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2011 End Of Year Book Survey

the1stdaughter — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:30:12 +0000

One of my favorite bloggers ever, Jamie from The Perpetual Page Turner and The Broke and The Bookish, has put together this fabulous End of Year Survey that’s perfect for folks like me! See, I’m terrible about narrowing things down to a “Top Ten” and Jamie’s survey makes it much easier for me. So, thanks Jamie! Now, without much more hesitation no my part I will attempt to summarize my year of reading in a few questions. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

1. Best Book You Read In 2011?
Ummm…hello hard question! How do I narrow this down? I’ll just follow Jamie’s lead and base it on categories…
Book App:

Cinderella by Nosy Crow

Picture Book/Children’s Book (One for each of my kiddos and myself):

Pink Me Up by Charise Mericle Harper – Littlebug’s Pick
Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems – Turkeybird’s Pick
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen – My Pick

Middle Grade (Again, I couldn’t pick just one):

The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander
Sally’s Bones by MacKenzie Cadenhead and Illustrated by T.S. Spookytooth
Juniper Berry by M.P. Kozlowsky and Illustrated by Erwin Madrid
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Trauma Queen by Barbara Dee

Young Adult:

You Are My Only by Beth Kephart
Wither by Lauren DeStefano
What Comes After by Steve Watkins
Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber

Women’s Fiction:

Alice Bliss by Laura Harrington
The Bird Sisters by Rebecca Rasmussen
The Bungalow by Sarah Jio
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

2. Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did?
The Piper’s Son by Melina Marchetta – So so so many friends of mine absolutely adored this book, but for one reason or another I just could not connect with the characters. I tried and tried and tried, but it just didn’t happen and I was really kind of upset about it actually.

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2011?
Alice Bliss by Laura Harrington – I’ll get to my reasons a bit more later, but for the moment I’ll say this was an amazingly powerful read. I’ve never cried so much through a book, but been so completely in love with everything about it. Simply marvelous!

4. Book you recommended to people most in 2011?
Picturebook – I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
Young Adult book – You Are My Only by Beth Kephart and The Naming by Alison Croggon
Women’s Fiction – Alice Bliss by Laura Harrington

5. Best series you discovered in 2011?
The Chaos Walking series by Patrick Ness – specifically the audiobook version. If you haven’t listened to this book series on audio you simply have not lived. I’m now the unofficial co-president of the Nick Podehl fan club (he’s the narrator, in case you missed that). His narration of this series is phenomenal and I’d recommend it to anyone without question. Brilliant writing coupled with outstanding narration, perfection.

6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2011?
Without a doubt Patrick Ness, Jonathan Maberry and Laura Harrington. All had books that blew me away! There are so many more to add to the list though including a huge list of women’s fiction authors that includes Sarah Jio and Rebecca Rasmussen, but also picture book authors/illustrators including Craig Frazier and Jon Klassen. It’s been an amazing year for discovering new authors and this is by no means a full summary of all the wonderfully talented individuals I’ve discovered this year.

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?
Alice Bliss by Laura Harrington – I have a feeling you may get tired of me talking about this book, but it was such a slice of perfection for me. As I state in my review of Alice Bliss, I’m not someone who enjoys reading books with war related subject material or settings, but there’s always an exception to the rule. Right? The beauty of the struggle the characters go through is what shines and also rips your heart to pieces. After connecting with these amazing people I simply couldn’t stop reading no matter how out of my comfort zone the setting was. Quite possibly my favorite read this year.

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2011?
Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber – I’m not sure what it was, but this was a wild ride that I simply couldn’t stop reading. I loved every bit of this book and I can’t wait for the sequel!

9. Book you most anticipated in 2011?
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2011?

Dust & Decay by Jonathan Maberry – Totally creepy I know, but it’s perfect for the book and absolutely grabs you. I love this series too. I cannot wait to keep reading it!

11. Most memorable character in 2011?
Silly: Kitten from The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander – Because every good “mobster” middle grade novel needs a crazy bully guy named Kitten. This is a character I won’t soon forget.
Serious: Conor from A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness – For his courage, his choices and his heartbreak.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2011?
You Are My Only by Beth Kephart – It’s almost worth saying, did you really need to ask this question? Beth Kephart has changed my life. The words in her books flow like water down a peaceful brook and yet they have a way of drawing you in so that you’re consumed with the characters until long after the book is completed. You Are My Only was no exception to this and I was grateful to have had the opportunity to have read it.

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2011?
You Are My Only by Beth Kephart – Again, I know I just answered the last question with this spectacular book, but it’s true. Perhaps it wasn’t the book so much as the experience I had surrounding the book and the way the book community rallied together in support of Beth. It was a profound experience for me. It showed me the true kindness of others and the ability we all have to make a difference. So thank you!

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2011 to finally read?

A Tilly and Friends Library by Polly Dunbar – This series is one I don’t know how we ever lived without. Not only do my kiddos read it on a daily basis, but I do as well. It’s hilarious and pertinent. And hello! Look at those illustrations! Adorable. Everyone should have this set of picture books in their home!

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2011?

“Excuse me, have you seen a rabbit wearing a hat?” – Squirrel

“No. Why are you asking me.
I haven’t seen him.
I haven’t seen any rabbits anywhere.
I would not eat a rabbit.
Don’t ask me anymore questions.” – Bear

“OK. Thank you anyway.” – Squirrel

- From I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

16. Book That You Read In 2011 That Would Be Most Likely To Reread In 2012?
Is it cheating if I list a dozen or more picture books? Because that would be the easiest answer so far!

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!
The last 50 pages or so of Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness. I’m still reeling from all that happened and wishing there was more (though I know that’s not going to happen).

Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2011 (optional)

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2011?
Reading Everywhere – I found Allison’s blog while judging for BBAW and fell in love with her choice of books and the way she wrote about them. Ever since then I can’t help buying the books she recommends and crying over her personal experiences of being a librarian that she shares with her readers. She’s an absolute delight to read and I’d highly recommend her blog to anyone looking for great books!

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2010?
Ladder to the Moon by Maya Soetoro-Ng – This was the picture book that had me in tears at one in the morning (yes, I read picture books in the middle of the night…by myself). It’s gorgeous. Not only in the text but through the illustrations as well. I loved it.

3. Best discussion you had on your blog?
It’s a tie between these two posts, which actually proved to me that I can ask questions and have great discussions! I need to do this more often!
Book Buying Q?s: Are You Too Old for Picture Books?
Hodge Podge: Book Buying Q?s – Publishers

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else’s blog?
Basically any post Pam writes at Bookalicious is worthy of a good discussion. She’s always on the mark and I love the topics she brings up. My favorite in the past few months was in regards to a ridiculous pitch she received. It’s definitely worth reading and commenting! – This is not the way to suss out a review

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?
Hands down, Armchair BEA. I’m not sure how we’ll top it in 2012, because 2011 was incredible. It was only it’s second year and we had over 600 participants! We also won The Best Book Blogging Event during Book Blogger Appreciation Week which meant a great deal to me since it was voted on by other book bloggers. I can’t wait for this year!

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2011?
The support I received while waiting on test results about whether I had cancer or not. It blew me away. I had so many friends and supporters who emailed and even called that I’m certain lifted my spirits. Most I’ve never even had the privilege of meeting in real life. The kindness I was shown made a huge impact on me and I know I wouldn’t have gotten through it all without everyone. Thank you! (Oh, and for those that don’t know already…I did finally find out I do not have cancer!)

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?
Without a doubt my Picture Book Reading Challenge which makes me more thrilled than you can know. Love that!

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?
I honestly think I post too much stuff because I simply don’t know. That’s terrible, I know. Which is also why it’s a goal of mine this year to write more discussion posts and reviews. Hopefully you’ll love them so much that I won’t have any for this question again next year! *fingers crossed*

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?
Overdrive. Let me just say this, I’m not a fan of my local library. I know, I should run and hide. We went there a couple of weeks ago and the Turkeybird promptly exclaimed loudly enough for all to hear, “Mom, we don’t need to come here we have just as many books at home! I want to go home and read!” So yes, I’m thrilled he’s happy to read so much at home, but that doesn’t exactly make a trip to the library much fun with kiddos in tow. Besides that my library also charges any time you place a hold on a book regardless of whether it’s in the library or not. So it can get pricey and I feel like I might as well buy the book at that rate. So when I discovered Overdrive I was thrilled! I can download audiobooks and eBooks using my library card…for free!!! I love it! And I use it all the time. Best thing ever!

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?
Oh my goodness…I’m terrible. I even hosted a reading challenge and did terrible at that. I feel like I need to work on better tracking for reading challenges because otherwise they just seem to get away from me.

Looking Ahead…

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2011 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2012?
You are all going to kill me for this, but I have to read it before the movie comes out… Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. I know! I’m the only one who hasn’t read it, still. I even know how it ends and my husband has even finished it already! I’ll be reading it before the movie for sure.

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2012?
Picturebook:

House Held Up by Trees by Ted Kooser and Jon Klassen

Middle Grade:

The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy

Young Adult:

Fever by Lauren DeStefano
This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

Women’s Fiction:

Small Damages by Beth Kephart

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2012?
Review more! I know it may seem like I review quite a bit, but looking back over the year I can see so many instances where I read books and still haven’t posted reviews for them. It really bothers me because I’d love to talk about them more. So that’s a huge goal for me.

Also, going to BEA this year! Yep, you heard it…I’m going in 2012! It’s a done deal in fact and I can’t wait to finally go!

So, did you make it through all of that? What did you think? Do you have a favorite read or bookish moment this year? I’d love to hear about it!

Day Twelve of The Twelve Days of Christmas with Earthbound Chronicles

the1stdaughter — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 14:30:42 +0000

In celebration of the upcoming holidays I thought there could be nothing better than sharing my favorite bloggers with my favorite readers! For the next twelve days I’ll be sharing posts written by my favorite bloggers about their favorite holiday reads. From food bloggers to book bloggers each one is one I’ve long loved reading and know you’ll enjoy as well. So sit back and enjoy!

Happy Christmas everyone! It’s the final day of my Twelve Days of Christmas feature and I know you are all dying to know who the special guest is going to be. I honestly thought long and hard about this one because I wanted it to be someone who has truly inspired and encouraged me. Well, who better than your mom? I’m one of those lucky people who can honestly say any and all crafty & bloggy talent I got is entirely from my mom. Long before most people had the internet my mom was setting up her blog and chatting away with food bloggers all over the world. It’s incredible! (Yes, my mom is even on Twitter!) Today my mom, Robyn, blogs at Earthbound Chronicles about her new “farm life” in Northern Arizona as well as trying to eat naturally based foods. She’s a huge inspiration to me and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am without her, blogging or reading-wise included.

And, she may kill me for outing this project of hers, but I’m not sure I can keep it a secret any longer. Yes, my mom has an adorable new baking shop opening soon and the site is to die for! Not to mention the fact that my mom can bake just about anything you ask for. Amazing! So, without further hesitation on my part, Robyn (my mom) from Earthbound Chronicles and The Sweet Tooth Remedy…

Thank you Danielle for inviting me to be part of your 12 Days of Christmas books round up! Usually the holiday season is so full of baking, shopping, and activities there is barely any time for anything else. However, it is a long standing tradition to read at night before bed different Christmas stories. I’m only going to share two favorites, your other 12 Days people have given us so many to choose from!

My all time favorite Christmas book did not come to us until our youngest began to read. She came home from school, when she was six, one day so excited about a book she read. She wanted so badly to have it for her own library. It was a magical book, one where a postman delivered letters to different characters in the book! And, you actually got to take the letters from their envelopes and read them! Well, everyone knows how fun it is to get your own mail as a child, we knew we had to get the book.

Much to our surprise we not only found that book, The Jolly Postman, but the married authors Allan(author) and Janet Ahlberg (illustrator), had written a Christmas version too! Needless to say each became a family favorite. Night after night we would take a journey with the postman as he delivered Christmas greetings to storybook characters. Some get postcards, others get actual letters. We never tired of reading letters to Cinderella, Goldilocks and their friends. I would recommend this book for young readers with a good appreciation of books. The letters are a bit on the fragile side so if you have rambunctious readers a bit of supervision will keep the book intact for years to come. Our copy, sadly to say, is falling apart. I’m thinking of buying two or three more to share with our growing family!

My second book is more in the chicklit genre. I stumbled upon it at Costco a few years back. I try to pick up one book to add to my Christmas collection each year. This little book, The Christmas Train, had a gorgeous cover, so I bought it.

The author, David Baldacci, is a prolific writer, yet I had never heard of him. I am more of a historical fiction kind of reader but this was a Christmas story and a good one at that! It’s the story of a journalist, who is forced into taking the train from Washington DC to Los Angeles and trying to get there before Christmas. He was forced because of a mishap with airport security, and this book was written far before the airport security we’re all subjected to now days. The people he meets and interact with on the train make for a memorable ride along the way. The story is filled with wonderful characters that give it depth and surprise and a bit of frustration as Tom makes his way home. Not only is it a good Christmas story but it is filled with lots of train lore, Baldacci himself dedicated the book to all who love trains and the holidays. Most of all you really begin to feel for Tom as he deals with the loss of the love of his life and the new beginning with his new girlfriend a Hollywood starlet.

So in this little book you have it all. A bit of history, a miserable writer in search of a better life, loss of love and new beginnings. I recommend it highly as a light read during the holidays. I’ve loaned it to friends and each one, upon returning it, says what a great book it was to read. Hopefully you’ll like it too!

I hope you all have a pleasant holiday season!

Day Eleven of The Twelve Days of Christmas with The Perpetual Page Turner

the1stdaughter — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:30:04 +0000

Happy Christmas Eve everyone! I can hardly believe it’s almost Christmas day and that today will be the eleventh day of my feature highlighting some of my absolute favorite bloggers. Today’s guest post is no exception. Jamie has been blogging for a little over a year now at both The Perpetual Page Turner as well as at The Broke and the Bookish and it’s no surprise to anyone who knows her that they are both two of the most loved book blogs out there. Jamie is one of those people you can’t help but love, she’s generous with her time and her blogs reflect not only that generosity but her talent with words. I’m grateful we stumbled into each other on Twitter last year and can’t wait to see how her fabulous wedding turns out this coming year! So, without further hesitation on my part, Jamie of The Perpetual Page Turner and The Broke and the Bookish…

Christmas. I feel like, as an adult, Christmas has changed for me. Two very important parts that made Christmas special for me are missing — the magic of still believing in Santa Claus and the awe and wonder of it all and, the biggest thing, my mother who passed in 2006. My mom made Christmas magical. I can’t even begin to tell you. She was one of those moms who LOVED decorating for Christmas and Christmas music was a STAPLE — the Beatles Christmas album, Alvin and the Chipmunks..you name it, we had it. It was our tradition to watch The Grinch (her favorite) and all the classic Santa and Frosty specials. She made Christmas truly an amazing time without forgetting to teach us all the important things about what Christmas also meant to us besides Santa and the presents. Walking downstairs on Christmas morning always felt dreamlike..even though I always thought it was Santa that added that magical touch. But one thing I really remember appreciating and loving was reading Christmas books with my mom. I always had a huge stack either that we owned or from the library and even though she was a single mom and worked full time..she always made time to read them to us!

Some of our favorites were:

Twas The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore
How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Suess
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
The Mitten by Jan Brett
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
Get Ready For Christmas by Jan and Stan Berenstein (they had a few others too if I remember correctly!)

I still feel the magic in Christmas by hanging on to all the things she did to make it feel special. Without fail, I belt out the Christmas tunes in my car, I watch the Grinch and I find a few good Christmas books — new and old childhood favorites– to get lost in. The magic of Christmas might be harder to come by as a somewhat jaded twenty-something but going back to things that made my childhood Christmas unforgettable sure does help a lot.

I can’t wait until I have kids so I can discover new Christmas favorites!

Day Ten of The Twelve Days of Christmas with My Friend Amy

the1stdaughter — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:30:59 +0000

It’s getting closer to Christmas everyday and today’s guest blogger is someone I’ve admired since before I even started my site. On a whole I’ve found book bloggers to be the most generous and kind people I’ve ever know, but Amy from My Friend Amy leads the way. Amy has been someone I not only value because of her gorgeous writing, but also for her friendship. We live somewhat near to each other and I’m grateful to have been able to meet her on a couple of occasions. She’s just as wonderful (if not more so) in person as she is online! Not only does she have a wonderful blog, but she also hosts a number of events including Book Blogger Appreciation Week and The INSPY Awards. So, without further hesitation on my part, Amy from My Friend Amy…

My favorite children’s Christmas book is one I think has a lot of universal appeal–in other words, it’s the best kind of book there is because it doesn’t really matter how old you are, you can enjoy it any age. After all, I only discovered it last year!

Kate DiCamillo is well known for her books Because of Winn-Dixie and The Tale of Desperaux but the picture book Great Joy is not overlooked. In fact, I first heard about it a few years ago at the National Book Festival when someone mentioned to Ms. DiCamillo that it was their favorite Christmas book. Well, see, I LOVE Christmas books so I wanted to check it out. But for some reason I forgot until last year and when I received a copy in the mail. And I fell in absolute love!

The reason why Great Joy is such a great book (hee hee) is because it captures everything that is beautiful about Christmas in just a few pages. Every time I read it, I get teary eyed. When you think about it, that’s amazing for such a short story. It takes place in New York City and Frances is a little girl with a great big heart of compassion. She sees an organ grinder on the road below her and his monkey. And his music reaches out to her through the noise and she wonders where he goes at night. She asks her mother, but like most busy adults who can’t be bothered, her mother doesn’t even want to consider the question. But it’s not enough for Frances who soon discovers he spends the night on the street. And what she does about it makes the entire story. Frances who plays an angel in the pageant is also an angel to this man and her compassion and kindness, the way she thinks of him even when her mother asked her not to think about it, is absolutely lovely.

And the illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline are amazing! They depict the nighttime darkness and swirling cold of snow, and yet at the same time you can see the glow of light, representative of the hope we feel even in our darkest times, and of the hope and joy Frances opens up her heart to know.

So..Great Joy is my favorite children’s Christmas book, but when I was growing up my parents read us The Best Christmas Pageant Ever every year. And I still really love that story as well, it’s so much fun and such a great reminder that Christmas is for everyone.

Day Nine of The Twelve Days of Christmas with Teresa’s Reading Corner

the1stdaughter — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:30:21 +0000

Day Nine’s featured blogger is one of those people you just feel like you’ve always known somehow. For one reason or another I simply can’t remember when it was I “met” Teresa, but however long it’s been I’ve absolutely adored her blog and chatting with her on Twitter. She reads and reviews many of the same books I love, including children’s books with her own little monkey. In addition to that she hosts the annual Audiobook Reading Challenge and though I fell short of actually posting my links this year I will say it inspired me to listen to more audiobooks which I consider a huge success! So, without further hesitation on my part, Teresa of Teresa’s Reading Corner…

Thank you Danielle for allowing me to be part of this fantastic series. The Holidays have always held a special place in my heart. As the oldest of three girls, I remember Christmas being one of those times where we all banded together and were on our best behavior. Neither our parents, nor Santa stood a chance against our united front.

While we have always been a very bookish family, I’m having difficulty recalling a specific book that we pulled out every year so I wanted to share some of my favorite Holiday traditions over the years.

When I look back on the Christmases of yesterday some of the things that stand out to me the most are the little things. Putting those favorite ornaments on the tree each year, recounting the stories of how they became part of the collection. The smell of cookies baking in the kitchen and three little girls sneaking by and trying to grab a few without being noticed. Each year mom and dad had to find a new place to hide our gifts and a new system of disguising them as curiosity often got the best of us and we would inevitably try and find them. We also looked forward to our favorite Holiday television specials. You name it, we watched it at least once. My favorite to this day is Emmett Otter’s Jugband Christmas. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it. The absolute favorite tradition that my parents established was “Santa Pajamas”. Each Christmas Eve while we are having dinner, Santa makes a pre delivery stop at our house and leaves a new set of Christmas pajamas on our bed. It was usually accompanied by a little something. Sometimes it was a small stuffed animal, or maybe some chocolate. This is a tradition that remains today even though the three of us have long since moved out on our own.

Christmas today contains some of these traditions combined with some from my husbands family, and a few that we’re adding on our own. The first Christmas tradition we established happened long before we got married. One evening when we were out on a date we stopped at our favorite local coffee shop for a warm beverage, popped in a CD full of Christmas music and drove around town looking at the various Christmas displays. We haven’t missed a year yet!

The second tradition we’ve established is going to the mountains to pick out our Christmas tree and cut it down. Once getting it back home of course we decorate with a process similar to that which I did as a child. Each year we add a new ornament for each of us. Usually its something that represents an event from the last year.

With the addition of our son we are discovering a host of new activities to make the season even brighter. Its amazing the things you notice when you are looking through the eyes of a child. This is where I’m really enjoying these posts because I’ve got a lengthy list of holiday books to pick up to start a new family tradition. My husband shares my love of reading and this is something that our little monkey is rapidly developing as well. Beginning this year we are introducing more holiday reading with the hopes of not only expanding our holiday collection, but expanding our appreciation for tradition in general.

When I look down the road I foresee the development and evolution of many more traditions. Many I hope are not limited to the Holidays, but something we enjoy year round. Enjoying family dinners, participating in family game or movie nights and just generally enjoying each others company. As our children grow up I hope that they will embrace the past and add their own personality to the mix to develop even more opportunities to enjoy one another.

Day Eight of The Twelve Days of Christmas with Thoughtful Eating

the1stdaughter — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:30:24 +0000

As the end of my Twelve Days of Christmas draws near I’m even more reflective and grateful for all of the bloggers & friends I’ve made this year. Day eight’s featured blogger is no exception, though I’m almost positive I’ve know her for a bit longer than a year now. Raquelle has quickly become one of my closest friends and her blogs are something I love sharing with my friends who love good food and classic movies. Her food blog, Thoughtful Eating, is a huge source of inspiration for our family; we’ve tried & loved a number of her recipes! And take a trip back in time through Raquelle’s brilliant classic film blog, Out of the Past. Again, Raquelle is one of those close friends I feel fortunate to have met through my book blogging and she continues to be someone I turn to for inspiration and support. It’s wonderful! So, without further hesitation on my part, Raquelle from Thoughtful Eating and Out of the Past…

I wasn’t raised with Christmas as a child. Both of my parents are from other countries and for cultural and religious reasons the quintessential American style of Christmas was not something I grew up with. However, living in the U.S., Christmas was inescapable and although I didn’t read Christmas books as a child, I was well familiar with many Christmas stories. As an adult, there are a few children’s books about and/or related to Christmas that really touch my heart. I was really attracted to several themes in these stories including goodwill towards mankind, being kind and generous to others, finding or having joy, and being imaginative and resourceful. The stories I love the most are the ones without Santa Clause, elves, or reindeer but with families, friends and neighbors. Here are four of my very favorite Christmas books for children.

First up is the classic A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. In stories for children, I think opposite characters work really well. In A Christmas Carol you have Ebenezer Scrooge; an older wealthy man, who wants for nothing, runs his own business, has a mansion and doesn’t have to worry about where his next meal will come from. Then you have the opposing character of Tiny Tim; a younger boy, one of many children in a very poor family, although he is crippled and may not live to see adulthood, he is rich in what Ebenezer Scrooge isn’t: love and joy. Scrooge’s bah humbug and Tiny Tim’s optimism even in dire circumstances and how those characteristics clash with each other is the basis of the story. Kids, along with Ebenezer Scrooge, learn how sad a life of greediness, loneliness and selfishness can be. And while it took Scrooge a lifetime to learn the error of his ways, kids can learn the message of optimism, joy and goodwill just by reading this classic tale. Even in the midst of increasingly commercial Christmases, I hope this classic book keeps being read so people remember the true purpose of the holiday. While I have a few editions of the book, my favorite has to be the hardcover illustrated by Irish artist P.J. Lynch. It’s a highly treasured tome in my home library.

The next two stories aren’t about Christmas but they do make me think of it nonetheless. As a young teenager, I discovered a love for Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. It didn’t hurt that I was raised in New England and had a love for history. While Little Women is not about Christmas, it does start off with the holiday. The four sisters are making presents for each other. It’s a lean time as their father is away at war. They prepare a Christmas meal, one they’ve been anticipating for a while because their usual meals are not decadent. However, instead of enjoying the meal as planned, they give the whole meal away to another family, in more dire straits then they are. Their self-sacrifice and willingness to show kindness to others, even when they were in a bad situation themselves, always touched me.

The third book I’d like to talk about is The Snowman by Raymond Briggs. This is a book I discovered when I was working at a Barnes & Noble during my college years. During the Christmas season, I picked up a copy and looked through it and to my surprise there were no words inside, just illustrations. I hadn’t known that wordless picture books existed. Although most people are familiar with the film or versions of the book with words added, the original book has over 170 illustrations, no text and no Santa Claus or North Pole. It’s a story about a young boy who becomes friends with a Snowman. The story is about friendship, empathy and imagination.
What I like most about this story is that there are no words. It transcends language. It’s a book you could hand to a child anywhere in the world and they would be able to read it.

The fourth and last book is probably one you are not familiar with although you may recognize the main character. Maisy’s Snowy Christmas Eve by Lucy Cousins is out of print but if you could find yourself a copy online, preferably with the CD, get it! Maisy is a beloved cartoon mouse who has various adventures with her animal friends. In Maisy’s Snowy Christmas Eve, all of Maisy’s friends are going to Maisy’s house for a Christmas party. Everyone is there except Eddie the Elephant. They go out in the snow to search for him and find that he is stuck in a big mound of snow. They help get him out, bring him back to Maisy’s house where they can all celebrate Christmas together. Oh how I love to sing the praises of this book. The very simple illustrations are child friendly. I love the main message of friendship and inclusion. Eddie didn’t show up to the party, so did the friends get mad at him or forget about him? NO! Each friend is important in this story and no one is left out. Kindness towards friends is a great message this book has. I know as a child, I often felt left out. I would have loved to have friends like these. If you manage to get yourself a copy of the book with CD, you will be delighted by an audio recording of the actress Jane Horrocks reading the book which appears on the CD attached. Horrocks has a charming Lancashire accent and she’s best known for her performances in Absolutely Fabulous (as Bubbles), Chicken Run (as Babs – “I don’t want to be a pie! I don’t like gravy!”) and The Amazing Mrs. Pritchard. Her voice is child friendly and fun and I love how she says the word “snow”. It’s quite a delight.

I hope next time you are looking for a good Christmas story for a child that you’ll think of one of these four books and spread the message of goodwill towards others, friendship and joy.