Jolly Snow and The Night Before Christmas

A tiny selection of children’s Christmas books,

I’m preparing for my first Thanksgiving meal tomorrow, for my daughter-in-law, who lived in the USA during her childhood, and has always celebrated. This therefore, is a very quick post, with a tiny amount of the wonderful books available, as soon as I post I know I’ll recall dozens more.

If you’re buying a child a book for Christmas this year, the best place to visit is a book store, there will be a great selection of new and classic children’s books, and hopefully a knowledgeable bookseller, for advice. I really miss The Lion and The Unicorn, it was a fabulous children’s bookshop, just behind Dickens and Jones (also gone) in Richmond. A real treasure trove of incredible books, from board books, through picture books and fabulous stories to young adult literature, with plenty of non-fiction too. I found it a wonderful resource for me, both as a mother and an infant teacher.

Here are a few picture books that were popular both with my own children and those I taught.

I still love the ‘walking tree’ that worries Mog! (All the Mog books are superb).

Another absolute favourite, The Jolly Christmas Postman, though the little envelopes are probably suitable for four years plus. Shirley Hughes books are truly magical, both the Christmas book above and these below.

Tom’s tantrum on Christmas Day is so true to life with a comforting walk with Grandpa to calm him down.

As children grow older they’ll love The Hundred and One Dalmatians. These books are all super to read at bedtime over the Christmas holidays ( and don’t forget Noel Streatfield’s Ballet Shoes too, one of my daughter’s favourites when she was little.)

Two of my childhood favourites, perfect for reading at Christmas.

I’m really looking forward to reading Jolly Snow and The Night Before Christmas to my grandsons when they visit next weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving.

See you in a few days with my December post!

Judith