Books for the Season- Part II

At this time of year, perhaps you are looking for great Christmas books to share with your children or perhaps to use as a gift. Here are some more favourites; new and old. (This was a newsletter insert so I thought some of you readers might enjoy this as well.)

Often, stories are told from various viewpoints and Christmas stories are no exception. Some of my favourite are those told from the viewpoint of an animal who unwittingly becomes a part of that greatest of stories. Jean Little, well-known Canadian author, recently wrote Pippin, The Christmas Pig. Pippin is tired of hearing the other animal’s stories about how their great-great-grandparents had such a vital role to play at the birth of Jesus. Pippin has no stories to tell; in fact, the animals are very disparaging about the very idea that a pig could have performed anything of value. Hurt and discouraged, Pippin rushes out into the cold wintry night where his heart is moved by the plight of a mother and child. Could the wondrous events of Christmas be repeated? Or will Pippin simply discover that nothing important could ever be done by a mere pig!

Cat in the Manger by Michael Foreman is told from the viewpoint of a cat that really has no time for the behaviour of any of the animals in the stable, and particularly dislikes donkeys. Until one day when the stable door blasts open and a donkey enters with a woman on its back. Curious, the cat observes as the events of the night unfold, but it is almost too much when the “stupid” sheep arrive with their shepherds. And if that isn’t enough; three camels arrive“clumsy as cows but have much bigger feet, bad tempers, bad breath, and they spit.” Watching closely, he sees an amazing thing. Quiet descends in the stable and all kneel to the tiny baby in the manger. Even the mice are safe from his attentions that night and as for the other animals? Maybe they’re not all so bad after all!

Beautifully illustrated Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell is a comforting and gentle story about the welcome afforded by the animals in the barn to anyone who needed shelter. As they all huddle together against the winter’s cold the last travelers are also welcomed to the stable. “Where will my baby be born?” Mary asked. “Come inside,” Kind Ox called to Tired Donkey. “There’s always room for a little one here.” This is a lovely and heart-warming story.

Perhaps you have older children who might love to hear a longer story read aloud. Try Kevin Major’s House of the Wooden Santas. The 24 chapters serve like an advent calendar as they trace the story of unhappy nine-year old Jesse, who is discouraged by a recent move and the possibility that Christmas just won’t be the same this year. Day by day his mother presents him with a beautiful carved wooden Santa and tells stories of hope. Will it be enough to change Christmas? Or might it be even better than what Jesse remembered? Is it ever possible for change to be good?

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson is still one of the most poignant stories told about the importance of Christmas being for everyone. The Herdman children were a handful, to say the least, but when they decide to try out for parts in the upcoming Christmas pageant, a hilarious new interpretation results. This chapter book would be an excellent read-aloud for about grade 3 students and up.