We have a tradition in our home that I started with my first baby. When we put up the tree I automatically have 24 presents wrapped. I've gone from wrapping to making Christmas cloth bags, but inside of each present is a Christmas book. Some books are better than others, and some are more religious than others, but I definitely have my favorites. I put together a list of each book that I love with a short description. Each is linked to buy the book. Enjoy!
1. The Polar Express, Chris Van Allsburg
Once upon a time this wasn't a movie, and the magic of the illustrations and simple story left a profound impact on me. Many teachers do comparisons with the movie and the book. I like to read this so show the students how believing is truly a gift.
2. Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree, Robert Barry
Mr. Willowby gets a tree for Christmas, but it's too tall, so he cuts off the top and tosses it out. This is a story of realizing the small things we do can help other people.
3. A Creature was Stirring, Clement Moore and Carter Goodrich
This book is amazing. It takes the traditional "A Night Before Christmas" and mixes it with the thoughts of the little boy. Great story to read together as a group read.
4. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, by Barbara Robinson
This chapter book is easy enough for second graders, but enjoyed by everyone. Great easy read aloud for the class also. Bonus: There's a DVD, too!
5. How Santa Got his Job, by Stephen Krensky
This book has so many lessons to teach during the Christmas season. One of the lessons I like to bring to it is opinion writing. We also talk about why hard work pays off. Great also to teach how important job skills are. The titles tells the gist of the book. The students all love this book!
6. Mrs. Claus Takes a Vacation, by Linus Alsenas
What happens when Mrs. Claus decides she is tired of the North Pole? This story is so much fun. It gets you thinking about Mrs. Claus since we don't hear enough about her. My students love reading this every year.
7. Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect, by Richard H. Schneider
This story is about this history of the Christmas tree. I like to read it when I'm teaching Christmas Around the World. It's a longer story, but I really like the way the author writes. The pictures are also very beautiful.
8. The Legend of the Poinsettia, by Tomie dePaolo
I love this author! He writes many books, and this one doesn't disappoint. I use this when teaching about Christmas in Mexico. Because we also have poinsettias here, the students relate. There are many lessons learned here.
9. Mooseltoe, by Margie Palatini
I absolutely fell in love with this book!!! Your students will find this hilarious! You can't go wrong with a crazy moose.
10. The Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens
This may or may not be appropriate for your older grades, but the story is a classic, and at least if you are not reading the whole book, read parts of it together as a class. There are many lessons to be learned in this book.
