Children’s Christmas Books

 

As a family we love to read and we read to our children every night.  On the 1st December I always get the Christmas themed books out.  I find that its a great way for our children to learn about Christmas, we have nativity style books so they can learn the meaning behind Christmas and we have lots of books about Santa.

I have found that my 2 year old is picking up a lot from these books and its helping her understand more about Christmas.  She can now recognise Santa and often talks about his red coat and white beard.  She also loves to talk about Christmas trees and baubles.  I think the visual representation that goes along with a story really has helped.

We have our favourite Christmas books, and what’s great is that both girls enjoy them too.

That’s not my snowman – Fiona Watt, Rachel Wells

I am quite a fan of the ‘That’s not my’ range of books, I even have my own ‘That’s not my Husband’ which is rather an amusing read for adults.  What I really like about That’s not my snowman, is there are different Christmas items on each page.  These include, robin, reindeer and snowflakes.  It means I can show my children more of the things they are likely to see at Christmas.  The reason the girls and I like the That’s not my range of books, is my youngest likes the different textures whilst my oldest at 2 likes to read along and find the mouse on each page.  It’s therefore engaging for both 2 years and for 7 month old.

Dear Santa – Rod Campbell

I think the majority of people are familiar with the Dear Zoo book by Rod Campbell, I know its a firm favourite in our house.  This book is of a similar nature with Santa trying to find the perfect present.  Lifting the flaps to discover what he has wrapped.  The book is great for explaining about unwrapping and gifts.  My 2 year old likes to guess what’s behind each door and my youngest is engaged by all the bold and colourful drawings.  It’s also a great book for both age groups.

Santa’s Workshop, the inside story from Marks and Spencers

This is our favourite Christmas book. I don’t know who wrote it as it doesn’t say but I purchased it from Marks and Spencers.  The book has lots of bright and colourful drawings with glitter to create an extra sparkle.  There are flaps to lift up and discover what’s hiding underneath.  The story takes you inside Santa’s workshop right the way to Christmas eve.  It’s very easy to read and long enough to grab the attention of my 2 year old.  It features Santa, Elves and Rudolph and Santa’s sleigh.  Its great for showing Christmas characters and explaining their Christmas role.  A beautiful book.

I find that there is nothing better on a cold, dark winter day than snuggling up with your children and enjoying a good book together.

–Leyla Brooke

Leyla Brooke is mummy to two wonderful girls aged 2 years and 7 months she’s currently on maternity leave. She blogs at This Day I Love about their daily lives and tries to capture those precious moments from each day. Tweet with her @thisdayilove