Classic children’s books of the month: A Christmas roundup

Each month, WORLD’s print magazine highlights recent children’s book releases that we hope will help families navigate selections at the library while also giving parents and grandparents suggestions of books to add to their own home bookshelves. Sadly, many of the review copies that have crossed my desk over the past few years are what I would term eye candy: books lacking substance or engaging storytelling, and all too often reeking of an agenda. As libraries continue to add new selections to their catalogs, it’s important to remember timeless picture books and middle grade reads so they won’t be overshadowed by fleeting trends. This online series of book reviews will invite a variety of reviewers sharing good stories that they enjoyed either as children themselves or as parents reading aloud to their children. ~Kristin Chapman

Night Tree

Eve Bunting

First published 1991

On a crisp winter night before Christmas, a father and mother load their two children into the family truck and head for the woods. Every year the family hikes through the trees until they come to one special evergreen. From a box they pull popcorn chains, apples, nuts, sunflower seed balls, and more, all of which they use to decorate the tree for the animals that live in the forest. When they are finished, they spread out a blanket, pour cups of hot chocolate from a thermos, and admire their tree. Readers may find, as this reviewer’s family has, that the story will inspire them to embrace a new Christmas tradition of decorating an outside tree for God’s creatures to enjoy. Ages 3-7 ~Kristin Chapman

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

Susan Wojciechowski

First published 1995

Jonathan Toomey, an expert woodcarver, seldom smiled and never laughed, earning him the title “Mr. Gloomy” among village children. They did not know the reason for his sadness: the loss of his wife and baby. A widow and her son, Thomas, seek Toomey’s help with a wooden Nativity set. As Toomey works, Thomas teaches him about each character in the Biblical story. Toomey’s heart begins to soften and heal. Illustrator P.J. Lynch captures the richness of this poignant story. Readers will see how the meaning of Christmas brings joy and hope. Ages 6-9 ~Mary Jackson

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree

Gloria Houston

First published 1988

Every year in a small Appalachian town, one family takes a turn choosing a Christmas tree for the village church. In the springtime, Ruthie and her father locate the perfect balsam tree. When Papa gets called away to war, Ruthie and Mama must make the trek to retrieve the Christmas tree alone. The tree and Ruthie’s role as an angel in the church play lead to unforgettable surprises and a new community tradition. Houston’s hopeful and resourceful characters and illustrator Barbara Cooney’s acrylic paintings create a story children will enjoy rereading year after year. Ages 5-8 ~Mary Jackson

Once in a Year

Elizabeth Yates

First published 1947

An out-of-print book by Elizabeth Yates offers a nostalgic family read-aloud at Christmas time. In Once in the Year, Peter and his family are preparing for Christmas: His mother recounts the story of Jesus’ birth and her favorite Christmas Eve memory. Old Benj shares the legend of barnyard animals talking on Christmas Eve. Vintage lithograph illustrations adorn the pages, adding additional charm. Although the book may be hard to find, its endearing message of Christmas makes it worth the hunt especially for families who enjoyed Yates’ earlier work Mountain Born. Ages 8-12 ~Kristin Chapman