Reagan Staff Recommendations-- Holiday Books

Mrs. Ashcraft recommends:
A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens

This short novel about a miserly, miserable old man and his change of heart is a Christmas tradition in my family. Who can forget the wise counsel of Ebenezer Scrooge, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the past , present and future.” A Christmas Carol is a wonderful read aloud book for children of all ages.

Mr. Pratt and Mrs. Reeves recommend:
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathon Toomey

by Susan Wojciechowski

This inspiring story tells how an old woodcarver's heart is softened at Christmas.  It is a great story for all ages -- even Grandma and Grandpa will enjoy it.  The illustrations are beautiful.


 

Mrs. Peterson recommends:

Mr. Willoughby's Christmas Tree

by Robert Barry

Mr. Willoughby's tree is too big. Now what? With fun rhymes, whimsical illlustrations, and a good message, this is a great read aloud choice. (In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this book is read to students in the library during the last week of school before the break.)

Mrs. Jenni recommends:
Christmas in the Trenches
by John McCutcheon
This is a picture book that tells the story of a Christmas Eve during WWI when the German and English Soldiers stopped fighting and sang, "Silent Night."  It’s very touching and I can’t read it without crying.  Not only does it teach our children about a true historical event, it teaches acceptance of all people, regardless of where they’re from.

Mr. Pratt and Miss Plant recommend: 
Snowmen at Night

by Caralyn Buehner, illustrated by Mark Buehner

This fun book lets you in on the secret about a snowman's life when we all go to sleep.  No wonder they look a little disheveled in the  morning!  The illustrations have hidden images for readers to try to find.  Fun for all ages!

Mrs. Jenni and Mrs. Fox recommend:

The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever

by Barbara Robinson

This short chapter book is warm and funny and full of surprises.--a classic for family read aloud.  This might be a fun one to listen to together in the car if you are driving somewhere for the holidays.

Mrs. Laraway recommends:

Ben's Christmas Carol

by Toby Forward
One good work inspires another.  Based on Dickens' The Christmas Carol, this is the story of a stingy mouse who learns to give. The haunting and beautiful illustrations depict both Dicken's story of Scrooge as well as the mouse's story. 

Mrs. Mylar (who was Mrs. Sonne last month) recommends:

The Polar Express

by Chris Van Allsburg
A boy takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. "My mother read this book to us every Christmas Eve.  It is now one of my favorites."

Mrs. Westerman recommends:
Olivia helps with Christmas
by Ian Falconer
Olivia tries hard to help the family get ready for Christmas. If you know Olivia you know you can expect some mishaps along the way. Fans of Falconer will not be disappointed by this festive book.

Mrs. Laraway recommends:
The Little Drummer Boy

by Ezra Jack Keats
I love Ezra Jack Keats.  As always, his illustrations make the text come alive.  Read or sing along as you look at the pictures. 



Mrs. Fox recommends:
The Christmas Box
by Richard Paul Evans
You might need tissues nearby when you read this popular modern classic. A short novel about parental love, healing, and Christmas, this could be read aloud with older kids or good for curling up and reading alone by the fireplace.

Mr. Riggs recommends:

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

by Dr. Seuss

No Christmas book list is complete without this classic.  It is fun for the whole family. From, "Every who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot " to the final, "and he, he Himself, the Grinch, carved the roast beast."  Perfect.

Share your own favorites by making a comment below!