Book picks similar to
Good King Wenceslas by John Mason Neale


christmas
picture-books
christmas-books
music

Silent Night


Lara Hawthorne - 2018
    Rediscover the Nativity Story in all its glory—from quaking shepherds to heaven-sent angels—as the song lyrics are brought to life on every spread. The world’s diversity is reflected in a cast of characters with a range of skin tones. A gorgeous book for all the family to share during the festive season. Part of 'The Christmas Choir', a series of festive, lovingly illustrated lyric books. See also The Twelve Days of Christmas​​.

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music


Margarita Engle - 2015
    Long ago on an island filled with music, no one questioned that rule—until the drum dream girl. In her city of drumbeats, she dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós. She had to keep quiet. She had to practice in secret. But when at last her dream-bright music was heard, everyone sang and danced and decided that both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream.         Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba's traditional taboo against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl tells an inspiring true story for dreamers everywhere.

Blizzard


John Rocco - 2014
    Told with a brief text and dynamic illustrations, the book opens with a boy's excitement upon seeing the first snowflake fall outside his classroom window. It ends with the neighborhood's immense relief upon seeing the first snowplow break through on their street. In between the boy watches his familiar landscape transform into something alien, and readers watch him transform into a hero who puts the needs of others first.

The Animals' Christmas Eve


Gale Wiersum - 1977
    . .So begins a sweet rhyming story in which a group of animals recounts the events surrounding Jesus' birth in the manger, and the parts some of their ancestors played in it. This is also a counting book.

How to Catch an Elf


Adam Wallace - 2016
    You've been waiting all year long, and now it's finally Christmas Eve! Is this the year you'll finally catch an elf? Start a new Christmas tradition with this hilarious children's book from the creators of the New York Times best-seller How to Catch a Leprechaun!"It's Christmas Eve! Hip hip, hooray!Yes, Santa's coming 'round.He's bringing toys to girls and boysin every house in town.""Some kids have tried to catch him, but Santa's fast, you see!So they've set their eyes on a smaller prize, and now they're after me!"

Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories


L.M. Montgomery - 1995
    Featuring some well-loved characters from the Anne of Green Gables books, as well as plenty of new characters, this collection of short stories by L. M. Montgomery celebrates the joys and tribulations of Christmas and the hope of the new year. The perfect escape during the hectic holiday season and all year round.

A Snowman Named Just Bob


Mark Kimball Moulton - 1999
    When a young child builds a snowman, he comes to life just long enough to impart a few thoughts about the importance of building and holding friendships dear.

To Every Thing There Is A Season


Leo Dillon - 1998
    Simple yet profound, the inspiring words and pictures make this the perfect gift choice for birthdays, weddings, religious celebrations, and times of mourning. Each passage in the book is accompanied by a spread of original artwork from a different culture including Celtic, Egyptian, Japanese, Mayan, Greek, Indian, Medieval European, Ethiopian, Thai, Chinese, Russian, Aboriginal, Inuit, and Arabic.

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas


Russell Hoban - 1971
    Both Ma Otter and her son, Emmet, hope to win the $50 talent show prize and surprise each other with a special Christmas present.

Christmas Cookies: Bite-Size Holiday Lessons


Amy Krouse Rosenthal - 2008
    Makes a thoughtful gift, especially accompanied with some home-baked cookies.From making the same kind of cookies at the same time each year (tradition) to decorating them with lots of sprinkles (celebrate), emergent readers will gobble up gentle holiday lessons in this charming book.Amy Krouse Rosenthal's timeless morsels of wisdom paired with Jane Dyer's cozy illustrations are as irresistible as the aroma of cookies fresh from the oven. Perfect for learning concept words as well as for readers of all ages as they celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

A Christmas Story


Brian Wildsmith - 1989
    When the two travelers reach the stable at the inn, they find what they were searching for -- and a gift they weren't expecting.

A New Coat for Anna


Harriet Ziefert - 1986
    in full color. "A fresh and moving story of a mother's dedication to acquire a coat for her daughter in post-World War II hard times. Anna's mother decides to trade the few valuables she has left for wool and for the services of a spinner, a weaver, and a tailor. Lobel's pictures do a tremendous job of evoking the period. Insightful and informative, this may make children consider how precious the ordinary can become in times of turmoil."--(starred) "Booklist"

The Last Straw


Fredrick H. Thury - 1999
    Voices roll across the desert sands to Hoshmakaka, a curmudgeonly old camel, whispering that he has been chosen for the great responsibility of carrying gifts to the new baby king. With reluctance, Hoshmakaka accepts his task. Every day in the heat crossing the desert, his pack grows ever more burdensome as the crowds of people, anxious to welcome the new king, give him their gifts to carry. He is as strong as ten horses as he proudly tells the younger camels. But, oh, his gout! Oh, his sciatica! Nevertheless, Hoshmakaka plods on until he reaches Bethlehem. In the end he realizes the great honor of his task and never again is there a burden too heavy for him to carry.Vlasta van Kampen's gorgeous illustrations of the hot desert sands and the cool, star-filled night sky transport readers on the journey to Bethlehem to see the new baby king. The beautifully detailed illustrations of the loveable Hoshmakaka masterfully change as his pack of gifts grows impossibly huge.The endearing Hoshmakaka is also available as a plush toy to be a companion at storytime. Nine inches tall and adorned with his precious pack of gifts, Hoshmakaka will be a great reminder of the rewards of giving all year long!

I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles


Walter Wick - 1992
    Each rhyming riddle in this bright collection of photographic challenges invites children to find objects hidden throughout thematic pages.

Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad


Mercer Mayer - 1982
    Whether he's making wreaths, eating gingerbread cookies, or putting the star on the top of the tree, both parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story. A perfect way to celebrate the holiday season!