Countdown to Christmas with Brilliant Books!
The countdown has begun! Follow along with our bookish advent calendar as we reveal a delightful new book for young readers each day until Christmas!
December 1st:
We all Love Mac Barnett! From Mac B, Kid Spy to Extra Yarn, he's a wonderful storyteller. This latest picture book is so lovely for our youngest readers with simple playful text following a polar bear on a wintry outing. The art is a totally unique paper collage style, just beautiful!
December 2nd:
Poor Santa, he's feeling old and tired and just not quite what he used to be. (I think we all know what that feels like these days, 2020 has been rough!) Calling on his Santa magic, he wishes to be young again, but, oops! He went to far and has turned into a baby! Hilarity ensues, just in time for Christmas.
December 3rd:
Lots of Christmas tree decorating fun: festive and sweet.
December 4th:
In classic Boynton style, animals march in a Christmas parade! Lively and fun, with lots of sing-song sounds for little ears.
December 5th:
With beautiful illustrations and poetic text, this is one that will be a favorite all winter long.
December 6th:
With vibrant illustrations and rhymed text perfect for reading aloud, this new book will become a favorite for little ones who just can't wait for Christmas.
December 7th:
With the start of Hanukkah just days away, here's a fun board book from Eric Carle. There's a page for each night's celebration. It's informative too, with Hebrew and Yiddish words throughout.
December 8th:
A snowy magical tale part fantasy/part mystery set in Wales, The Clockwork Crow would make a great holiday read aloud. A young orphaned child and a magical mechanical crow set off to rescue a young boy taken by the Fae. The bit of peril makes it exciting, with a happy ending to bring it all together.
December 9th:
This book is beautiful, with a delightful matte cover and nostalgic illustrations. It's great for a wide age range of picture book readers, super informative, but not overwhelming.
December 10th:
A celebratory folktale for Chanukah, available in a board book edition for little readers.
December 11th:
Pippi Longstocking meets Heidi meets Anne Shirley in this tale of an irrepressible girl in a mountain village who navigates unexpected changes with warmth and humor.
December 12th:
We all love the Crayon books, here's a fun holiday version full of activities and games to enjoy.
December 13th:
When the woods are quiet under winter's snow, there is still so much to discover! This is a great book about discovering winter wildlife while enjoying time outside.
December 14th:
Because she's a girl, Stella Snowflake Pearl isn't allowed to join the explorers in the Polar Bear Explorer's Club. Needless to say, she finds her way in and adventure ensues. With magical creatures, an examination of inclusiveness and gender, this is a multi-layered fantasy adventure in an icy land.
December 15th:
Jan Brett's books are always a hit, this one stars a musk ox named Cozy. Beautiful as always and a sweet story about friendship
December 16th:
One of our favorite books for curious kids all about what is happening under the snow in winter.
December 17th:
A peaceful book of gathering and celebration, a bear searches out the perfect tree and gathers with friends to decorate together.
December 18th:
Susan Cooper's poem celebrating the Winter Solstice is gorgeously captured here with illustrations by Carson Ellis. A celebration that embraces the darkness and rebirth.
December 19th:
With vivid illustrations and a fresh take on the story of The Nutcracker, this is a middle grade Christmas book that's worth enjoying year round.
December 20th:
For a little Christmas mischief, check out this fun caper from award-winning author/illustrator duo Betsy Bird and Dan Santat.
December 21st:
Oh no! Mr. Willowby's Christmas tree is too tall. But that's an easy fix--just lop off the top. But what will become of that leftover bit of tree? It turns out this tree's story is just beginning...
December 22nd:
A sweet seasonal story about not judging a book (or a bear, in this case!) by it's cover, and what it truly means to be kind.
December 23rd:
Sunny the Meerkat loves Christmas, but is frustrated that his Kalahari Christmas doesn't look anything like the snowy landscapes in stories and Christmas cards. So he sets out to find a proper Christmas, with a tree and snow and everything! But the further from home he ventures, the more he begins to realize that his snowy Christmas is missing something even more important.
December 24th:
As our calendar comes to an end this Christmas Eve, we finish with a beautiful new edition of a classic. With updated illustrations and a beautiful vellum dust jacket, this gentle poem is a perfect Christmas Eve read for the whole family, and the book itself a keepsake to treasure.