The Polar Express December 22, 2008

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

A wonderful Christmas story. A magical train takes a boy to the North Pole, where he receives a special gift from Santa.

You’ll notice the book has an “award.” It’s the Caldecott Medal, which means it has good pictures.

 

I’ve also included a fun activity below:*

Take a ride on your own Polar Express!!

The Polar Express

Beforehand, arrange chairs into a train line and tape a bell under each chair. I also like to make a sugar cookie for each kid, as well as a cup of hot chocolate. And of course, be sure to have a golden ticket ready for each kid for boarding. I also like to dim my lights a bit and turn on the lights on the Christmas tree.

hot chocolate, sugar cookies, and marshmallows

Dress the kids in PJs and board your train. I like to punch their tickets with their name letter (A for Adam). Take off and let the fun begin!!

Read the Polar Express story during the “ride.” Let the kids eat their sugar cookies and hot chocolate while you read (putting a sheet or blanket below your train makes for easy clean-up; we usually just eat our cookies and then finish our cocoa in the kitchen after). When you’re done, have the kids look under their chairs and find a bell from Santa’s sleigh. Have them ring it to see if they can hear it (and they always do, ’cause “they believe”).

We also enjoy watching the movie afterwards snuggled in our PJs and blankets!

 

 

*In honor of Jackie. Thanx!

Auntie Claus December 14, 2008

Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera

The Kringle family loves Christmas and their place is decorated year-round. But no one loves it more than Great-Aunt, Auntie Claus! Auntie Claus lives on the top floor of the apartment building and is very mysterioso. Each year, she disappears for a business trip during the Christmas holidays; no one knows exactly where she goes or what she does. This year Sophie is determined to find out! So, she stows away and ends up learning the lesson of her life! The rest of the story ”is for me to know and you to find out.”

Cute book! Twice during the story you get to flip the book and read it the long way. Kids get a kick out of that! There is a great, entertaining storyline, as well as a lesson for kids. This book has been described as “magical.” And, as a side note, Auntie Claus’ voice is fun to read with an accent.

 

 

I just found this fabulous website by the author dedicated to Auntie Claus. There are a couple sequels to the story, which I haven’t read, but sound so good. Check it out: http://www.eliseprimavera.com/books/auntie-claus

Frosty the Snowman December 9, 2008

By Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins (illustrated by Richard Cowdrey) 

This book’s pictures take you back to the 1950s, when the original song was written. The pictures are big, colorful, and simple. The storyline is simply the words of the song, which are easy for kids to recite. Definitely a must-have in any home library! (and, as an added bonus, the piano music is written in both the front and back covers)

The Night Before Christmas December 2, 2008

Christmas is upon us, and there is no happier time of year! I love this season! There are so many great Christmas stories, and I am so excited to share some of my favorites with you!!

I have a friend who has a great tradition that I like so much I’m going to share it with you (hope she doesn’t mind). For their Christmas countdown, they wrap 25 picture books. Then, each night before Christmas, they upwrap one and read it together as a family. Isn’t that so neat?! It’s something I want to do with my own children. What a great way to pass down the legacy of reading!

Because there are so many good picture books out at this time, I will be sharing a couple of books a week instead of just one. So, check back often for updates.

 

The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore (illustrated by Bruce Whatley)

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without this classic story, right?! I have seen many versions of this story through the years, but this one has to be my all-time favorite! Whatley does the poem justice, in my opinion. His pictures are vivid and colorful and so realistic. I mean, just look at that cover! Don’t you want to pick the book up and see what’s inside?! Santa looks so real; it’s amazing! Children can’t put this version of the book down!