Continuing with our focus on the family this month, I would like to share some seasonal reading recommendations. These are all books I've read and/or reviewed in the past.
Christmas from Heaven read by Tom Brokaw and illustrated by Robert T. Barrett
This book tells the story of Gail Halvorsen, who is assigned as a cargo pilot during the Berlin Airlift. As Lt. Halvorsen performs his duties, he notices German children gathered behind fences at the end of the Tempelhof runway. He talks to the children and offers them two sticks of gum. From this one act of kindness, his idea to "bomb" Berlin with candy is born. Soon he and his crew fashion tiny parachutes to float candy down to the awaiting children.
The book comes with a DVD from a live performance of Tom Brokaw reading the story aloud set to music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry with pictures by Sonja Danowski
This Michael Neugebauer edition takes the classic story by O. Henry and sets it to beautiful artwork by Sonja Danowski. The oversized hardcover makes a perfect coffee table book. I usually display my seasonal titles throughout the house at Christmas time.
If you’re unfamiliar with the story, it goes something like this. Della and Jim are a young married couple who desire to give each other a special Christmas gift. After a year of scrimping and saving, Della discovers she has very little money to purchase a gift for Jim. She soon comes up with an idea for how she can get enough money to buy him just what he needs, which leads to some surprises on Christmas Eve.
Keeping in mind that O. Henry lived from 1862-1910, the text is much more eloquent than one expects of a picture book today. This would make a great read aloud for families.
The Message of the Birds by Kate Westerlund and illustrated by Feridun Oral
Westerlund is an author from Australia who has written numerous children’s books. The Message of the Birds starts off with the old owl telling the story of the birth of a special child long ago in a stable, where all the animals hear in the baby’s coos as a song of blessing and good will. The birds then ask why they don’t sing it anymore. After many possible reasons are given, the robin suggests sharing the message with the children. So the birds fly far and wide, telling every bird to share the message with every child, which the children then share with the world.
This is a touching story made lovelier by the stunning artwork of Feridun Oral. If you want to add meaning to your Christmas, this is great book to share with your family.
The Christmas Owl by Angela Muse and illustrated by Helen H. Wu
This book tells the story of an injured Barred owl who must ask other animals for help and how he repays their kindness year after year. Not only does this book encourage youngsters to develop a servant’s heart, its elegant font and overall design catch the eye.
Prairie Christmas by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk and illustrated by Ronald Himler
Lovers of historical fiction will definitely want to read this one. Emma is disappointed when her mother, the town doctor, is called to deliver a baby on Christmas. Their plans are now ruined. She soon discovers Hansie and Will Van Der Meer’s plans have been changed too. They are missing their holiday and are anxious about the new baby’s arrival. Pushing her own feelings aside, Emma works to create a special Christmas that they will never forget.
I loved everything about this book: the story, the historical details, and the warm colors Himler used in his illustrations to create a cozy feel.
I hope you’ve found a book you’ll enjoy sharing with your family this Christmas. Best wishes for a peaceful and joyful holiday.
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