Jan Brett’s Christmas books are a staple of my past, present, and future holiday seasons. Whether she is crafting an incorrigible gingerbread baby who romps through an idyllic snow-covered village, creating a mitten that can hold all the creatures of the forest, or bringing to light the intricacies of hitching (quite sensitive) reindeer to Santa’s sleigh, Jan Brett’s picture books embody the Christmas spirit for me. In particular, I’ve always delighted in watching the plot further develop in the frames of her art, subtly hinting at what is to come. So let’s raise a glass of eggnog to Jan Brett and while we’re at it, pore over her timeless edition of The Night Before Christmas.

Jan Brett’s Christmas books are a staple of my past, present, and future holiday seasons. Whether she is crafting an incorrigible gingerbread baby who romps through an idyllic snow-covered village, creating a mitten that can hold all the creatures of the forest, or bringing to light the intricacies of hitching (quite sensitive) reindeer to Santa’s sleigh, Jan Brett’s picture books embody the Christmas spirit for me. In particular, I’ve always delighted in watching the plot further develop in the frames of her art, subtly hinting at what is to come. So let’s raise a glass of eggnog to Jan Brett and while we’re at it, pore over her timeless edition of The Night Before Christmas.

The Christmas Day Kitten by James Herriot, illustrated by Ruth Brown. “Christmas can never go by without my remembering a certain little cat,” begins this true story, based on author James Herriot’s experiences as an English country vet. As winter deepens, Mrs. Pickering and her 3 drowsy bassett hounds are visited from time to time by a mysterious little female cat who briefly warms herself by the hearth before slipping away again. The cat’s last visit on Christmas Eve is both utterly heartbreaking and life-affirming – a perfect tearjerker. Brown’s rich paintings capture all the resplendent warmth of home in the wintertime. For me, Christmas can never go by without my remembering a certain little book.

The Christmas Day Kitten by James Herriot, illustrated by Ruth Brown. “Christmas can never go by without my remembering a certain little cat,” begins this true story, based on author James Herriot’s experiences as an English country vet. As winter deepens, Mrs. Pickering and her 3 drowsy bassett hounds are visited from time to time by a mysterious little female cat who briefly warms herself by the hearth before slipping away again. The cat’s last visit on Christmas Eve is both utterly heartbreaking and life-affirming – a perfect tearjerker. Brown’s rich paintings capture all the resplendent warmth of home in the wintertime. For me, Christmas can never go by without my remembering a certain little book.

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree (by Gloria Houston, illustrated by Barbara Cooney) is the right picture book to get me in the holiday mood—really, anything illustrated by Barbara Cooney makes me feel like cozying up by a fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate! This year, Ruthie’s family is chosen to get the town’s Christmas tree, and she and her father pick out the perfect one. But that summer, Ruthie’s father is called away to war and Ruthie’s family has to make do without many things—and certainly without any toys or new clothes. When Christmas comes, Ruthie’s father still hasn’t returned home from the Great War—will the town still get its Christmas tree? Will Ruthie be a good angel in the town pageant? And will her father come home? Ruthie shows bravery, resilience, and selflessness in this evocative Christmas story!

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree (by Gloria Houston, illustrated by Barbara Cooney) is the right picture book to get me in the holiday mood—really, anything illustrated by Barbara Cooney makes me feel like cozying up by a fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate! This year, Ruthie’s family is chosen to get the town’s Christmas tree, and she and her father pick out the perfect one. But that summer, Ruthie’s father is called away to war and Ruthie’s family has to make do without many things—and certainly without any toys or new clothes. When Christmas comes, Ruthie’s father still hasn’t returned home from the Great War—will the town still get its Christmas tree? Will Ruthie be a good angel in the town pageant? And will her father come home? Ruthie shows bravery, resilience, and selflessness in this evocative Christmas story!

During the season of loved ones, gifts, and toys that come to life, my favorite toy story comes to mind. Corduroy by Don Freeman is a heartwarming tale about a teddy bear with green overalls. All he wants is to eventually be purchased but, unbeknownst to him until a mother points out to her child, he is missing a button. With watercolor paints in primary colors and pen drawings, Freeman illustrates in large pictures Corduroy’s adventure within a department store in search of a replacement button. In the end of this heartwarming tale of discovery, Corduroy learns that despite his imperfections he is still very deserving of a child’s love.

During the season of loved ones, gifts, and toys that come to life, my favorite toy story comes to mind. Corduroy by Don Freeman is a heartwarming tale about a teddy bear with green overalls. All he wants is to eventually be purchased but, unbeknownst to him until a mother points out to her child, he is missing a button. With watercolor paints in primary colors and pen drawings, Freeman illustrates in large pictures Corduroy’s adventure within a department store in search of a replacement button. In the end of this heartwarming tale of discovery, Corduroy learns that despite his imperfections he is still very deserving of a child’s love.

What better way to reflect on history and loved ones at this time of year than with Grandpa Green, Lane Smith’s newest acclaimed picture book? The life story of Grandpa Green is told through both his great-grandson, the narrator, and the title character’s own artfully crafted topiary garden. The vibrant green textures and soft line drawings create a powerful, heartfelt mood – quite a departure from Smith’s sillier titles. This timeless tale is sure to resonate across generations!

What better way to reflect on history and loved ones at this time of year than with Grandpa Green, Lane Smith’s newest acclaimed picture book? The life story of Grandpa Green is told through both his great-grandson, the narrator, and the title character’s own artfully crafted topiary garden. The vibrant green textures and soft line drawings create a powerful, heartfelt mood – quite a departure from Smith’s sillier titles. This timeless tale is sure to resonate across generations!