10 Books to Read Aloud Before Christmas
#1: Letters from Father Christmas by J. R. R. Tolkien
This collection of letters written by J. R. R. Tolkien to his children from the North Pole was the Christmas book that got the most votes from Cambridge faculty staff. It’s no surprise that Dr. Scott Buresh, founder and 8th grade teacher, read this one to his daughters. Paulette Begley. Director of Lower School, had this to say about this treasured book:
It spans the time period of 1920 -1943. Every December an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for Tolkien’s children. Inside would be a letter written with a variety of strange printing and handwriting along with beautifully-colored drawings or sketches. The letters are magical tales of life at the North Pole with added notes from elves and a polar bear, no less! Like most of Tolkien's work, this book awakens the imagination. I was captured by his playfulness and the mysterious intricate artwork. Most of all, the pages of this book draw me in because they are love letters from a Father who connects with his children in extraordinary ways. A book for all ages!
#2: Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht
Patricia Toht’s festive picture book is a great way to kick off the season! Getting outside to pick out a Christmas tree combines many of Cambridge’s favorite things: the outdoors, community, and beautiful art. Jarvis, through imaginative and colorful illustrations, captures the essence of tradition and togetherness through visual storytelling. This is a newer book worth adding to your collection!
#3: The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie de Paola
It wouldn’t be a Christmas book list without Tomie de Paola! Ms. Grandizio’s classroom has many, but her top choice would be The Legend of the Poinsettia. The legend hails from Mexico, where the poinsettia is called flor de la Nochebuena, or “flower of the Holy Night.” The story highlights a little girl and her selfless gift to the Christ Child. De Paola tells the story verbally and visually in a way that captures the heart and the true meaning of Christmas.
#4: The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg
Cambridge students regularly ask the question “why?” and stories are a wonderful way to pursue the question. This is another legend telling the origin story of an ongoing tradition. The Legend of the Candy Cane, another one with lively illustrations, uses the interconnections of small town life to highlight the story behind the candy cane.
#5: Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
Another recommendation from Dr. Buresh, Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree is a newer classic on the list. We’ve probably all had the same problem as Mr. Willowby—a tree that is too tall for its perfect spot in our living room! By cutting the top of the tree off, it fits. And then that tree top spreads holiday cheer throughout the forest. We love the rhythmic language and rhyme scheme.
#6: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Illustrations by Brett Helquist)
There are many wonderful versions and retellings of Charles Dickens’ classic work; the illustrations lead the way in this version. Brett Helquist, well known for his illustrations in A Series of Unfortunate Events by Daniel Handler. It is a wonderfully accessible version for children and adults alike.
#7: The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciehowski
Of all the books on this list, Jonathan Toomey’s character is the mostly likely to bring out the tears. Yet this is a hope-filled story of redemption on small and large scales. Toomey is a wood carver who has experienced significant losses, but his life turns around through the wonder of a child and the quiet strength of that child’s mother. This one brings the nativity scene to life through the eyes and heart of an artist.
#8: The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza by David Shannon
Another favorite pick among faculty and staff, Paulette Begley captures the spirit of The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza like this:
“This hidden gem by David Shannon came out in 1995 and was instantly a classic hit with my own children, my grandchildren, and most every student I’ve had since then. It holds every element a good story should; memorable characters, familiar settings, captivating problems, and humorous escapades, all along the way. Shannon’s story reveals the human condition with a light-hearted depth and humor that any audience will enjoy this season.”
#9: The Twenty-Four Days Before Christmas by Madeleine L'Engle
These last two are novels your family can enjoy throughout Christmas break (or pick them up for next December!). Well known as a favorite for Olga Robbins, who has taught 3rd and 4th grade at Cambridge, The Twenty-Four Days Before Christmas is a story about family dynamics and Christmas traditions. This books has the same literary quality and spiritual depth of Madeleine L’Engle other books and is connected the Austin Family of The Moon by Night.
#10: A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig
A heart-warming tale set in the chill of winter, A Boy Called Christmas is a legend in its own right of the origin of Father Christmas. We love how this 11-year-old boy, Christmas, experiences hard, even impossible, things with perseverance and sacrificial love. It’s one of those stories where a middle-grade student can experience the catharsis of tragedy but with a hopeful ending.