An Early Holiday Gift for a Young Child …

The Best Parts of Christmas

By Bethanie Deeney Murguia
Candlewick Press. $14.99

There are plenty of picture books that extol the days leading up to Christmas and all the festive activities but this clever book goes one step further. Fritz, the book’s main character, loves the holiday and all the special activities like selecting a tree, decorating it, and sharing presents, but what of the days after December 25th?

When the tree begins to drop its needles and his parents say it is time to remove the tree and put away the decorations, what then? Good questions! Bethanie Deeney Murguia has an answer for that dilemma.

I won’t spoil the book’s conclusion by explaining what Fritz comes up with as a means of keeping Christmas alive but it is a simple idea that any child can emulate.

So read the book and you’ll see how Fritz keeps the spirit of the family’s Christmas tree alive for months to come.

Can You Say It, Too? Jingle! Jingle!

by Nosy Crow and Sebastien Braun
Nosy Crow. $8.99

Here’s a timely holiday book for a toddler who is ready to identify various animals and make the appropriate sounds associated with the critters. Each two-page spread in this board book begins with a question. “Who’s that by the sleigh?” or “Who’s that in the cave?”

Then, when the corresponding flap is opened there’s the answer! “It’s some hungry reindeer! Jingle, Jingle!” or “It’s a friendly bear! Growl! Growl!”

The book’s sturdy pages and flaps are easy to maneuver while the simple text will encourage even beginning readers to lend a hand with story telling chores.

Either make this an early holiday gift that can be enjoyed before Christmas or a stocking stuffer that your child or grandchild can enjoy for the days following December 25.

Me and My Dragon Christmas Spirit

By David Biedrzycki
Charlesbridge. $17.95

Follow the adventures of a small boy and his pet dragon as they prepare for Christmas. At the outset of the story the child is a bit worried that his pet doesn’t really fathom the idea of Christmas and gift giving. Check the illustrations closely and you’ll notice, right from the beginning of this humorous story that really isn’t the case.

With the clock ticking the boy realizes that he doesn’t have enough money to purchase gifts, so he and his pet work at a number of jobs to collect the funds necessary. Along the way the youngster begins to realize that he is pretty fortunate to have a loving and well-situated family, but there are other individuals for whom the holidays are a real economic strain.

Without giving away the ending I’ll just say that the boy and his dragon decide to spend their hard earned money in a manner you would not have expected at the beginning of this holiday tale.

Combining humor with the idea that it is “better to give than receive”, David Biedrzycki has created a book that you’ll want to revisit every year when the holidays roll around. A warm story that captures the true meaning of Christmas, this picture book will be loved by all members of the family.

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

By Susan Wojciechowski
Illustrated by P.J. Lynch
Candlewick Press. $17.99

The deluxe 20th anniversary edition of this heartwarming holiday story is a must purchase if you don’t already have a copy. The story of how a sullen master woodcarver overcomes personal loss and grief to discover the true meaning of Christmas makes this picture book one that you’ll want to return to year after year.

Jonathan Toomey’s life changed for the worse when he lost his wife and child. But years later the woodcarver finds his life altered when a local widow and her young son request that he take on a special carving project.

With reluctance Toomey agrees, but over time the job and his contact with the client and her son have a miraculous effect on the man.

Hailed as a Christmas classic since it appeared two decades ago, this tale is one that children and adults will enjoy sharing together. You’ll want to read it over and over again in the days leading up to December 25th!

The Smallest Gift of Christmas

By Peter Reynolds
Candlewick Press. $10

Roland is one of those little boys who is convinced that the bigger the box, the better the present. Thus, when he finds a very small gift awaiting him under the tree on Christmas morning this little boy is not very happy.

This situation begins a quest for the largest gift the child can find and the results are revealing, if not totally surprising, as Roland’s wish comes true.

With humor, this cautionary tale shows why size isn’t everything and, more importantly, we sometimes don’t realize how lucky we are to have nearly everything we need already. What better time than at Christmas to refocus on the idea that the holidays are not “all about the gaily wrapped gifts” and that there are more important things to consider and appreciate.

Available in a stocking stuffer edition, this little book will be one you’ll want to consider giving to anyone who may have his or her priorities a bit askew this time of year.

Jingle Bells

By James Lord Pierpont
Illustrated by Pauline Siewert
Candlewick Press. $12.99

Every child needs a picture book edition of “Jungle Bells” and this one with its attractive illustrations featuring a family of cute bears will be a hit with toddlers.

As they travel through the woods the bears attract other animals so by the time they get to their destination, a gaily decorated tree, there is quite a menagerie of forestland critters who are all singing the popular holiday jingle.

More than just an attractive picture book, “Jingle Bells” also includes a musical element. Press the red button in the front of the book and you’ll hear the musical rendition of the song. So with the lyrics in the book and the musical accompaniment, your youngster will soon be singing the song without too much assistance.

Of course the downside is how long you can handle hearing “Jungle Bells” day after day until the battery runs down!