Holiday Picks: Pete the Cat Saves Christmas

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 Eric Litwin.  Illustrated by James Dean.  New York: Harper, 2012.

It's the day before Christmas, and Santa is sick!  Stuck in bed with a cold, will Christmas be cancelled?  Never!  Santa calls Pete the Cat to save the day.  Pete hops into his minibus for a "road trip" and delivers all the toys to boys and girls because you "give it your all, give it your all.  At Christmas we give, so give it your all."

This is another really cute book in the Pete the Cat series.  It's also a unique take on the "Night Before Christmas" story.  What makes it even better is the groovy song you can download from HarperCollins.  It makes reading the book aloud even better!  What is your favorite Pete the Cat book?

Holiday Picks: Funny Books for Grownups

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.

I don't usually suggest adult books on this blog, but I'm making an exception this time.  I came across some Christmas books we have in our humor collection at the library, and I thought they would be fun to share with you.  You could use a laugh, right?

Rock Your Ugly Christmas Sweater
by Anne Marie Blackman and Brian Clark Howard
Philadelphia: Running Press, 2012

This hilarious book pays homage to the Christmas sweater.  Colorful, sometimes tacky and gaudy, you know you've seen some special ones.  Nowadays, many offices hold Ugly Christmas Sweater contests as part of their holiday celebrations.  This book is full of photographs complete with captions that will make you spit eggnog out of your mouth if you try to read this book while drinking.  I'm just saying, it could happen.  Funny stuff, this book.

Scared of Santa: Scenes of Terror in Toyland
by Denise Joyce and Nancy Watkins
New York: William Morrow, 2012

Up there with clowns on the terror factor for kids is...Santa!  Who knew?  This book is full of pictures of children in their full-blown "get me off the lap of this scary man" tantrum, while their parents click away with their cameras, capturing the "joy" for years to come.  The pictures say it all, but the captions make them funnier.  I love the variety of pictures through different generations.  The poor kids.  I shouldn't laugh, but I can't help myself.

Wreck the Halls: Cake Wrecks Gets "Festive"
by Jen Yates
Kansas City: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2011

If you haven't heard about Cake Wrecks, you don't know what you are missing.  A popular website devoted to professional cakes that have gone wrong, wrong, wrong, it is funniness on a cake.  This book is a compilation of some of the author's favorite holiday cakes, starting with Thanksgiving and going through New Year's Day.  I love her captions.  They are spot-on, and I dare you to try not laughing when looking at some of these cake monstrosities.

What are some of your funniest holiday memories?

Holiday Picks: A Charlie Brown Christmas

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.

Dir. Bill Melendez.  Paramount, 2000.  DVD.

Originally broadcast on television in 1965, this heartwarming and funny cartoon written and created by Charles M. Schulz is the ultimate Christmas classic for me.  Featuring the gang from the Peanuts comic strip and a jazzy soundtrack composed and performed by Vince Guaraldi, it isn't Christmas until I've watched this cartoon.  Charlie Brown is having a predicament.  It's Christmas, and he's supposed to be happy, but he just isn't.  He feels the holiday is too commercial, and he doesn't know what the true meaning of it is.  Lucy decides if he directs the holiday play, that it will put him in the spirit of the season.  With the help of Linus, Charlie Brown and the gang remember what Christmas is all about.

I love, love, love this cartoon!  My favorite scene is Linus reciting the Christmas story from the Bible on stage.  I also love the little Christmas tree that Charlie Brown finds, and how the entire Peanuts gang helps decorate it for him.  And Snoopy.  Gotta love Snoopy and his antics.  This cartoon is a gem, and a must-see with your family.  Who is your favorite Peanuts character?

Holiday Picks: Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree

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.

By Robert Barry.  New York: A Doubleday Book for Young Readers, 2000.

Mr. Willowby's Christmas tree arrived by special delivery - it was fresh, it was full, and it was the biggest tree he'd ever seen.  Once it is put in the parlor, he realizes that it is too big - the top is bent!  So, the top is snipped off.  The top is presented to Miss Adelaide, the upstairs maid.  When she puts it on her table, it's too big, the top is bent, so she snips it off and puts it in the trash.  Timm, the gardener discovers it, and not wanting the little tree to be thrown out, takes it home.  But, his wife doesn't need to whole tree, so she cuts off the top and throws it out the window.  And so on, the top is snipped off until it's just right for a little family of mice.  "Oh, wasn't it grant to have a tree - exactly like Mr. Willowby?"

This adorable book is perfect to share with preschoolers.  They will love the repetition of the story line and seeing how the tree gets smaller and smaller, and how each family celebrates with their tree.  The illustrations are cute, and you can see the excitement when each character comes across the little tree.  What are some of your tree trimming traditions?

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?

Holiday Picks: Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

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.

Dir. Chuck Jones.  Warner Home Video, 2006.  DVD.

This is another one of my favorite holiday cartoons!  Originally broadcast on television in 1966 and based on the picture book, this is something I have to watch every December.  The Grinch is true to his name - grumpy, grouchy, and not a fan of Christmas.  He lives atop a mountain overlooking the town of Whoville, and every year has to endure their Christmas celebrations.  He decides to stop Christmas from coming and ruin the Who's Christmas by stealing their presents, decorations, candy and food for their Christmas dinner.  But, he discovers that Christmas is not all about presents and food.  It means a little bit more.  Be sure to share this classic with your family this Christmas season.  Do you have a favorite movie you "must" watch each Christmas?

Holiday Picks: Santa From Cincinnati

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 Judi Barrett.  Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes.  New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2012.

This fun book tells the story of Baby Boy Claus born on December 25 in Cincinnati.  His parents named him Santa.  He was an only child, and grew up loving toys.  His father made all his toys in their basement workshop, and when Santa was older, he helped his father make toys (after his homework was done, of course).  Kids in the neighborhood put in requests for toys, and Santa and his father would make them.  One day, Santa realized he had more toys than he could ever play with, so on Christmas Eve he delivered a toy to each child in Cincinnati.  It was such a success, that when Santa got older, he decided to make it a full-time job.  He got married, found a nice workshop way up North, and hired some helpers to make toys.  Sound familiar?

This inventive tale is a clever take on the story of Santa Claus.  The illustrations have a nostalgic feel to them, full of soft edges.  Kids will love pouring over the details in the pictures.  They will also enjoy hearing the story of the boy who loved toys so much he decided to make a job giving them away to children.  Do you have a favorite Santa story?

Holiday Picks: Raffi's Christmas Album

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.

Raffi.  Rounder Records, 1983.  CD.

When it comes to children's music, artist Raffi is one of my go-tos, especially when looking for music for children's programs.  ("Shake My Sillies Out" is a storytime favorite.)  I just love his voice.  His Christmas album is delightful, and a perfect choice to share with your children.  Sick of the radio and it's repetitive holiday rotation?  Try some music CDs from the library, like this one.  Full of classic Christmas tunes like "Jingle Bells" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," it also includes less frequently played songs such as "Must Be Santa" (I love the repetition of this song, and how it builds with each verse) and "Petit Papa Noel."  I guarantee you'll be singing along to Raffi!  What is your favorite Christmas song?

Holiday Picks: Prep & Landing

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.

Dir. Kevin Deters.  Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, 2011.  DVD.

Another favorite holiday cartoon of mine, this was originally broadcast on ABC in 2009, which is where I first saw it.  I immediately fell in love with the concept, the characters, and the repeatable catchphrases.  Prep & Landing is the name of an elite unit of high-tech elves, who make sure homes around the world are "prepped" for Santa's "landing" on Christmas Eve.  Wayne has been doing this job for 227 years, and is a little tired of it.  Upset after not receiving a promotion to Director of the Naughty List intelligence team, he is partnered with rookie elf Lanny in order to train him.  Lanny is young, optimistic, and thinks everything is "sooo tinsel!"  During their mission, Wayne decides to slack off a bit, and in doing so, he and Lanny encounter challenges that test their skills, while also potentially ruining Christmas for children.  But, with a little teamwork, can they help "The Big Guy" bring Christmas to kids everywhere?

I guarantee you will love this cartoon!  Full of fun characters and a great plot, this will be a holiday favorite for your family.  In 2011, ABC aired a second Christmas TV special, Prep & Landing: Naughty Vs. Nice, which is another winner!  I'm sure they will be re-aired this holiday season on television.  If you haven't seen them, "oh, frostbite!"  Check them out!  What are some of your favorite holiday television specials?

Holiday Picks: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

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 Clement C. Moore.  Illustrated by Kat Whelan.  Wilton, CT: Tiger Tales, 2010.

The night before Christmas, everyone is asleep in bed, the children and parents.  Hearing noises on the front lawn, the father looks out and sees Santa riding through the air on the sled led by reindeer.  Santa lands on the roof, shimmies down the chimney, and distributes gifts.  When his work is finished, he goes back up the chimney to his sleigh and off into the air to the next house exclaiming "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

This classic Christmas poem gets a boost by the illustrations.  Instead of people, mice are the characters in this story, even Santa!  Thick pages full of glittery touches add a special feel to this timeless story.  Children will enjoy exploring the pictures for the glittery snow and looking at all the details.  Will you be reading this poem to your family this Christmas?

Holiday Picks: Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas

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.

Dir. Jim Henson.  Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment, 2001.  DVD.

Originally released in 1977, and based on the children's book by Russell and Lillian Hoban, this movie is a Christmas classic and a "must view" in my opinion.  This movie tells the story of Mrs. Otter and her son Emmet, who struggle to make ends meet.  They get by on money Ma makes from doing laundry, and from what Emmet makes doing odd jobs around their home of Frogtown Hollow.  Despite their hardships, their house is full of love and music.  This Christmas, they both dream of having enough money to buy each other a special gift.  Without the other knowing, Ma and Emmet enter a talent contest in hopes of winning the $50 prize.  For the contest, Emmet teams up with some of his friends to form the Frogtown Jubilee Jug Band, and Ma performs a solo, but they face tough competition from a hard rock band called the Riverbottom Nightmare Band.

Hands down, this is my all-time favorite Christmas movie.  I love it so, mainly for sentimental reasons and that it features Muppets!  I grew up on Fraggle Rock, and always had a fondness for movies featuring the Muppets.  I remember watching this as a kid, and loving the beautiful voice of Mrs. Otter and the earnestness of her son, Emmet.  I love the songs "There Ain't No Hole in the Washtub" and "Where the River Meets the Sea."  The story line is sweet, sincere, and perfect for sharing with your children.  What are some of your favorite classic holiday movies?

Holiday Picks: How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas?

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 Jane Yolen.  Illustrated by Mark Teague.  New York: The Blue Sky Press, 2012.

Jane Yolen and Mark Teague's series of dinosaur books are a hit at my library, and their latest ones do not disappoint (more on the second book in another post)!  So, how does a dinosaur behave on Christmas Eve?  Does he refuse to go to bed?  Does he sneak a peek at what is under the tree?  Does he eat the cookies left out for Santa?  No, of course not!  This dinosaur is very well behaved, decorating the tree, helping to clean up dinner dishes, kissing his grandparents good night, and going right to sleep.  Full of humor, I think a lot of families can relate to some of the antics exhibited by those naughty dinosaurs.  But, at the end of the story, there is a gentle message about how great it is to be a good dinosaur.  This is a great choice to share with toddlers and preschoolers.  How will your little dinosaurs say Merry Christmas?

Holiday Picks: It's A SpongeBob Christmas!

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

SpongeBob SquarePants.  Nickelodeon, 2012.  DVD.

Channeling a Rankin-Bass production, this SpongeBob Christmas episode is done entirely in stop motion animation.  Patchy the Pirate is driving a mail truck along with his trusty sidekick Potty the Parrot when his mail truck gets stuck on a fork in the road, causing a flat tire, and their truck to break down.  (If you've seen the classic 1970 television special "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," you may notice the similarity to Fred Astaire's character Special Delivery "S.D." Kluger.)  So, Patchy decides to check in with Bikini Bottom and see what SpongeBob is up to for Christmas.

SpongeBob is so excited about Christmas, and he can't wait to  share his cheer with everyone.  Unfortunately, Plankton is his usual grouchy, evil self, because he always get coal from Santa.  He comes up with a way to ruin Christmas by lacing fruitcake with a new element, Jerktonium.  Anyone who eats the fruitcake will become a jerk.  He tries it out on SpongeBob, but it doesn't affect him.  So, Plankton creates an evil robot SpongeBob to ruin SpongeBob's good name.  SpongeBob feed the fruitcake to all of Bikini Bottom, not knowing its side effects, and everyone becomes a jerk.  Eventually, SpongeBob discovers the way to reverse the effects is to sing a song, "Don't Be a Jerk (It's Christmas)."

You've got to love SpongeBob!  He's so full of cheer and happiness, that he'll put you in a good mood.  And, the fact that the writers and producers made the episode a homage to classic Christmas specials is a plus.  You'll love the silly songs, and the message that it's not okay to be a jerk at Christmas.  What are some of your favorite holiday cartoons or specials?

Holiday Picks: Just Right for Christmas

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 Birdie Black.  Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw.  Somerville, MA: Nosy Crow, 2011.

This book celebrates homemade gifts, and using what you can find.  On Christmas Eve, the king finds a big roll of beautiful red cloth that is "Christmassy" and "just right" for his daughter.  He commissions a beautiful cloak be made for her.  The scraps of extra cloth are put outside the door, where Jenny, the kitchen maid finds them.  She decides those scraps would be "just right" for a jacket for her ma.  After snipping and sewing, she made a pretty jacket, and put the leftover scraps outside her door.  Bertie Badger comes across the scraps and decides they would be "just right" for a hat for his pa.  After he snips and sews a hat together, he leaves the scraps outside where Samuel Squirrel finds them.  They would be "just right" for a pair of gloves for his wife.  The leftover scrap of fabric flies to the ground where Milly Mouse discovers it while out looking for a nut to give Billy.  But, the little scrap is "just right" for a warm scarf for Billy.  And, on Christmas morning, everyone opens their homemade present which is "so soft and red and Christmassy and felt just right...just how Christmas should feel."  Awww!  This is an adorable book about the love and care that goes into homemade gifts.  It's fun to see how each character uses what they find to create something meaningful for their loved one.  What kinds of homemade crafts will you make this season?

Holiday Picks: Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama

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 and illustrated by Selina Alko.  New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2012.

Sometimes it's hard to remember this time of year is not all about Christmas.  Hanukkah is celebrated also, and this picture book is a great choice for families that celebrate both traditions.  Sadie is a mixture of two traditions, Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama.  This book joyfully describes how her family decorates for the holidays, sings songs, and cooks and bakes, while incorporating both of Mom and Dad's traditions into their planning.  The whole family gets together for a meal and to exchange presents, and talk about the meaning and significance of Christmas and Hanukkah.  What family traditions will you celebrate this year?

Holiday Picks: The Christmas Quiet Book

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.

By Deborah Underwood.  Illustrated by Renata Liwska.  Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2012.

Christmas is a busy, and noisy, time of year.  With the music, shopping, cookies, visits from family and friends, presents, and did I mention cookies, it's a joyful and exciting time of year.  But, sometimes it's nice to stop, be still, and enjoy the quiet moments.  This beautiful picture book shows us some of those quiet moments - snuggling under warm blankets, enjoying a cup of cocoa, and marveling at the beauty of a tree full of lights.  The illustrations are done in warm, muted colors that fit perfectly with the quiet mood of the book.  This is a wonderful book to share one-on-one with your children during this holiday season.  What quiet moments will you enjoy this Christmas?

Grumpy Badger's Christmas

Written by Paul Bright. Illustrated by Jane Chapman. Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2009.

It's almost Christmas, and all the animals in the forest are busy getting ready for this special day. They are decorating the tree, wrapping presents, and making treats. It's a joyful time. Everyone is happy...except Grumpy Badger. Christmas is such "piffle." All Grumpy Badger wants to do is sleep through the winter, and not be disturbed. If anyone does bother him before spring, he'll be "very, very grumpy!" Before he goes to bed, Grumpy Badger checks the pantry and makes sure he has plenty of food for the spring. He is just closing his eyes, when someone knocks on the door. Mole is trying to get the lights up on the tree, but he needs to borrow Badger's ladder. "Piffle and double piffle!" replies Badger as he bangs the door shut on poor Mole. Badger is continually disturbed by other animals as he is trying to sleep, and he gets grumpier and grumpier, until finally he shouts "PIFFLE...and triple piffle on top of that! Why can't everyone just leave me alone?" He finally falls asleep, but has a horrible dream that Mole is about to fall from the top of the Christmas tree. Badger jumps out of bed and rescues Mole just in time. He apologizes for being grumpy, and throws a wonderful Christmas party for all his forest friends with all the yummy cakes, pies, and other goodies he was saving for spring. And of course, he promises next year if you don't come to his party, he'll be "very grumpy indeed!"

I LOVE this book! My library has so many Christmas books for kids, but this one just stood out for me. I can relate to Grumpy Badger, because everyone gets a little grumpy sometimes (especially during the holidays), but it's important to remember to be kind to your friends. The illustrations are adorable, full of detail, and they have a softness to them that just makes you feel cozy when you're reading this story. I love Badger's expressions of "piffle" - it makes for an entertaining read-aloud, and the reader can really get their "grump" on! But, I really hope everyone has a grump-free, merry Christmas!

Llama Llama Holiday Drama

By Anna Dewdney. New York: Viking, 2010.

Christmas is always a stressful time of the year. There's so much hustle and bustle, as people try to prepare for this holiday. There are presents to buy, food to prepare, decorations to set up. It's alot of work! It doesn't help matters that retailers start their Christmas displays a month ahead of time. This is no exception for poor Llama Llama. All the planning and prepping, and waiting for Christmas Day. As Llama Llama helps his mom bake cookies, decorate, and shop, he is wondering how many more days until Christmas. Is it time for presents yet? All this waiting, waiting, waiting. It's more than Llama Llama can take, and he has a "Llama, Llama, HOLIDRAMA!" But Mama knows just the thing to say. She and Llama Llama take a rest and reflect on what this time of year means. It's not about the presents; it's about family and being together with the ones you love.

This is another winner in the Llama Llama series, and just a perfect story for Christmas! I relate to Llama Llama and his feelings. It's so hard to be patient, especially when everyday seems to be filled with Christmas preparations. Mama's advice to slow down and reflect on family is a good reminder of what Christmas is about. A great book to share with your children!

Jake

By Audrey Couloumbis. New York: Random House, 2010.

For as long as 10-year old Jake can remember, it's just been him and his mom. His father died when he was a baby. Right before Christmas, while Jake and his mom are at the grocery store, his mom falls and breaks her leg. There's no one available to take care of him, except for his grandfather, who he hasn't seen since he was a baby. Granddad also brings his dog Max with him, who isn't overly affectionate, and kind of scares Jake. While his mom has surgery and heals in the hospital, Jake and his Granddad awkwardly navigate seeing each other again. As they get to know each other, neighbors and friends show Jake that even though his mom is not home, this might not be a horrible Christmas after all.

This is a cute, sweet story. It's very short, and perfect for the holidays, and not just because it takes place right before Christmas. This book deals with family, which I absolutely loved. What makes a family? What does family mean to you? Family isn't just about blood relatives; it's about friends and neighbors that are an important part of your life, and who truly care about you. A truly heartwarming story, Jake is a winner!

The Wee Christmas Cabin of Carn-na-Ween

The Wee Christmas Cabin of Carn-na-ween by Ruth Sawyer


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A really beautiful Irish tale set during Christmas time during The Great Famine. The illustrations are beautiful and have a softness to them which complement the story. This would be wonderful read aloud by someone with an Irish accent. I'd love to share it with children at storytime, but I think my Central New York accent just won't do it justice.

View all my reviews >>