The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 29, 2010
The littlest ones should not miss out on any fun Christmas reading. There are plenty of sturdy-paged board books for babies and toddlers to get their hands on. Getting the full sensory experience is the beginning step of reading; so let him grab, drag, chew, and flip through these fun holiday stories.
by Nicola Smee
Reading level: Ages 0-5
Board book: 26 pages
Publisher: Boxer Books; Brdbk edition (October 5, 2010)
Publisher’s synopsis: The beloved characters from Smee’s Clip-Clop are off on a wild and wintry ride. Mr. Horse has invited all the barnyard animals into his sleigh, and Cat, Dog, Pig, and Duck couldn’t be more excited. Soon, they’re holding on tight and dashing through the snow with bells jingle-jingling all the way. Over the fields they fly-but when they reach the hill, everyone wants to slide downeven Mr. Horse, of course. Is there room for them all? Like the happy Mr. Horse, toddlers will think “THAT WAS SO COOL!”
Add this book to your collection: Jingle-Jingle
by Jim Aylesworth (Author), Barbara McClintock (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 0-5
Board book: 32 pages
Publisher: Cartwheel Books; Brdbk Rep edition (September 1, 2010)
Publisher’s synopsis: This irresistible retelling of the Gingerbread Man by Jim Aylesworth and illustrated by Barbara McClintock is now in board book format for the first time, and it’s a perfect treat for cookie lovers everywhere. Children enjoy chiming in with Aylesworth’s charming, rollicking refrains, accompanied by whimsical animal images and a delicious recipe for gingerbread men. (Note: the text has been adapted to fit board book format)
Add this book to your collection: The Gingerbread Man
by Tad Hills
Reading level: Ages 0-3
Board book: 22 pages
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade; Brdbk edition (September 14, 2010)
Publisher’s synopsis: Celebrate Christmas with Duck and Goose’s new holiday board book!
Our feathered friends are getting ready for Christmas. The only problem? Goose is more interested in skating, sledding, and making snow angels than in helping Duck decorate their Christmas tree. While Goose has the time of his life in the snow, it seems poor Duck will be left to do all the work. . . .
Tad Hills’s simple text and vivid, expressive illustrations make this sweet, funny little book the perfect stocking stuffer. Preschoolers who loved the bestselling Duck & Goose Find a Pumpkin—or those meeting Duck and Goose for the first time—will be thrilled to own this charming winter tale.
Add this book to your collection: Duck & Goose, It’s Time for Christmas
by Norman Bridwell
Reading level: Ages 0-3
Board book: 20 pages
Publisher: Cartwheel Books; Brdbk edition (September 1, 2010)
Publisher’s synopsis: On Clifford’s first Christmas Eve, he helps the family trim the tree, but even after he’s tucked into bed, he just can’t sleep. He goes out to investigate, but accidentally falls into Emily Elizabeth’s stocking! Who do you think comes to his rescue? Santa, of course!
Add this book to your collection: Clifford’s First Christmas
by Jeannine Q. Norris (Author), Tim Ladwig (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 0-5
Board book: 30 pages
Publisher: HarperFestival; Brdbk edition (September 28, 2010)
Publisher’s synopsis: The miracle of Christmas began with a mother holding her child, filled with boundless love. Now the warmth and spirit of the first Christmas come alive in this Nativity retelling, perfect for mothers to share with their own little ones.
Tomorrow you will be King,
But tonight you are my baby.
Add this book to your collection: Tonight You Are My Baby: Mary’s Christmas Gift
by Salina Yoon
Reading level: Ages 0-3
Board book: 8 pages
Publisher: Cartwheel Books; Brdbk edition (September 1, 2010)
Publisher’s synopsis: Christmas is coming and it’s time to celebrate! With six interchangable, foiled play pieces, children can dress-up snowmen, decorate Christmas cookies, and even light up the Christmas tree with sparkling foil colors! Housed in a front panel drawer within the cover, these six disks are placed into die-cut slots on each spread to introduce bright lights and joyous excitement to iconic holiday scenes.
Add this book to your collection: It’s Christmas Time! (Slide and Play)
Looking for a step up? There are plenty of great picture books to choose from in our Naughty or Nice list.