Around here at Second Story Window, there’s not much we love more than Christmas picture books! Today we’re sharing some of our favorite versions of the 12 days of Christmas. Our other Christmas books posts have narrowed our recommendations down to our top 5, but there are just too many good ones for the…
Christmas Books
Top 5 Nutcracker Themed Reads
I have loved the story of the Nutcracker ever since I was a little girl and Grammy gave me a copy of the book when she came to visit. So let’s start our list there with the story of the Nutcracker. #1 The Story of the Nutcracker Ballet by Deborah Hautzig WW I love this version…
Top 5 Christmas Folktale Reads
#1 The Legend of Old Befana by Tomie DePaola WWW I cry every time I read this. Seriously. This book has a special spirit and the kids feel it too. When I read the last few pages, all the wiggles are stilled and everyone is paying attention. This is a retelling of the Italian legend…
Top 5 Christmas Themed Traditional Tales
1. The House that Santa Built by Dianne de Las Casas W New for 2013, this is a Christmasy spin on that old favorite The House that Jack Built. The author tries hard to work in lots of sound words: creak, clap, stomp, squeak, etc. 2. The Little Red Elf by Barbary Barbieri McGrath WW Adorable…
Top 5 The Night Before Christmas Reads
It’s a classic poem. We’ve all heard it. We can probably recite it. But how can you not love it?? And with such beautifully illustrated versions available, you’ll want to make it part of your Christmas library. Of course, it’ll be hard to narrow it down to just one. Every year I’m tempted by a…