Jess is famous for having the best books for every season, but especially this time of year. Her and her kids love reading together and their bookshelves are full throughout December with holiday treasures. Here are a few favorites from her home.
Silent Night - The nativity comes to life in this beautifully illustrated rendition with a most beloved Christmas Carol, Silent Night.
Little Penguins - A fun and playful story following 3 little penguins and their excitement for a snowy season. My 3 year old has this book on rotation daily.
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree - This book is a family favorite that explores the story of a tree that keeps on giving. What is abundance for one, becomes all for another.
Christmas is Coming - This is a new book for us this year, but we’re already in love. It’s packed with Christmas traditions and advent ideas that are sure to bring some Christmas cheer.
Last Stop on the Reindeer Express - I love this pop-up Christmas favorite. The illustrations are stunning and it’s so interactive. A fun read for little kids.
The Christmas Eve Tree - We love reading this tale of an imperfect Christmas tree bringing joy to a homeless boy. It’s a sweet reminder of community and our potential to become more than we dreamed we could.
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree - My momma read this book to us every year growing up. It’s a touching and joyful story about courage and the power of family. Probably my favorite Christmas book of all time because of the sentimental meaning it holds.
The Christmas Gift (El Regalo de Navidad) - You'll prooooobably want a box of tissues handy for this one. This story illuminates the real meaning of the season through a family's heart wrenching experience as immigrants. It's beautifully told and refocuses our hearts on the true gifts of Christmas -- kindness and love.
Refuge - This book is a moving reminder that the family at the center of then nativity was a family of immigrants and refugees. This lyrical story feels ever so relevant to today’s world.
Christmas Tapestry - This has become one of my favorite books to read this time of year. It’s a poignant story about two families, two faiths and two lonely people united by a beautiful twist of fate. My dearest childhood friend is Jewish and our friendship is deeply solidified in our differences as much as our similarities. I love that this story gives light to the joy we can give and find across cultures, traditions and faiths this time of year.
'Twas Nochebuena - My kids are half Colombian so we try to incorporate some of my husband’s family traditions as well this time of year. This sweet and fun book helps my kids remember their Christmases at Abuelita’s house.
The Nutcracker in Harlem - Love this imaginative take on a classic story. Set in New York City during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, this jazz-inspired reinvention of The Nutcracker is a worthy tribute to the dreamlike wonder and magic of the Christmas season.
A World of Cookies for Santa - We love learning about traditions around the world and this book does just that. A world of cookies with Santa is a multicultural celebration of the traditions of families all over the world. Bonus: readers will find a few collectible recipes to bake at the end.
The Jolly Christmas Postman - Last but not least, this book is such a fun read for kids. Full of pop-ups, removable letters and puzzles, it’s a sweet take on the joy (and hard work) the postmen bring to Christmas time. A sure fave for my kids every year!
Find these Christmas faves (and many more!) at your bookshop around the corner. We encourage you to shop local.
