Books to Bring the Family Together for the Holidays

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the library, not a creature was stirring – not even a bookworm. But up on the shelves, just waiting in rows, were books and books up high and down low! From traditional tales to stories with a twist, each one was on Santa’s most favorite list! And when they were opened and read and reread, children all over were heard to be said, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good book!”

Are you looking for a way to create a lasting holiday memory with your child? Reading together is a wonderful way to start. In addition to bonding, it’s a great way for your child to practice the five important early literacy skills: reading, playing, singing, talking and writing. And cold winter nights are a perfect opportunity to put on your footed pajamas, grab a cup of cocoa, settle in your favorite easy chair and enjoy one of these new Christmas books available through Tulsa City-County Library:

Mia’s Nutcracker Ballet by Robin Farley:

This shimmery book brings The Nutcracker story to life while introducing young readers to a holiday favorite. Mia is a kitten who dreams of a being a ballerina. When her grandfather gives her a special nutcracker and starts to tell her about the dance, Mia finds herself in the story as Clara. Readers will want to hear the story of this enchanting kitten over and over!

Santa Claus and the Three Bears by Maria Modugno:

It’s Christmas Eve in the forest, and the Bear family is busy preparing for the Big Day. Papa brings in the tree, Mama makes Christmas pudding and Baby Bear helps as much as he can. But when they sit down to eat their pudding, it is too hot. As the family waits for the pudding to cool, they go for a walk in the woods. While they are away they are visited by someone – not a girl with golden locks – but someone dressed in a red coat with a long white beard. What will happen when the Bear family returns? Find out in this delightful book illustrated in holiday colors.

My Pen Pal, Santa by Melissa Stanton:

Do you ever wonder what Santa does all year long when he’s not making toys for boys and girls? A little girl named Ava decides to find out when she writes to Santa in January. Follow along as Ava and Santa exchange letters each month culminating in Ava’s final letter in December asking Santa if she can meet him. Will Ava get her Christmas wish from her favorite pen pal?

Zoomer’s Out-of-This-World Christmas by Ned Young:

If you have ever wanted an out-of-this-world Christmas, this might be the book for you. Zoomer, a lively dog, and his brothers are on the lookout for flying reindeer. But it’s not flying reindeer they see through their telescope, it’s a real, live alien spaceship – and it’s crashed in Zoomer’s backyard! Zoomer must race to get the spaceship fixed to help the aliens return to their planet. Along the way, Zoomer discovers that helping a new friend might be the best Christmas gift of all.

Here are few other holiday books you might also enjoy:

• The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert and Per Breiehagen
• Christmas Mouse by Anne Mortimer
• Merry Christmas, Splat by Rob Scotton
• The Twelve Days of Christmas by Susan Jeffers

For more recommendations on holiday books, please visit your favorite Tulsa City-County Library branch soon. Happy Reading!