25 Days of Christmas Stories, Day 24

Hark! the aardvark angels sing: A story of Christmas mail by Teri Sloat

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


For our big finish on Christmas Eve...aardvarks. Hey, we sang, we laughed and fun was had by all.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories, Day 23

Santa's Crash-Bang Christmas by Steven Kroll

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


You can't beat Steven Kroll, or Tomie DePaola. Nor can you bean my kid's laugh, which she did through this entire book.



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It's a Wonderful Life for Kids, Too by Jimmy Hawkins

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Pretty confusing for Kate and myself. It's a wonderful movie, but maybe not a wonderful kids book.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories, Day 21

The Longest Night by Marion Dane Bauer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Of all the animals in the north woods, the strong moose and the clever fox, it is the tiny chickadee with her cheery song who can bring back the sun after the longest night of the year. Not exactly a Christmas story, but appropriate nonetheless.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories Day 20

The Joy of a Peanuts Christmas: 50 Years of Holiday Comics! by Charles M. Schulz

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It's Christmas Charlie Brown. Nuff said.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories Day 19

Kirsten's Surprise: A Christmas Story by Janet Beeler Shaw

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I think this was the first American Girl Series I read, and Kate picked it out for our Christmas story. We only read the first chapter together, then she finished on her own. In this chapter Kirsten is impatient for her families things to be delivered from town. Sounds like the lead up to Christmas to me.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories, Day 18

The Last Straw by Fredrick H. Thury

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Beautifully illustrated story of a camel who carries not only the wise men's three gifts but many more gifts from many more people. His elderly knees are aching, but his pride will not let him share the load.



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25 Stories of Christmas, Day 17

Nine Days to Christmas: A Story of Mexico by Marie Hall Ets

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This one was perfect to go along with Kate's curriculum, Christmas around the world. A young girl celebrates her first posada by picking out a beautiful pinata. Feliz Navidad.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories Day 16

Morris' Disappearing Bag by Rosemary Wells

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A Christmas story where the child enjoys it so much more when his older siblings disappear for the day...realistic I guess.



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The Christmas Day Kitten by James Herriot

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Kate found this one on my childhood bookshelf. I believe this is her very first James Herriot story, an author who is one of the landmark storytellers of my childhood. We both loved the story of Debbie, the stray cat who doesn't accept a home for herself, but brings her new kitten to the safest place she knows when she can't take care of him anymore. The story starts out sad, but Buster is so full of life and fun that it's still a great Christmas story.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories Day 14

The Twelve Days of Christmas by Jan Brett

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


We loved this one. I sang the whole thing and we stopped on each page to follow the story going on in the background and try and pronounce "Merry Christmas" in different languages. Lots of laughs when we got to Russian.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories Day 13

Snappy Builder by Derek Matthews

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Kate loves nativity sets, and this one comes with a set to build yourself. Nona found it last year, and we still love it.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories Day 12

The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is one of the books from my childhood collection. It was still a bit long for Kate, but she liked the part where the littlest angel's halo falls off and he chases it through the street. I still like the stuff in the box best.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories Day 11

Hannah's Bookmobile Christmas by Sally Derby

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What could be better than Christmas eve spent on a bookmobile with a friendly cat, a favorite aunt and all the Christmas treats from your patrons. This one is a gift from Nona of course.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories Day 10

ABC is for Christmas is too old to have a goodreads record, but it's a good old golden book, and we liked it.

25 Days of Christmas Stories Day 9

Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas by Jane O'Connor

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Fancy Nancy is pretty popular at our house, and this is one of our favorites. I love the part where we learn new words, and Kate loves the part where everything has bows and glitter on it.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories, Day 8

How Santa Got His Job by Stephen Krensky

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Silly story about how Santa picked up all the skills he needs to complete his yearly mission. From zookeeper to human canonball, the man in the red suit turns out to be qualified for only one job.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories, Day 7

Christmas Mouseling by Dori Chaconas

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A mother mouse searches for a warm bed for her new baby on a cold winter night, and finds a warm stable to share with several animals and another newborn child. Simple, sweet and lovely.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories Day 6

An Angel Came to Nazareth by Maggie Kneen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The angel asks four beasts, a donkey, a camel, a horse and an ox who will carry "the greatest of them all." The donkey chooses last, but best. Lovely pictures.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories Day 5

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Without question, the best Christmas story there is. We've read it so many times, I can very nearly do it by heart. Kate loves when I do the Cindy Lou Who voice best.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories Day 4

A Christmas with Peek A Babe by Krista Simonetti

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


This is what happens when people give you books they found at a garage sale. In the spirit of Christmas...no comment.



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25 Days of Christmas Stores, Day 3

Christmas Eve by Sucie Stevenson

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Two little bunnies squabble with each other over Christmas eve tasks, but eventually create a present for Mom and Dad, a sculpture of themselves. The squabbles seem realistic anyway.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories, Day 2

The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving by Jan& Mike Berenstain

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Brother and Sister Bear learn about the joy of giving all on their own, without any lectures from Mama and Papa. Oh, if only.



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25 Days of Christmas Stories Day 1

How Many Miles To Bethlehem? by Kevin Crossley-Holland

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Beautiful illustrations, each page a piece of art, and a lovely introduction to the characters of the Christmas Story.



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