Six Enchanting Christmas Books for Children
This holiday season, children can immerse themselves in the joy of reading with a delightful selection of Christmas-themed books. Despite the allure of smartphones and video games, these stories promise to capture the imagination of young readers. From whimsical adventures with Santa's helpers to heartwarming tales of friendship and family, here are six enchanting titles to consider for under the Christmas tree.
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Santa's New Reindeer by Caroline Crowe and Jess Pauwels (AncoraWow, 32 pages, €15, ages 3+): Rudolph, Santa's beloved reindeer, has injured his hoof, jeopardizing the gift delivery. Chief inventor Lizzie must come up with a creative solution to save Christmas.
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The Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan (AncoraWow, 32 pages, €15, ages 3+): An innkeeper struggles to find sleep on Christmas Eve as he hosts Mary and Joseph, amidst the chaos of shepherds and wise men arriving.
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Pippi Saves Christmas by Astrid Lindgren (Salani, 32 pages, €14.90, ages 4+): In this newly rediscovered story, Pippi Longstocking brightens the holiday for three lonely children, bringing gifts and cheer on Christmas night.
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Santa's Bunnies by Philip Ardagh and Ben Mantle (Salani, 32 pages, €14.90, ages 4+): When Santa's elves fall ill, a group of bunnies steps in to save Christmas in this humorous tale.
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Let the Magic Begin. Attention Elf is Coming! by Martina Caterino and Monica Pezzoli (Ape Junior, 48 pages, €13.90, ages 5+): This rhyming book explores the role of elves and how to host one, complete with an 'Elven Apprenticeship Contract.'
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The Hard Life of an Unbearable Gnome by Andrea Micalone (AncoraWow, 96 pages, €13.50, ages 6+): Follow a grumpy gnome on his quest for freedom and adventure, as he learns to embrace the joys of life.
Advent Reading: A Countdown to Christmas
In addition to these delightful stories, two unique Advent books offer a special way to count down to Christmas. Each book features a chapter designed to be read daily, enhancing the anticipation of the holiday.
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How Winston Saved Christmas by Alex T. Smith (Edelvives, 2024): This charming tale follows a little mouse on a mission to deliver a lost letter to Santa. The book encourages family bonding through suggested activities, including writing letters to Santa and baking cookies. Smith emphasizes that reading a chapter a day builds excitement leading up to Christmas.
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A Heart for Christmas by Sophie Jomain (TBR, 2024): Inspired by her own experiences, Jomain's novel tells the story of Avril, a teenager navigating love and family dilemmas while recovering from a heart transplant. Each chapter is sealed, creating a magical experience as readers open one each day. Jomain highlights the importance of communication and family bonds during the holiday season.
Both books not only entertain but also foster connections among family members, making the reading experience a cherished part of the holiday tradition.