Milly, Molly and the Secret Scarves

Text: Gill Pittar

Illustrations: Cris Morrell

Year: 2002

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 5 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Early readers

ISBN:  978 1 87729 717 8

Milly and Molly are inseparable friends who constantly learn new things about people, places and important values.

In this heart-warming  book, Milly and Molly decide to surprise each other with a colorful scarf for Christmas. They knit and knot fervently until the scarves are done. On Christmas day, the girls are thrilled to discover how alike they are and how much they are loved.   

This book is more than just about sharing and giving gifts, it's about love and true friendship, the kind that overlooks differences, the kind that truly lasts.

Excerpt

She was still knitting on Christmas morning.

“You must love Molly very much,” her mother said.

“I do,” said Milly.

Dear Father Christmas

Text: Jeanne Willis, Wikipedia

Illustrations: Rosie Reeve

Year: 2008

Publisher: Puffin Books

Age: 4 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, Christmas

ISBN:  978 0 14150 209 0

This warm festive book is essentially a kind little girl’s Christmas letter to the Christmas Father. (Hmmm… The book doesn’t use the name Santa Claus, once!) Her requests are quite nice, refreshingly so.

She doesn’t ask for toys (she has enough, she says) but for genuine and heartfelt wishes. She’d like a little baby brother and for her Grandma to come and stay with her forever and so on.

There’s a little twist at the end, too. :-)

Excerpt

Dear Father Christmas,

I’ve been very, very good ….

I’m writing you this letter

Because Mummy said I should.

Little Rabbit’s Christmas

By Harry Horse, Wikipedia

Year: 2007

Publisher: Puffin Books, UK

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN: 978 0 14056 963 6

Little Rabbit has spotted the perfect gift that he’d like for Christmas. He is ecstatic when his wish is fulfilled but finds it hard to share his gift with friends. A twist of events causes Little Rabbit to have a change of heart when his friends show him exemplary kindness. They share their precious Christmas gifts with Little Rabbit so that he can enjoy his.

This book starts out like another story about a spoiled brat and his tantrums over a Christmas gift but it ends up surprising readers and puts a smile on everyone’s faces.

Excerpt

Little Rabbit went to look under the Christmas tree to see if the sledge was there.

Then he looked up the chimney to see if it had got stuck.

Also in this series:

• Little Rabbit goes to School
• Little Rabbit Lost
• Little Rabbit’s New Baby
• Little Rabbit Runaway

A Christmas Wish

Text: Julia Hubery

Illustrations: Sophy Williams

Year: 2007

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Novelty Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84506 529 4  

The ethereal and warm Christmas-y illustrations centered around a happy family makes for a delightful addition to your children’s library.

Gemma and Ty are excited as they decorate the Christmas tree. As Gemma picks up her favorite ornament, a snow deer, Ty accidentally breaks it. Gemma is very upset with him and stomps away.

A little later, though, she realizes it was an accident. As she steps out of her room to make up with Ty, she finds a peace offering from him at her bedroom door.

Gemma glues the snow deer back to one piece and takes it to her little brother.

Oh yes, all those little fans of everything shiny will not be disappointed – the snow deer is all glittery and sparkly everywhere it appears, cover included.:-)

Excerpt

It was very quiet. She opened the door, and nearly fell over something. On the floor was a badly-wrapped parcel, and a little card with a big wobbly “sorry”.

It was a pot of glue. 

Santasaurus

By Niamh Sharkey

Year: 2004

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age: 4 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84428 523 5

It’s a dinosaur universe. Predictably, there’s a Santasaurus and dinodeer during Christmas.

Ollie wishes for a dinobot, Molly asks for a dinocycle but Milo wishes to meet Santasaurus and fly in his sleigh.

All their wishes are fulfilled and Milo gets a memorable trip around the world. 

Excerpt

In the blink of a magic eye, Milo and Santasaurus shot up the chimney to the sleigh on the roof.

They flew up from the roof and over Dinosaur Town.

Just Right for Christmas

Text: Birdie Black

Illustrations: Rosalind Beardshow

Year: 2011

Publisher: Nosy Crow, London  

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Picture book, Paperback

ISBN: 978 0 85763 136 7

This is a cheery Christmas story of love and sacrifice. Christmas is also one of those times when miracles of kindness and friendship are born. And this book is about just that – an act of love sets off a chain reaction of selflessness and sharing.

On Christmas Eve, the king spots a roll of beautiful red cloth to make a cloak for his daughter. The maids leave the scraps outside which Jenny, the kitchen maid sews into a smart jacket for her mother. 

Bertie Badger finds her scraps and makes a hat for his father and leaves the cloth scraps outside his house. Samuel Squirrel finds them and makes a pair of gloves for his wife. His scraps are picked up by Milly Mouse who turns it into a scarf for her son Billy.

Everyone’s present feels just right…

We loved this book for its simple message of giving and sharing at Christmas time.

Excerpt

She snipped and she sewed and she snipped and she sewed and, by the time the candle had burnt down low, she’d made a cosy scarf for Billy. 

Sam’s Snowflake

Text: Gillian Shields

Illustrations: Rosie Reeve

Year: 2008

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books, London

Age: 2 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, paperback

ISBN: 978 0 23053 178 9

This is a gentle Christmas story that explores the deep bond that children forge with their dads.

Little Sam can’t wait to do fun things with his dad but he’s gone away to ‘fetch a special Christmas surprise’.

As Christmas Eve slowly fades into a cold, dark night Sam worries that his dad might get lost. He makes a glittery star that he puts up at the highest window to guide his father back home.

The book offers a gentle opportunity to explain to little ones, especially those prone to separation anxiety that parents come back. 

Oh yes, there’s a generous smattering of glitter through the pages too! :-)

Excerpt

Sam couldn't wait for the snow to come.

Every Christmas, Dad helped him to make a snow bear, took him toboganning and played roly-poly snowball fights. 

The Legend of the Christmas Kiss

Text: Barbie Penkins

Illustrations: Joyce Revoir

Year: 2005

Publisher: Howard Publishing Co., USA

Age: 3 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 34

Book Type: Picture book, Poetry

ISBN:  978 1 58229 450 6

Here’s a truly adorable festive story that takes place during the very first Christmas.

When Baby Jesus is born, all the angels wonder what would make a perfect gift for the baby. A little angel wishes to kiss His face. That strange wish sets in motion a series of delightful events culminating in one of the most beautiful natural events, snowflakes.

The paintings are fabulous! :-)

This is a splendid book - one that could become an heirloom.

Excerpt

Sparkling specks fell from the sky.

All day and through the night.

They didn't stop ‘til morning came

And everything was white.

10 Trim-the-Tree’ers

Text: Janet Schulman

Illustrations: Linda Davick

Year: 2010

Publisher: Alfred A Knopf, New York 

Age: 0 to 4 years

No. of Pages: 24

Book Type: Board book

ISBN:  978 0 37587 302

This is a simply fantastic Christmas book for the tiniest little ones. Understandably, it is a board book with delightful festive illustrations that make this one a keeper.

Oh and by the way, it also introduces numbers to little ones using all the Christmas elements and a menorah to round out the festive spirit.

The kids loved this book because it's absolutely cheerful and bright! :-)

Excerpt

10 little neighbors about to trim their tree.

They’ll dress for the occasion.

Turn the page and see.

1 shiny golden star at the very tip-top.

2 strings of flashing lights that just won’t stop. 

Happy Birthday Santa!

Author: Gillian Rogerson

Illustrator: Ingela Peterson

Year: 2005

Publisher: Gullane Children’s Books, Great Britain

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 26

ISBN: 978 1 86233 761 9

We’re all used to stories and movies about Santa bringing gifts for children. This book, though, is a rarity, in that somebody actually looks out for Santa and brings him gifts in the middle of the night.

Meet Sylvie, an elf and Rudolph , a reindeer who suddenly realize they don’t know when Santa’s birthday is. Strangely, neither do the Chief Elf nor Rudolph’s old Uncle Bert at The Reindeer Retirement Home. The duo has quite an adventure but their persistence finally pays off.

I liked this book because it's about giving gifts to Santa when it’s usually the other way around. The story ever so subtly hints at determination and persistence, qualities that our children are rarely exposed to in this 'instant' age. 

Excerpt

Sylvie and Rudolph found the Wise Old Owl getting ready for a night out.

“Excuse me, Owl,” said Sylvie. “Do you know when Santa’s birthday is?”

“No, my dear, I don’t,” said the owl.

Sylvie and Rudolph sighed. 

The Nutcracker – Usborne Young Reading

Retold by Emma Helbrough

Illustrator:  Anna Luraschi

Year: 2004

Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd., London

Age: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 48

ISBN: 978 1 40951 820 4

It is delightful to see a classic packaged just right so children can enjoy it too! Thanks to the Usborne Young Reading series. 

Meet intrepid little Clara, who sneaks in to take a peek at her grandfather’s present even though it’s just Christmas Eve. That launches her into a series of fantastical adventures which includes a battle against some mean mice, a visit with the Ice Queen and a trip to the Land of Sweets where dancers from around the world perform for Clara.

The illustrations are enchanting enough to pique your child’s curiosity and spur her on a fantasy trip, not that kids need any help in that area. :-)

Excerpt

“Clara, this is the Sugarplum Fairy,” said the prince. “She rules over the Land of Sweets.”

“I hope you have a sweet tooth,” said the Sugarplum Fairy, with a smile.

She led them into a grand hall, where the tables were covered with chocolate cakes, cookies and candy swirls. 

Wanda and the Alien

By Sue Hendra

Year: 2011

Publisher: Red Fox, London

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84941 018 2

Wanda, a happy little rabbit befriends an alien. Her friends, however, don’t have the same reaction - they are scared. Once they get to know him, they become such good friends that they beg the alien to stay on for Christmas. :-)

This book sends out a great message to little ones  – “friends come in all shapes and sizes.” One just has to take the time and effort to get to know them.

Excerpt

The alien’s rocket had crash landed and needed to be mended. Wanda fetched her tools.

Wanda and the alien didn’t speak the same language, but they made each other laugh a lot. 

I am Reading: Princess Rosa’s Winter

Author: Judy Hindley

Illustrator: Margaret Chamberlain

Year: 1997

Publisher: Kingfisher Publications, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 50

ISBN: 978 0 75341 038 9

It’s a tale of long ago in a land where winter is a dark time. Princess Rosa feels grumpy with the weather and it looks like nothing will bring cheer to her or the courtiers in the castle. They try to cheer each other up with memories of warmer times. That doesn’t work either.

The King, then, remembers Hode, their ‘wonderful, winter visitor.’ Soon everyone is on their feet, dancing. Princess Rosa, now happy, finds beauty in the winter moon and snow.

I liked this story because it encourages children to look beyond their circumstances and find happiness in what they have.

Christmas at the Toy Museum

Author and Illustrator: David Lucas

For Ages: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 28

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Year: 2011

ISBN: 978-0-76365-868-7

This is, in every sense of the word, a picture book with painting-quality illustrations that stretch from corner to corner.

This story reinforces the glorious message of Christmas through a fairytale of toys in a museum on Christmas Eve. They rush in anticipation to the tree only to find no presents for any of them. That is, until Bunting, a woolly cat, has an idea that ensures every toy gets a present.

Excerpt

High above, the angel smiled.

She had known this would happen, of course.

She spread her shining wings and flew down from the top of the tree.

The toys gasped.

“Happy Christmas!” she said and handed Bunting a golden box tied with a golden ribbon. 

The Story of Jesus

Illustrator: Chris Rothero

Year: 1992

Publisher: Award Publications, London

Age: 2 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN: 978 1 84135 034 6

This “See and Say Storybook” is a fantastic way to get young ones to read even if they don’t know letters, yet.

The book uses images instead of words for a specific set of nouns which are then “read” by the little ones.

The story of Jesus features angels, manger, Joseph, Mary and many other familiar words that the child can call out as parents read the rest of the text. Loads of reading fun! :-)

Other titles in this series:

• Noah and the Ark, Review here
• Moses in the Bulrushes
• Daniel in the Lions’ Den
• David and Goliath
• Jonah and the Whale
• Joseph and his Brothers
• The Story of Jesus
• Stories Jesus Told

Santa’s Littlest Helper Travels the World

Author: Anu Stohner

Illustrator: Henricke Wilson

Year: 2006

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing, London

Age: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 74759 358 4

Santa and his Helpers are hard at work “in a little village far far to the north.”  Like very year, Santa’s Littlest Helper is the first to finish his work and has time to even make a snowman.

However, Christmas Pox plays spoilsport and it just looks like children around the world may not get presents this year. That’s when, the Littlest Helper comes up with a plan. A good one too! :-)

This is a Christmas picture book.

Excerpt

But one of Santa’s Helpers had started preparing long before the others. He had finished packing his sleigh and even had enough time to build a lovely snowman. He was, of course, Santa’s Littlest Helper!

The other Helpers moaned because they still had so much to do.