Holiday Reading

     It's that time of year again, time to curl up on a cold day with a cozy 

holiday read.  Today I am going to list a few of my favorite vintage children's

books for Christmas. Some may be hard to find, even in the public library, but  they are still the best! (I'll follow up in a few days with books for Hanukkah, and then some recent favorites.)

     In no particular order:

1. Star Mother's Youngest Child by Louise Moeri, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman.

      She was so old no one remembered her. Then Star Mother's youngest child visits to learn what Christmas is all about.

2. The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston, illustrated by Barbara Cooney

     The war has ended, but Ruthie's father still hasn't returned to their Appalachian town. How will she and her mother find the perfect Christmas tree for the holiday celebration?

3. The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry, illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger

           O. Henry's classic tale of a husband and wife who sacrifice to buy each other Christmas gifts, beautifully illustrated by Zwerger.

4.  A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

           My favorite illustrated version, her illustrations remind me of a scene in a snow globe.

5. The Story of Holly & Ivy by Rumer Godden, illustrated by Barbara Cooney

          A beautiful story of wishing, by one of my all time favorite authors.

6. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs 

         When his snowman comes to life, a boy goes on a magical flight.

7. Christmastime in New York City by Roxie Munro

          Panoramic illustrations of the glories of Christmas in New York

       Happy holiday season and happy reading too!