With our daughter’s help, I was able to find lots of wonderful new titles this year. Here is a listing of Once Upon a Storyville’s top ten finds for 2012 – Enjoy!
Monthly Archives: December 2012
Blog Holiday
I am taking the day off to enjoy some post-Christmas fun with my family. Be sure to check in on Monday, December 31st for my Favorite Book Finds of 2012.
Merry Christmas!
I hope your Christmas is filled with joy and perhaps some new books under the tree!
Mary, Did You Know? – Mark Lowry
Mary, Did You Know? is a picture book version of the popular Christmas song with the same name. The illustrations are stunning, and the scriptural references on each page along with song lyrics are a thought provoking combination. This is a new favorite for our family!
How Many Miles to Bethlehem? – Kevin Crossley-Holland
How Many Miles to Bethlehem? is a beautifully illustrated version of the Christmas story. Each two page spread provides the point of view of a figure within the story. The text lends itself to be read aloud.
The Three Bears’ Christmas – Kathy Duval
On Christmas Eve, the Three Bears are making final preparations for Christmas. The gingerbread bears have just come out of the oven, but they are too hot. The family decides to go for a walk while the cookies are cooling. After enjoying the sights and sounds of the outdoors, the bears come home to find there has been a special visitor in their home.
Christmas Eve Good Night – Doug Cushman
This is a perfect bedtime story to use during the holiday season. It features all of the familiar elements of Christmas from gingerbread cookies to reindeer and has each one saying good night to either Mommy of Daddy in his/her own special way. The illustrations in this book are of particular note and provide much for little ones to enjoy.
Santa Comes to Little House – Laura Ingalls Wilder
Santa Comes to Little House is actually a chapter taken from the series that has been illustrated and made into a Christmas picture book. Our daughter saw this at the library and was very excited about reading it. It did not disappoint. The illustrations bring the Christmas celebration of the Ingalls family to life. The genuine joy and thankfulness Mary and Laura display for their relatively simple Christmas surprises (a tin cup, a candy cane, a small cake, and a penny) provide a wonderful opportunity for discussion.
You Are My Miracle – Maryann Cusimano Love
You Are My Miracle is a sweet celebration of the parent and child relationship which focuses on preparations for Christmas. The story is told in rhyming verse, and includes lovely illustrations.
Olive, the Other Reindeer – J. Otto Seibold
Olive, the Other Reindeer is a delight. Olive is really a dog, but she becomes confused while listening to Christmas music as she is wrapping presents. Rather than hearing about: “…all of the other reindeer…”, Olive hears her own version of the lyrics: “Olive, the other reindeer…”. Although she was certain she was a dog, Olive doesn’t want to disappoint Santa, and she immediately heads to the North Pole. Before long, it is clear that Santa really does need the special skills that only Olive can provide.