The Soldier’s Night Before Christmas written by Trish Holland and Christine Ford and illustrated by John Manders
Sergeant McClaus arrives at the army camp with presents for all the soldiers from those who love them safe at home. Best part: The last line: ‘As the camp radar lost him, I heard this faint call: “Happy Christmas, brave soldiers! May peace come to all.”’ Ages 5-12. 7/10.
Ten Little Christmas Presents by Jean Marzollo
Ten Christmas presents sit in the snow for the animals. Best part: Anticipating what was in the packages. Ages 2-5. 7/10.
Heart of a Snowman by Mary Kuryla and Eugene Yelchin
Owen builds a snowman every year on Christmas Eve, only to see it melt by Christmas Day. Owen finds himself taken away to space where he is studied to find out why his snowmen are so perfect. Best part: the illustrations. Ages 5-10. 7/10.
Reindeer Christmas written by Mark Kimball Moulton and illustrated by Karen Hillard Good
Every year two children and their grandmother leave treats for the woodland animals. One Christmas they are visited by a reindeer who brings a special reward. Best part: the wish. Ages 5-10. 7/10.
Bear Stays Up for Christmas written by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman
Bear, with the help of his friends, tries to stay up for Christmas. Best part: the illustrations. Ages 2-8. 7/10.
The Longest Christmas List Ever by Gregg and Evan Spiridellis
Trevor always forgets to put something on his list. He decides to start early, the day after Christmas, and he writes down everything he wants on a list that stretches from his house all the way down the street. Best part: writing his long list. Ages 4-10. 7/10.
Mrs. Claus Takes a Vacation by Linas Alsenas
Mrs. Claus is tired of never getting to go anywhere and so she decides to travel around the world. Santa worries about her while she is gone, but his worries are unnecessary; Mrs. Claus is having a wonderful time. Best part: Mrs. Claus sunbathing. Ages 4-10. 9/10
Santa Claus, the World’s Number One Toy Expert by Marla Frazee
How does Santa manage to find just the right gift for every child? Well, it takes a lot of work. Best part: Santa’s extensive files. Ages 4-10. 8.5/10
Christmas Trolls by Jan Brett
Treva notices things are missing as Christmas approaches. She discovers the culprits, two trolls, and teaches them what Christmas is really all about. Ages 5-8. 8/10
Mr. Putter and Tabby Bake the Cake written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Arthur Howard
Mr. Putter and his cat, Tabby, decide to bake a cake for his friend and her dog. Best part: When Mr. Putter buys the the things he needs for the cake and he spends $100 before he ever buys the flour. Ages 4-9. 9/10.
Minerva Louise on Christmas Eve by Janet Morgan Stoeke
Minerva Louise, a plump white chicken, is very confused about Christmas. Best part: humor. Ages 4-8. 8/10.
Waiting for Christmas written by Monica Greenfield and illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist
A brother and sister wait for Christmas to arrive. Beautiful illustrations. Ages 4-8. 7.5/10
Night Tree written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Ted Rand
A family goes out to decorate a tree for the animals who live in the forest. Best part: When the children sing Christmas carols and one child picks “Old MacDonald” and Mom says that okay because it’s a good song, too. Ages 4-10. 8.5/10.
The Santa Clauses retold by Achim Broger with illustrations by Ute Krause
A slow news day causes a reporter to write there is no Santa. All the Santas (and there are a lot of them) decide to go on strike. Best part: Santas sunbathing in Miami Beach. Ages 4-10. 8.5/10.
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree written by Gloria Houston and illustrated by Barbara Cooney
It’s Ruth’s family’s turn to give the perfect Christmas tree for the village and it’s Ruthie’s turn to be the angel in the Christmas play. But how will this happen when Ruthie’s father is away at the war and there is no money for angel clothes? Best part: when Ruthie thought the doll felt just like the silk stockings her father had sent her mother. Ages 5-12. 9/10.
Awww. That soldier one sounds adorable. I imagine it's a great pick for military families.
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