1. Pete the cat’s 12 groovy days of Christmas by James Dean Reading level 4.3* If you haven’t read any Pete the Cat, be sure to check out the video at https://youtu.be/Tl6jX9W1t70?t=3.
Remember, the author, Eric Litwin, is a MUSICIAN, and his text lends itself to rhythmic recitation.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
by Dr. Seuss RL 3.0* You may THINK you know this story, but practice will make the reading better. Dr. Seus is a master tongue twister.
3. Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson RL 5.0* The Herman children have taken over the Christmas Pageant ! CHAOS!
4. How to Catch Santa Claus by Alice Walstead RL 2.6 One of many in the series of “How to Catch” this story will guide your wiley inventors as they consider how best to trap the Jolly Ol’ Man.
5. Mitten by Jan Brett RL 2.9 One lost mitten becomes the home for an increasing number of large animals !
6. What the Dinosaurs did the Night Before Christmas by R. Tuma RL 2.8 Fascinating pages illustrated with photos of toy plastic dinos showing just what they get up to when they are alone.
7. Santa Jaws by Bridget Heos RL 3.6 Yes, sharks enjoy Christmas too ! No violence but lots of teeth and some scientific facts at the end for you juvenile scientists.
8. Carl’s Christmas by Alexandra Day RL 1.5 Not a “read” aloud (this is a wordless book) but still a great title to share. Have your audience tell YOU the story as you turn pages.
9. Super Santa : The Science of Christmas by Guy Francis RL 3.0 Traveling 20 million miles to visit 2 million homes are just two of the facts that launch this analysis of the Christmas holiday.
10. Lego Christmas Ornament Book by Chris McVeigh Maybe not a true read-aloud, but fun to look through and even better if accompanied with a small packet of the building pieces.
11. Auntie Claus by Elis Primavera RL 3.5 A 1999 classic about a mysterious Auntie and a nosy little girl named Sophie who decides to sneak along with her Auntie on her annual December “business trip”.
12. Night before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore RL 4.3 Save this one for last and read slowly and savor the phrases. Prepare your audience by asking them to listen for the word “Coursers”
What is the best thing you can do to improve the chances of success for your family? READ! Read to your children, read in front of your children & partner, and read for yourself! Just like nutrition and exercise, reading needs to become a habit. Create a routine that includes time for exploring the written word. The more positive experiences your children have with reading, the better chance they will return to print material independently. As Christmas approaches, our lives get hectic and stressed. Having a fifteen-minute period every day to quietly share or individually explore books is a real positive. Read before bed; it will help break the day’s mind-trapping stresses. Read 15 minutes after lunch (before dessert) and see if you still feel you need those last calories!
One idea you can “borrow” is from https://www.denisewilson.ca/the-12-books-of-christmas/. Ms. Wilson wraps 12 books in gift wrap and allows them to be opened from the 12th to the 24th. While she has individual books for each child, one may also wrap a book for the family and, after opening it, read it together.
The books you select for reading can serve a variety of purposes. Nativity stories help families with infants and toddlers focus on the season’s spiritual ideals over material promotions. Adults benefit from a temporary escape to the simpler times of children and their world of suspended realities. Hope and joy can be found in a few quiet moments outside the hassle of shopping and social engagements. Children receive encouragement to create and fantasize when they hear the tales of reindeer, elves, and Santa. This “thinking outside the box” skill will help them throughout their lives. Encouraging generosity and kindness during a season often focused on hearing, “…and what do you want” is another benefit of reading. Many Christmas stories convey the message of sharing and caring. Sharing a book is unlike any other activity. Reading can create a new atmosphere of cozy festiveness that can be shared with the listeners in a few moments. Even when everything Christmas is still not being heart-felt, a book can bring together people into the moment of the story. A new family tradition can provide stability and a sense of belonging to family members for many years to come.
Reading children’s books at Christmas is about more than just entertaining children. Let’s create lasting memories, teach important values, and connect with the spirit of the season—whether you’re reading a story for the first time or revisiting a well-worn classic.
*Accelerated Reader defined levels for titles available at arbookfind.com
Submitted by Bill Waters