Picture Books that Share the Spirit of Christmas

As you know I love reading picture books for my own self as much as with my bairns! And as we unwrapped our advent books this year I discovered we had four wonderful books that really capture the spirit of Christmas. 

Christmas is one of the times of year where we really do put family and friends first. We make time for them. We spend time together. But for Theo, it's Christmas Eve and he has been left at home with a babysitter whilst his parents are working. He sees an odd-looking star out of the window and he decides to make a wish. He wishes that he has some friends to keep him company. Moments later their Christmas decorations begin to disentangle themselves from the tree and wreak a little havoc. But they also create a little magic for Theo, magic that was missing. And perhaps they get a message through to his parents after all! With incredible illustrations (of which I won't share the most spectacular because I don't want to take away from the wonder when you see it for this first time!), this is a lovely book about spending time together to wreak a little havoc and create magic in the little things!

Sometimes Christmas can be hard. For people on their own and for children separated from their parents. We laud that Christmas is about family but what if your family is apart? In this book, Mia's dad can't make it home for Christmas so she wants to find a way to at least get a card to him via a mysterious postbox. And off she is whisked on an unforgettable adventure but will she reach her dad in time? And little readers can join in the journey via peek-through pages and hidden flaps! This is a festive adventure that evokes all the magic of Christmas but at it's centre is a little girl who wants to be with her father - she doesn't need the gifts, she just wants to wish him a Merry Christmas. And I love that! Thank goodness technology exists that bring us closer to family all around the world. But this is a poignant reminder for us grown-ups that our kids just want us and our love and attention at this time of year. And you can see from the cover that it's beautiful! Intricate illustrations and rich colours make you feel like Christmas is just jumping off the page! 

This is a beautiful poem about the joys of choosing a pine tree, taking it home an decorating. It might seem simple but that's the joy of Christmas isn't it - finding the fun in the simple rituals! And decorating tree is one that is wonderful. The illustrations in this book just bring to life the fun of picking a pine tree and adorning it with all the wonderful decorations.

Jolly Santas.

Dancing elves.

Wooden reindeer.

Jingle bells.

Lacy snowflakes.

Paper dolls.

Candy canes and

bright glass balls.

With loops of thread

or wire hooks,

hang them all in 

little nooks.

It has a retro style which I adore and brings back memories of Christmases-past as well as enjoying Christmas present and thinking of Christmases future. 

What Christmas traditions do you cherish? In Mia's house they love to gather around the tree and read the letter her Grandpa wrote her one Christmas. In it he tells her of the joyful childhood he watched her enjoy, appreciating all the world around her. But he also tells of the worries he has for the future of our planet and how the world is changing. How we are damaging it, taking it for granted. His letter is a heartfelt wish for a better world for Mia to live in. A hopeful and timely story about looking after our planet and making a better world for future generations. A rather stirring message to hear it Christmas-time perhaps but one that I think is worth remembering! And the illustrations are beautiful! I love the style that makes the characters appear timeless and the spreads which feature scenes of nature are a spectacular ode to our magical planet!

Four books that are wonderful to enjoy reading with children - they are great stories and share captivating illustrations - but also for taking the time to appreciate ourselves as adults. For reminding us of the spirit of Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Kim and the bairns xx