Books To Buy and How To Help

    With a only a few days left before Christmas, I thought I'd share some children's book recommendations for all you last-minute shoppers (myself, included). I went to our local independent bookstore alone (key word, alone) and spent some time mulling over their plethora of holiday and winter-themed books for children. Here are the ones that drew me in most and are now on my wish list:

For the precocious or introspective child: The Christmas Magic by Lauren Thompson
 

Just look at those illustrations. Lauren Thompson presents a different side to Christmas and to Santa Claus. Rather than depicting the jolly old men in the red suit, she write about a hard-working, serious, and meticulous Santa. Children of a certain age will appreciate seeing what "truly" goes in to making this such a special day for all.

For the spirited child and Corduroy fans: Christmas At The Toy Museum by David Lucas




This is a clever story about a group of stuffed animals who live together at a toy museum. On this particular Christmas Eve, when there are no presents under the tree, Bunting decides they should all wrap themselves up and give themselves as gifts. Younger children will enjoy the playful illustrations, while older children may get a lesson in the gift of giving at Christmas.

For the visual learners and budding artists: Christmastime by Alison Jay
 
Jay is the author of one of our favorite counting books: 1-2-3 A Child's First Counting Book. She is known for her beautiful and innovative imagery. In Christmastime, she pairs each Christmas scene with simple, one-word descriptions. Like her other books, much is unfolding as children turn each page. This is a story that children of many ages can enjoy together on their respective levels.

For the bibliophiles and lovers of snow: The Reader by Amy Hest

 
This one was recommended by my sister-in-law who recently discovered it at the library with my five-year-old nephew. She wrote that it's: "A nice snowy day, 'let's go sledding' kind of read!" This one sounds right up my alley - a celebration of new readers and the peaceful solitary feeling that both reading and snowfalls evoke. 

And for those feeling at a loss after the awful tragedy in Newtown: Rose's Foal by Scarlett Lewis

Scarlett is one of the twenty-six mothers who lost her child in the awful shooting that took place last week. Six-year-old Jesse Lewis and his mother loved riding horses together at their horse farm in Connecticut. Lewis uses her own photography to share a story about the motherly bond between a horse and her foal. It is a timeless testament to a parent's love and care for their child. It's so hard to know what to do, or how to help in the aftermath of this horrific crime; somehow buying this book makes me feel like I am keeping the spirit of Jesse and his mother's love alive.