite child.

If you want to share the first Christmas story with the special toddler in your life there are two interactive books I'd recommend: The Very First Christmas Changing Pictures and The Busy Christmas Stable. A great complement to these stories is the Usborne Sing-Along Christmas Carols, which includes a CD and the words to several Christmas carols.

Another favorite of mine this year is Saint Francis and the Nativity by Myrna Strasser. This beautifully illustrated work tells the story of what was probably the first reenactment of the Christmas story and how St. Francis brought Luke 2 alive for his parishioners.

The next on my list is Christmas Kitten Home at Last by Robin Pulver. It is a sweet story, beautifully illustrated. My four year-old granddaughter loved it!

There's a great new story, The Elves' First Christmas by Atsuko Morozumi, about how the elves came to know and work with Santa to make all those Christmas toys.

Yet another wonderful and touching picture book is Christmas in the Time of Billy Lee by Jerdine Nolan. This is a story of faith and belief in what we can't see, and the power of that faith. If you have trouble loving snow this is a book for you.

Nonna Tell Me A Story by Lidia Bastianich is a story that celebrates the family togetherness of Christmas, not the giving and getting of presents.

Some of my favorite children's authors have given us some special presents this season. Tomie De Paola has a collection of some of his best Christmas stories in one lovely volume entitled Joy to the World. There is a new Charlie Brown Christmas pop-up book this year. Helen Lester has added to the Tacky collection with Tacky's Christmas, which includes a CD with some of Tacky's favorite carols. Fans of Ana Dewdney's Llama Llama series will love Llama, Llama Holiday Drama.

For our Jewish friends there are two new books about Hanukkah. Eight Winter Nights by Laura Melmed is a wonderful picture book written in rhyme, telling the Hanukkah story night by night. The back also contains a brief description of the history behind Hanukkah and some Hanukkah traditions. Hanukkah Mice by Ronne Randall is a small book with lovely illustrations, perfect for little hands.

There are many more great holiday books including old favorites like Polar Express that we have in stock, so please stop by and check them all out! And Happy Holidays from all of your friends at The Bookstore.