Christmas

Fiction

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (J)

Beloved tale of selfish, miserly old Scrooge, whose life is forever changed by three ghostly visitors on Christmas Eve. (1 and up)

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss (E)

The Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, hates Whoville's holiday celebrations, and plans to steal all the presents to prevent Christmas from coming. To his amazement, Christmas comes anyway, and the Grinch discovers the true meaning of Christmas. (All Ages)

Merry Christmas Big Hungry Bear by Audrey and Don Wood (E)

As little Mouse sets up his tree and the presents beneath, an unseen narrator reminds him about his neighbor, "the big, hungry Bear." But, hearing that the bear never gets any presents, he has a change of heart. (K - 2)

Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry (E)

Mr. Willowby's Christmas tree is too tall, so he trims off the top and gives the top to the upstairs maid for her tree, and she finds it too tall, so she cuts off the top, which the gardener uses for his tree, but it is too tall ... (K - 4)

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson (J)

The six mean Herdman kids lie, steal, smoke cigars (even the girls) and then become involved in the community Christmas pageant. (3 - 6)

The Christmas Day Kitten by James Herriot (J)

The famous veterinarian/writer shares the true story of how an independent-minded stray cat gives a woman and her three Basset hounds a Christmas present. (3 - 6)

The Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco (E)

A tapestry that is being used to cover a hole in a church wall at Christmas brings together an elderly couple who were separated during World War II. (K - 3)

The House Without a Christmas Tree by Gail Rock (J)

In 1946 a ten-year-old girl tries to understand and overcome her stern father's objections to having a Christmas tree in the house. (3 - 6)

The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell (E)

The classic Christmas story tells of an adorable little angel who just cannot stay out of trouble in the celestial city. When the Christ child is born, the mischievous angel learns the timeless lesson of giving, a lesson that has long endured as the true spirit of Christmas. (K - 5)

Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore (E)

A well-known poem about an important Christmas Eve visitor. (All Ages)

Non-Fiction

Bethlehem by Fiona French (J232 F889b 2001)

Text from the King James Bible and stained-glass illustrations depict the story of the birth of Jesus. (All ages)

Carol of the Brown King by Langston Hughes (J 811.52 H874c 1998)

Five poems by Langston Hughes and one anonymous one translated from the Spanish present the story of the first Christmas from different perspectives. (Pre-K - 3)

Christmas in the Stable: Poems selected by Beverly K. Duncan (J811.008 C464)

A collection of poems by Jane Yolen, Elizabeth Coatsworth, Norma Farber, and others, each from the point of view of an animal or about the animals in the stable where the Christ Child lay asleep. (All ages)

The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tommie dePaola (J398.20972 M574del)

When Lucida is unable to finish her gift for the Baby Jesus in time for the Christmas procession, a miracle enables her to offer the beautiful flower we now call the poinsettia. (3 - 6)

This is the Star by Joyce Dunbar (J232.92 D911t 1996)

A cumulative presentation which uses rhyme to describe the night of the birth of Christ. (All ages)

Websites

Advent

Includes the history of Advent and the meaning behind Advent wreaths and calendars

Annual NORAD Tracks Santa Claus Site

Track Santa on his journey around the world

Christmas

Includes history, traditions, crafts, and recipes about and for Christmas

Christmas Around the World

Find out how Christmas is celebrated in over 30 countries

History of Santa

Discover the history behind Santa Claus and his reindeer