DIY Paper Apple Blossom Branches

I used to do a book advent calendar for my daughter when she was younger, and I tried to fill it with as many books about Christmas and the winter holidays as I could. If you’re looking for a few new Christmas themed books for your library at school or at home, here are a few I’ve read recently.

Christmas by Annette Whipple (illustrated by Emma Randall) is narrated by Charlie and tells the story of his family’s preparation for and celebration of Christmas.

They have an advent wreath and play with a nativity set, write letters to Santa and make goodies to share with others. They go to a Christmas tree farm to pick out their tree and decorate it, have a movie night with friends and help out at the shelter. They attend a Christmas Eve service at church and celebrate on Christmas with presents, reading the Bible, food and fun with family. 

The book includes a little bit of the traditional Christmas story within the narrative but also has more information at the back of the book about why Christmas is celebrated and the Christmas story. There are instructions for making your own nativity, scented ornaments and dipped pretzels, as well as a little information about how Christmas is celebrated around the world.

It’s a good overview of Christmas celebrations for kids who don’t celebrate or who see it as more of a secular event.

About the book: 48 pages, hardcover. Published 2024 by words & pictures. Suggested retail price $14.99.

One Christmas in Our Building: A Very Merry Mystery by Johanna Lindemann (illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier) is a cute, quick read about a holiday dinner that didn’t go according to plan. When dad buys a turkey for Christmas dinner that’s too big for the roasting pan, not to mention the fridge, the family decides to leave the turkey in the cool hallway to defrost, but in the morning it’s gone.

The family goes from floor to floor asking about their turkey and seeing different people getting ready for the day. In the end the community of their building comes together to share what they have, even though the missing turkey is still missing. It’s a sweet and silly story that shows a variety of families and how they can all celebrate together. It does not include any religious aspects of the holiday.

About the book: 36 pages, paper over boards. Published 2023 by Floris Books. Suggested retail price $17.95