Holiday Picks: A Christmas Carol

With snow in the forecast, temperatures dropping, and people digging out their mittens and hats, it's officially December!  Enjoy a holiday pick each day before Christmas.

Written by Charles Dickens.  Illustrated by Brett Helquist.  New York: Harper, 2009.

This classic holiday novel by Charles Dickens' is adapted to share with school-age children.  The story of Ebenezer Scrooge is shortened and beautifully illustrated, which makes it perfect for sharing with your family this holiday season.  Scrooge is all "Bah, Humbug!" about Christmas.  He is grouchy and grumbles about Christmas, and is very stingy with his money.  On Christmas Eve night, he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future.  Seeing his life as it was and how it could be if he doesn't change his behavior, Scrooge receives a true insight into how his nature affects everyone around him.  Waking up Christmas morning, he is renewed with a joyful spirit and vows to make amends.  He becomes a better friend and master, and a better person because of it.

This beloved story is adapted quite well for a younger audience, giving them enough of the original story to make a great read aloud, without being too long to lose the attention of younger children.  The illustrations are vibrant, and full of beautiful details.  Kids will enjoy hearing this story.  Is this something you read each Christmas?