“A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.” - C.S. Lewis
I picked out some of this years books months ago, before life started getting really crazy with our out-of-state move, and last week I went hunting for bookstores near our new home to find a few last books to finish the list. I haven't wrapped them up yet but plan to once again use the brown paper, red ribbon and little St. Nicholas labels.
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Here is the list of books my husband and I picked out for our children this year:
For Captain:
"Celebrate Christmas with Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang in this gorgeous deluxe storybook retelling of the beloved Christmas special! Christmas is almost here, which means ice-skating, Christmas carols, and sparkly lights everywhere—even on Snoopy’s doghouse! Everyone is enjoying the holiday celebrations except Charlie Brown. Can the Peanuts gang help Charlie Brown discover the true meaning of Christmas? Find out in this beautiful deluxe storybook with a cloth cover, lush foil stamping, and incredible illustrations! This makes the perfect holiday gift for fans of Peanuts and the classic Christmas special."
Our eldest son has always loved Charlie Brown! This book will be a fun addition to his collection.
For Ranger:
"On a snowy hilltop in the north of England lives a lonely old farmer. Every night, he watches the lights flickering cheerily in his village--until World War II brings darkness to his country. As Christmas approaches and the village is threatened by enemy bombers, the old farmer devises a plan to bring hope and light back to his friends and remind all of the peace the Christmas season brings."
I had a hard time deciding which of the boys to give this story to... They will all love it!
(Originally I thought I'd give this one to our 11 year old and the LEGO Ornament book to Ranger...
but Sean voted for the opposite.)
For Twinkle Toes:
"Queen Charlotte brought her family's festive holiday yule bough from Germany to England. While planning a Christmas Day party in 1800 at Windsor Castle for over 100 children, she realized a single bough isn't enough. So she brought in the whole tree instead, making it the first known Christmas Tree in England. This story tells a little known fact about a favorite holiday tradition."
For Chiquita:
"A warm and wonderful story of the creation of the timeless hymn, Silent Night, and its creator Joseph Mohr. Silent Night celebrates the 200th anniversary of the beloved hymn, and shares the story behind the creation of one of the world's most recognizable tunes. "
For Snuggles:
"Building instructions for 16 clever Christmas ornaments that can be built from standard LEGO parts that fans are likely to have in their collection. These small and uncomplicated ornaments are quick to build and a joy to display. "
**I might end up just giving this to all the kids and giving Snuggles the brand new book by Susan Peek, Saint Rudolph and the Reindeer.
**I might end up just giving this to all the kids and giving Snuggles the brand new book by Susan Peek, Saint Rudolph and the Reindeer.
For Rose:
"When Wilma decides her garden needs a new beginning, she gathers string, scissors, shovels, sixty-two dozen balsam seedlings, and Parker, her five-year-old neighbor. Year after year, Wilma and Parker nurture their trees, keeping careful count of how many they plant, how many perish, and how many grow to become fine, full Christmas trees. A cozy, holiday read-aloud and a lyrical way to usher in the month of December."
For Bud:
"This classic Christmas story about a shy boy who plays his trusted drum for the newborn king will charm children and parents alike. A brand new story from Bernadette Watts, never before published."
For Grace:
"With this colorfully illustrated board book version of the classic Christmas-time ballet, Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver present a new holiday favorite, The Nutcracker: A BabyLit® Dancing Primer. This board book features soldiers marching, mice prancing, snowflakes swirling, dolls bending, and buffoons skipping as a way to introduce basic movement terms to babies and toddlers."
Bonus - For Sean and I:
Michael Foley, author of Drinking with the Saints, presents cocktail recipes and wine, beer, and cider recommendations that will keep hearths warm and parties joyful throughout the holidays. With stories about the history of St. Nicholas and other saints, as well as an advent calendar leading up to Christmas, this gift book is a must for anyone who starts stringing lights and playing Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving. Let the Christmas games begin!
Bonus - Family Read Aloud:
Bonus - Family Read Aloud:
I found this book on Ebay a few years ago (back before Grace was born when we still had seven children) and keep forgetting to pull it out for the feast of St. Nicholas. It's about seven children in New Amsterdam who worry that St. Nicholas will not be able to find them in the New World. I'm hoping, as we get settled into our new home, that I'll be able to find the time to read it aloud this December. I'm looking forward to it!
The darling wooden St. Nicholas toys in the above two pictures are from Naturally Catholic and Almond Rod Toys.
.: Giveaway :.
I'll be hosting four Advent and Christmas themed giveaways again this year - at least that is the plan! I had hoped to get them on the blog each weekend of November leading up to Advent but I'm running way behind with the move. Here is the first giveaway in preparation for the feast of St. Nicholas!
Prize #1 - Set of Five Cookie Stamps with Recipe Booklet
(Includes: #001 - Santa Claus, #031- Noel Stocking, #317 - Old St Nick, #357 -Santa on the Rooftop, and #413 - St Nicholas)
sponsored by Rycraft Cookie Stamps (combined value $64.95)
A baby reindeer longs for a name. Before his mother can choose one, invaders come and the herd flees . . . except for him. His wobbly legs are too weak to run. Captured and taken to a new land, the little reindeer yearns for escape . . . and for a friend. Meanwhile, as Christmas Eve draws near, a saintly bishop and a holy monk plan a surprise for the poor of their village. When problems arise, all seems doomed, until their paths cross with that of the baby reindeer . . . and a legend is born.
- sponsored by author Susan Peek (value $11.95)
Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter box below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
For additional Christmas book suggestions you can find some of our lists in the archives:
Saint Nicholas & the Nine Gold Coins {Beautiful book!}
Christmas Mosaic: A Review & Featured Book List
35 Favorite Christmas Picture Books for Children
Feasts & Seasons :: Advent & Christmas Collection
Our 2015 Advent Book Basket and Printable Labels
Our 2016 Advent Book Basket and Printable Labels
Our 2017 Advent Book Basket and Printable Labels {I'm planning to share our 2018 Basket and Labels soon!}
New Christmas Books for the Feast of St. Nicholas:
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Stacks of Books on Christmas Morning or Epiphany:
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
You can find the rest of our booklists here or scroll through all our past St. Nicholas Day Celebrations in the archives.
Even more St. Nicholas themed gifts can be found in these past posts filled with Christmas Gift Ideas & Stocking Stuffers from 2015, 2016 and 2017 including suggestions from our children!
