The Magic of Christmas Books
Last week I spent my time catching up on my holiday book reviews (like two years worth of books in the TBR pile). I am thrilled to say that despite reading a baker’s dozen of various Christmas books, I still love the holiday. There is plenty of variety in the storytelling, and much to my wandering eyes didn’t appear any cloyingly sweet stories. Nary a repeat in the bunch – even The Night Before Christmas as interpreted by Barbara Reid and The Twelve Days of Christmas by Susan Jeffers – fit in the unique Christmas books category.
Rather than pick my favorite Christmas books (can you really have a favorite?) I want to share three seasonal stories that you may not have heard about.
Each of these Christmas books offer especially unique, timeless stories. They are picture books that embody the magic and warmth of the season and will work for all ages. These are books that I will be buying for our permanent family collection.
Rockrhydin
by Cheryl Elizabeth Waddell; illustrated by Janice Prey Wolfe
When he was a little boy, Jon Michael had a rocking horse he named Rockrhydin (rock-ride-in). For years, even though he was too big, Jon Michael would visit Rockrhydin … until one day he was gone. With the help of Tanyabelle, Rockrhydin returns to Jon Michael’s life in a very special way. This is a magical story that takes the idea of a toy coming to life in a new direction.
Review summary: Part fairy tale, part coming of age story, Rockrhydin is a very special story. The illustrations are beautiful, but the story itself is magical. It would be the perfect choice for kids struggling with the push and pull of growing up and leaving toys behind. Just be prepared to have a beloved toy as an ornament when you share the book.
The Magic Christmas Key
by Leann B Smith; illustrated by Kip Richmond
Everyone is gathering at Nana and Papa’s house for Christmas. Andy loved Christmas with Papa, especially Papa’s beautiful sleigh. Papa showed Andy a key, and said simply “All things are possible when you believe.” The next day, Papa explained the significance of the Magic Key and Andy was now its keeper. Being the Keeper of Santa’s Magic Key turned out to be much harder than Andy thought. With Andy in charge, Christmas was turning into a disaster! What would Santa think? There is a lot of depth to this story about family, tradition, and the meaning of Christmas.
Review summary: Families will share this treasure of a book for many years (if not generations). It has that days-of-old feel, but is timeless, too. I especially loved Andy’s relationship with his grandfather and the special bond they share. For younger children, the story will help explain how Santa visits different homes. For older children, it is a story about responsibility, honesty, and being careful what you wish for.
Read our full review.
The Spirit of Christmas; a Giving Tradition
by Nicky Benson; illustrated by Jason Cockcroft
Drew loves Christmas! Who doesn’t? When Mama tells him that sometimes children don’t get presents (even if they want to), Drew has an idea. He writes a letter to Santa offering some of his own toys and clothes. Santa picks them up, takes them to the North Pole, and then delivers them to children so their Christmas wishes can come true. This seasonal picture book shares the story of a young boy’s generosity.
Review summary: This Christmas book is a very special story that all ages can enjoy, appreciate, and bring to life. What a fabulous story. It is so hard for children to let go of some of their things. This Christmas story helps them see how letting go can make someone as happy as they have been, and also opens their hearts to giving.
Note: You can buy just the book, or a book set with the giving bag and bell. A portion of the proceeds go to The Savlation Army.
Read our full review.
More Christmas books. The Reading Tub has been reading and reviewing Christmas books and seasonal stories for more than 10 years. If you’re looking for that “just right” story for you family, read the full list of Christmas books.
Book bloggers – if you’ve reviewed any of these over the years, we’d love to add your review to our link list. The more families can learn about great Christmas books the greater the chance we have of creating a new generation of readers.
What are the Christmas books you and your kids love to share year after year?