Five Great Christmas Picture Books to Add to Your Collection
We have officially entered the Advent season, and so many of us are beginning to prepare for Christmas. As we decorate our houses, play Christmas songs, and attend joyful parties it can be hard to remember that Advent is a season of waiting. If you have young children, this can seem like an even more rushed season as it fills up quickly with breakfasts with Santa and school concerts. None of these things are bad. In fact, they are all wonderful. But if you, like me, are looking for some ways to slow down as you prepare your hearts for Christmas, I am here to recommend some wonderful stories to read aloud to the little ones in your life.
Story time is precious, peaceful time. What better way is there to prepare for Christmas than slowing down to enjoy great stories with your kids? Here is my curated list of great titles to add to your collection. Read on to see why each of them made the list.
The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie de Paola
Tomie dePaola is one of my all time favorite children’s book authors. He is a master of presenting deep, meaningful stories and messages in a way that is completely accessible to little kids. This book is no exception. In Mexico, the poinsettia is called the flor de Nochebuena or flower of the holy night. In this story, a little girl named Lucida wants to help her mother prepare a beautiful gift for the Christ child in her local church. One mistake makes it impossible to give the gift she had in mind. Thinking that she has ruined Christmas for everyone, Lucida refuses to spend Christmas Eve without giving something to baby Jesus. In her persistence, she learns what really makes a gift beautiful.
2. The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado
Max Lucado is another favorite children’s author of mine. His books have Christian themes and are beautifully written. In this story, a little lamb is crippled and sad that he can’t always join the others when they move around from field to field. The wise cow reminds the lamb that “God has a special place for those who feel left out.” On one such occasion when the crippled lamb is left behind, the cow brings him to a warm stable instead. You can guess who graces that stable with their presence soon after. This is a heartwarming, peaceful story about the ways we don’t always get what we want in life…and how God can use even the most painful things to bring about great beauty.
3. Merry Christmas, Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
I did say I loved Tomie dePaola. Of course his books are on here twice. To know Strega Nona and Big Anthony is to love them. In this cozy, heartwarming tale Big Anthony learns that Strega Nona always holds a grand Christmas party to which she invites the whole town. This year, he decides to surprise her. With the help of Bambolona and the rest of the town, he pulls off a wonderful surprise party, delighting Strega Nona just when she believes that she won’t have anything to give baby Jesus on Christmas Eve. It is great for kids of all ages, and it reminds us that the joy of Christmas comes in giving rather than receiving.
4. Tree of Cranes by Allen Say
Tree of Cranes tells the story of a day in the life of a young Japanese boy who learns about Christmas from his Japanese mother who long ago lived in California. It is a slow, thoughtful, peaceful book. Say has a way of using his prose and illustrations to make the reader slow down and focus on the small moment in front of them, making this story truly perfect for this Advent season of preparing and waiting. My girls also enjoy comparing and contrasting the little boy’s daily life to their own. It is always nice to see children embracing global citizenship and learning about new cultures and traditions.
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
I doubt there is anyone reading this who isn’t already familiar with this story, but it made the list because of its beautiful Christmas message and fun, rhyming language. As the Grinch learns the true meaning of Christmas and his heart grows, the reader is reminded that the joy of Christmas does not come from gifts and decorations. We can all use that reminder this time of year.
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