Great holiday stories to share with children

With the holidays fast approaching and so many terrific books worth mentioning, I'm omitting my editorial for the next several weeks to make room for an additional review. Happy holidays!

Books to Borrow

The following book is available at many public libraries.

• "Christmas Day in the Morning" by Pearl S. Buck, illustrated by Mark Buehner, HarperCollins, 40 pages

Read aloud: age 4 — 5 and older

Read yourself: age 7 — 8 and older

Fifteen-year-old Rob and his family live on a farm. Rob helps his father with the endless chores farming demands, although rising before the sun isn't Rob's favorite task.

On Christmas Eve, Rob lay in bed wishing he had more money to have purchased a better present for his father, something more than the necktie he'd gotten. Suddenly he realizes he does have something more to give, something that doesn't require money — a gift of true love from Rob to his father.

A beautifully wrought story supported with warm, inviting illustrations, "Christmas Day in the Morning" is everything it should be, and more.

Librarian's Choice

Library: Butte County Library — Biggs Branch, 464A B St., Biggs

Library Director: Derek Wolfgram

Branch Librarian: Cynthia Pustejovsky

Choices this week: "Bread and Jam for Frances" by Russell Hoban; "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" by Laura Numeroff; "The Velveteen Rabbit" by Margery Williams

Books to Buy

The following books are available at your favorite bookstores.

• "The Christmas Magic" by Lauren Thompson, illustrated by Jon J Muth, Scholastic, 2009, 36 pages, $16.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 2-1/2 — 3 and older

Read yourself: age 7 — 8

In the far, far north, where reindeer live and stars shine brightest, is a snug little house where Santa Claus lives. As Christmas approaches, Santa starts to feel a tingling in his whiskers. That's when he knows the Christmas magic will soon be here.

All year long, Santa has prepared for the return of the Christmas magic. He lovingly checks his giant book with the names of every child, chooses a special toy for each and gently puts it in his enormous sack. When his reindeer are groomed and his sleigh ready, the Christmas magic comes in full force, "the kind of magic that makes reindeer fly."

An extraordinary offering in both story and illustrations, "The Christmas Magic" is an enchanting tale that shouldn't be missed.

• "A Season of Gifts" by Richard Peck, illustrated by Brandon Dorman, Dial, 2009, 164 pages, $16.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 9 - 10 and older

Read yourself: age 10 — 11 and older

Twelve-year-old Bob and his family have just moved to a rural community. Bob's father is the new Methodist preacher in town, and as P.K.s (preacher's kids), he and his sisters will have a hard time fitting in. Furthermore, there are serious bullies for Bob to contend with, and an eccentric neighbor, Mrs. Dowdel. Mrs. Dowdel's house is a ramshackle mess, she is often seen toting her shotgun and is generally cranky and not neighborly.

As events unfold, Bob and his family learn that first appearances are not the real measure of a person, and as Christmas approaches, Mrs. Dowdel demonstrates who she really is in several profound, unexpected ways.

Award-winning author Richard Peck has once again woven a rich and memorable tale, perfect for the holiday season or any time.

• "Redheaded Robbie's Christmas Story" by Bill Luttrell, illustrated by Luc Melanson, Sleeping Bear Press, 2009, 32 pages, $16.95 hardcover

Read aloud: age 4 — 8

Read yourself: age 7 — 8

The second-graders' names were in a hat. The child whose name was chosen would get to make up a Christmas story and tell it to the assembly that Friday. When Robbie's name was chosen, Robbie panicked. Whenever Robbie was nervous, or excited, or upset, his words became a tangled mess. How was he going to be able tell a Christmas story in front of the whole school without making a fool of himself? Fortunately, with the help of some friends, Robbie's heartfelt story rang out loud and clear.

Charming in every way, children are certain to enjoy this tale of friendship, compassion and the true spirit of giving.

Kendal A. Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at kendal@sunlink.net.