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SuzanneG
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MaryM wrote:
| Always on the lookout for the best new Christmas books each year. |
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 Yes! Can't wait to hear your finds, Mary! I was poking around a bit tonight too!
So far we have:
:: The Third Gift
:: Strega Nona's Gift
Has anyone seen The Carpenter's Gift?
I just requested The Lighthouse Christmas
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MaryM
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No, but I just requested it and I will let you know. It looks like it should be good. A few others are coming as well, but I have a sense from what I have been looking at on Amazon that the Strega Nona and Third Gift are going to be my favorites.
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Mary M. in Denver
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MaryM
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So, some others I've read so far this year:
The Story of Christmas by Pamela Dalton - this is the same illustrator that Jenn shared for a new book version of Brother Sun, Sister Moon of St. Francis. The text is the King James version of the nativity story. The illustrations are extremely lovely and have a folksy feel - in the style of Pennsylvania Dutch.
And I'm always checking out new versions of The Night Before Christmas. This year has a Charles Santore illustrated version - The Night Before Christmas. His work is so vivid and engaging. Large foldout spread of first sight of Santa's sleigh is great.
And two "12 Days of Christmas"
The Twelve Days of Christmas illustrated by Laurel Long. Only had a brief time to glance through it at the bookstore, but the illustrations are stunning. Need to really sit down with it.
The Twelve Days of Christmas illustrated by Jane Ray. I thoroughly enjoy her illustrations and thought this one looked fun. Seems to take a humorous approach to the illustrations of the maids, dancers, pipers etc. all have distinct personality. Saw it during the same bookstore visit and was just able to go through quickly.
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Mary M. in Denver
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MaryM
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MaryM wrote:
No, but I just requested it and I will let you know. It looks like it should be good. A few others are coming as well, but I have a sense from what I have been looking at on Amazon that the Strega Nona and Third Gift are going to be my favorites. |
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Had some time at B&N the other day and read this one. It is nice. Felt like I was watching a Walton's episode  . It is set in rural NY during the depression. Struggling mountain family decides to try to make some money by cutting trees in their woods and selling them in the city. Some construction workers (building the Rockefeller Center) help them out and the family gives them one of the trees at the end of the day. Tree is set up by them on the construction site thus becoming 1st Rockefeller Center tree. Story arc continues from there with themes of generosity and giving back. It is a fictional story but based in some fact - first Rockefeller Center tree was set up by construction worker during depression. For last couple of years the lumber from the Rockefeller Center tree has been donated after Christmas to Habitat for Humanity to help build a home. The helping to build a home story is threaded through this tale.
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Mary M. in Denver
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JennGM
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The Christmas Coat: Memories of My Sioux Childhood
This is another sweet one, not necessarily tear jerker, but a story of a poor Sioux Episcopalian minister and his family on a reservation...I think it's placed during the Depression? The daughter needs a new coat but she has to wait for the box of donated items from the East. She has to wait last, and has to offer up several disappointments without complaining until Christmas morning.
Another touching story, but not tear jerker.
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Two more I want to add, that I like even more than the ones I listed above.
A Christmas Spider's Miracle by Trinka Hakes Noble
This is based on the Ukrainian tale of the spider decorating the tree, but the story is a bit different than previous stories. It's based in the Ukraine, a poor family with only a mother, no money. The spider mother fears she won't live through the cold night, and falls asleep with her babies in the fir tree. The human mother goes out in the cold and gets a tree. She had plans to make ornaments, and had drawn them, but couldn't do them. In gratitude, the spider weaves the designs all over the tree. The illustrations are lovely.
Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story by Sally Lloyd-Jones, paintings by Alison Jay.
This is a gorgeous book! the illustrations have the crackled paint look. All of the animals of the universe are abuzz with excitement because the Messiah is about to come. The word travels through all animals of every kind (even in the sea). The animals shout "It's Time!" "Get Ready" and ten use different titles used in the prophecies, like "The Mighty King! The Prince of Peace! The Bright Morning Star! The Good Shepherd! Light of the World!...etc.
Just wonderful! You feel the excitement as you turn every page. The book encapsulates the Advent longing!
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MaryM
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MaryM wrote:
And two "12 Days of Christmas"
The Twelve Days of Christmas illustrated by Laurel Long. Only had a brief time to glance through it at the bookstore, but the illustrations are stunning. Need to really sit down with it.
The Twelve Days of Christmas illustrated by Jane Ray. I thoroughly enjoy her illustrations and thought this one looked fun. Seems to take a humorous approach to the illustrations of the maids, dancers, pipers etc. all have distinct personality. Saw it during the same bookstore visit and was just able to go through quickly. |
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Can now give a better review since I have them from the library.
The Laurel Long version is SPECTACULAR!! From my quick scan earlier, I could tell that the illustrations were very rich and detailed. They have a medieval feel in the setting. But didn't realize the depth of the book until reading today. What was amazing was our discovery as we started reading it. By the third page I suspected that it was a hidden picture book as well. Started looking at each page carefully and found that indeed it incorporates hidden images. For each gift that is prominent in the picture for that day's gift, the past days gifts are hidden in the rich illustrations and borders. They get progressively more difficult. It progresses as it goes along and final picture has everything. There is also somewhat of a "side" story going on within the illustrations. There are so many layers to what initially seems really simple. It is so well done and so fun to do. It drew us in for over an hour. (Had I read the jacket summary before the book, would have learned it had hidden pictures...)
The Jane Ray book is sweet as well. It is more modern and pictures the story as happening in a brownstone style building. The young lady who is receiving gifts each day is surprised. The "gifts" start to fill her house and the neighborhood. Fun to see the reactions of neighbors in adjoining apartments. It takes a couple readings to pick up all the subtle things going on in the illustrations. Some of the story unfolds there silently and I didn't see it on first reading.
I think that both of these books do a great job of making this more than a "reading the words of a familiar song" book. Often that is all that a poem or a song lyric book is. These books certainly tell a story in the illustration not just the text - which we know will be predictable.
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MaryM
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Have you read this one yet, Suzanne? We just got it and I found it a great introduction to the Flying Santa program for lighthouse families. A good addition to historic lighthouse stories.
JennGM wrote:
The Christmas Coat: Memories of My Sioux Childhood
This is another sweet one, not necessarily tear jerker, but a story of a poor Sioux Episcopalian minister and his family on a reservation...I think it's placed during the Depression? The daughter needs a new coat but she has to wait for the box of donated items from the East. She has to wait last, and has to offer up several disappointments without complaining until Christmas morning. |
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- enjoyed it. Shows the joy in receiving a needed practical gift - something we take for granted.
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JennGM
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MaryM wrote:
MaryM wrote:
And two "12 Days of Christmas"
The Twelve Days of Christmas illustrated by Laurel Long. Only had a brief time to glance through it at the bookstore, but the illustrations are stunning. Need to really sit down with it.
The Twelve Days of Christmas illustrated by Jane Ray. I thoroughly enjoy her illustrations and thought this one looked fun. Seems to take a humorous approach to the illustrations of the maids, dancers, pipers etc. all have distinct personality. Saw it during the same bookstore visit and was just able to go through quickly. |
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Can now give a better review since I have them from the library.
The Laurel Long version is SPECTACULAR!! From my quick scan earlier, I could tell that the illustrations were very rich and detailed. They have a medieval feel in the setting. But didn't realize the depth of the book until reading today. What was amazing was our discovery as we started reading it. By the third page I suspected that it was a hidden picture book as well. Started looking at each page carefully and found that indeed it incorporates hidden images. For each gift that is prominent in the picture for that day's gift, the past days gifts are hidden in the rich illustrations and borders. They get progressively more difficult. It progresses as it goes along and final picture has everything. There is also somewhat of a "side" story going on within the illustrations. There are so many layers to what initially seems really simple. It is so well done and so fun to do. It drew us in for over an hour. (Had I read the jacket summary before the book, would have learned it had hidden pictures...)
The Jane Ray book is sweet as well. It is more modern and pictures the story as happening in a brownstone style building. The young lady who is receiving gifts each day is surprised. The "gifts" start to fill her house and the neighborhood. Fun to see the reactions of neighbors in adjoining apartments. It takes a couple readings to pick up all the subtle things going on in the illustrations. Some of the story unfolds there silently and I didn't see it on first reading.
I think that both of these books do a great job of making this more than a "reading the words of a familiar song" book. Often that is all that a poem or a song lyric book is. These books certainly tell a story in the illustration not just the text - which we know will be predictable. |
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Oh, I love medieval look (if you haven't figured that out yet). Unfortunately, my library isn't carrying this one. I've been suggesting titles like crazy -- hope they decide to carry this one.
And I'm in line for the Jane Ray version, and Lighthouse Christmas. Might not be until Candlemas until I get them.
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MaryM
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We have been talking about a couple books in the Christmas for BOYS thread that I wanted to add here since they are new books - well one new and one a reprint of an oop children's classic.
The Christmas Tree Ship by Carol Crane. I had seen it in an Amazon Christmas search a few weeks ago as well. Tells the story of Captain Herman E. Schuenemann and the Schooner Rouse Simmons ("The Christmas Tree Ship") on Lake Michigan. I requested our library buy it and today saw that they are ordering 2 copies. I'll let you know when it arrives.
The Christmas Cookie Sprinkle Snitcher? Not familiar with it, but based on the reviews at Amazon, begging for this book to be reprinted, saying is was a big part of Christmas tradition in their houses growing up, figured there must be something there. So it looks like it has finally been reprinted (late 2010) to lots of happy folks. I requested that our library purchase it. And they just ordered 8 copies  (those are cookie sprinkles being thrown )
A post at Vintage Kid's Books My Kid Loves - The Christmas Cookie Sprinkle Snitcher .
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Mary M. in Denver
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MaryM
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JennGM wrote:
| "12 Days of Christmas" I've been suggesting titles like crazy -- hope they decide to carry this one. |
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Oh, hopefully they will - got to sell them on that one. It is amazing and I can't imagine if they saw it they wouldn't want it!!!
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SuzanneG
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MaryM wrote:
Have you read this one yet, Suzanne? We just got it and I found it a great introduction to the Flying Santa program for lighthouse families. A good addition to historic lighthouse stories. |
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We just got it yesterday and I read it this morning. It's a good addition! And, fun to talk about the Flying Santa program! It has a bit to be desired on the "flow" of the text and dialogue at the beginning....a bit awkward to read aloud with the little boy talking, etc. But, otherwise fun.
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SuzanneG
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MaryM wrote:
The Christmas Tree Ship by Carol Crane. I had seen it in an Amazon Christmas search a few weeks ago as well. Tells the story of Captain Herman E. Schuenemann and the Schooner Rouse Simmons ("The Christmas Tree Ship") on Lake Michigan. I requested our library buy it and today saw that they are ordering 2 copies. I'll let you know when it arrives.
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This is a GREAT BOOK, and could be included with many different subjects.....great lakes, ships/boats, lighthouses, Chicago, midwestern states, swedish immigrants.
I love how the illustrator uses the different "sepia tone" to show the pages of the "past story being told..."
This could also go in the "chronological history picture book list."
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Angel
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SuzanneG wrote:
This could also go in the "chronological history picture book list." |
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*Is* there a "chronological history picture book list"? (She says hopefully  ). Oh, would love having one of those compiled all together...
I'm trying to work on a spreadsheet of Christmas and Advent books this year to keep track of all the titles from various sources. I think it's already getting away from me!!
We just checked out Strega Nona's Gift from the library, but I didn't see any of the other books on their "new" shelf.
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JennGM
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Angel wrote:
SuzanneG wrote:
This could also go in the "chronological history picture book list." |
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*Is* there a "chronological history picture book list"? (She says hopefully ). Oh, would love having one of those compiled all together... |
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Mary has one in the works...keep asking her!
Angel wrote:
I'm trying to work on a spreadsheet of Christmas and Advent books this year to keep track of all the titles from various sources. I think it's already getting away from me!!
We just checked out Strega Nona's Gift from the library, but I didn't see any of the other books on their "new" shelf. |
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I'm doing the same thing. We have too much rich food and want to read them all! I had done an Alphabet Advent to incorporate most of them, but that needs updating, and I need to see the WHOLE Picture. Of course, I should have done this in November...
I have been looking through my library's catalog trying to list the books with Christmas themes by publication date, so then I see all that they ordered for 2011. It's been slim pickings, so I keep asking away. I appreciate this thread so much because I have some good ones to request.
I just got alerted that the The Carpenter's Gift is waiting for me! I haven't seen it, but just thinking of the title how it works the theme of St. Joseph (he's the Advent figure we concentrate on 3rd week of Advent).
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MaryM
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JennGM wrote:
Angel wrote:
SuzanneG wrote:
This could also go in the "chronological history picture book list." |
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*Is* there a "chronological history picture book list"? (She says hopefully ). Oh, would love having one of those compiled all together... |
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Mary has one in the works...keep asking her! |
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It seems I'm being outed  - it isn't as "finished" or "polished" as I want it to be so haven't been willing to post it. But it will never be "finished." I've decided something is better than nothing and I just need to release it. So watch for the debut.
JennGM wrote:
I just got alerted that the The Carpenter's Gift is waiting for me! I haven't seen it, but just thinking of the title how it works the theme of St. Joseph (he's the Advent figure we concentrate on 3rd week of Advent). |
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That is a great connection! Having read it I think it would fit really well for that theme.
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Mary M. in Denver
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Angel
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MaryM wrote:
JennGM wrote:
Angel wrote:
SuzanneG wrote:
This could also go in the "chronological history picture book list." |
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*Is* there a "chronological history picture book list"? (She says hopefully ). Oh, would love having one of those compiled all together... |
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Mary has one in the works...keep asking her! |
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It seems I'm being outed - it isn't as "finished" or "polished" as I want it to be so haven't been willing to post it. But it will never be "finished." I've decided something is better than nothing and I just need to release it. So watch for the debut.
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Sorry, Mary, for the added pressure -- but how wonderful! I will be eagerly watching for its debut!
And, Jenn, I used your Alphabet Advent list heavily this year. All the booklists on these boards and out around the Internet are so helpful, but like you said, there's so much! It's hard keeping it all straight.
Ok, now back to the regularly scheduled thread...
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Grace&Chaos
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We've been on an evergreen trail around here. We just got our copy of Henry Cole's The Littlest Evergreen. It is great for nature study/science of pine trees with little ones. There was a scene where he talks about chainsaws used for cutting trees down. I'd preview just in case you have a very sensitive child, but then again that is what happens. The ending reminded us of something my in-laws did early on with their Christmas trees. The trees are huge and growing on their backyard slope today.
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JennGM
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Has anyone seen Christmas in Santa Fe by Susan Weber? It's not a living book, and it's revised this 2011, so it's been around. I noticed that it came up in a search for Our Lady of Guadalupe, and it has Tomie de Paola giving a foreword.
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MaryM
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JennGM wrote:
| Has anyone seen Christmas in Santa Fe by Susan Weber? It's not a living book, and it's revised this 2011, so it's been around. I noticed that it came up in a search for Our Lady of Guadalupe, and it has Tomie de Paola giving a foreword. |
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I think I have, but not sure. It sounds familiar. Having lived in Santa Fe, I do love the traditions and customs of the Christmas season. It's a beautiful time to visit. This book, if I am correct is sort of a pictorial of customs and decor with explanations and narratives. It's not a children's book. I'm thinking it does cover the hispanic traditions of Our Lady of Guadalupe that would be celebrated in NM. There is an OLoG church in Santa Fe that is quite old. The book though may be looking more at the secularized traditions of OLoG not necessarily the religious aspects. I just reserved it so I can have a look to let you know for sure.
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Mary M. in Denver
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4Real Forums : Picture Book Discoveries
Topic: New Christmas Books - Published 2011
