Book picks similar to
The Star of Melvin by Nathan Zimelman


christmas
children
picture-books
would-re-read

The Nutcracker


Susan Jeffers - 2007
    This is the perfect gift to share with children before they see The Nutcracker. Everyone who has seen the ballet will cherish it--as will anyone who enjoys stories where love triumphs. Come, take a front-row seat. The world's most beloved holiday fairy tale is about to begin.

Stick Man


Julia Donaldson - 2008
    Stick Man lives in the family tree With his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three ..."a cracker of a book" - Financial Times"You'll read this book again and again" - Daily Mail

The Nutcracker Ballet


Vladimir Vagin - 1995
    A paperback edition offers front-row tickets to this beloved holiday tradition.It's Christmas Eve in 19th century Europe. And on this magical evening, young Clara's eccentric godfather has given her a beautiful wooden nutcracker.As midnight strikes, Clara's wooden toy transforms into a handsome prince, and Christmas quickly becomes even more enchanting. The prince takes Clara on a romantic overnight adventure into a dream world of delicacies called the Land of Sweets.Clara's adventure ends as she wakes up snuggly tucked in her bed. As she embraces her nutcracker, she realizes that the best part of Christmas...is the magic it brings.

My Dad is a Butthead


S.T. Garvey - 2014
    I’m done with that you Butthead. Lets not go down this path." Dad and I don’t always agree. And sometimes I call him names. But, is he the Best Dad in the World?

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!"

Magic Tree House Assorted


Mary Pope Osborne - 2002
    

The Magician's Nephew


C.S. Lewis - 1955
    Their lives burst into adventure when Digory's Uncle Andrew, who thinks he is a magician, sends them hurtling to...somewhere else. They find their way to Narnia, newborn from the Lion's song, and encounter the evil sorceress Jadis before they finally return home.

The Christmas Promise


Alison Mitchell - 2014
    Superb illustrations by Catalina Echeverri and faithful, Bible-centred story-telling by Alison Mitchell combine to make this a book that both parents and children will love. A long, long time ago - so long that it's hard to imagine - God promised a new King. He wasn't any ordinary king, like the ones we see on tv or in books. He would be different. He would be a new King; a rescuing King; a forever King!This book helps pre-school children discover exactly how God kept His Christmas Promise.

Mad About Madeline: The Complete Tales


Ludwig Bemelmans - 1939
    This collection brings together all six of the Madeline books in one volume. Every well-loved word and picture is here, plus an introduction by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Anna Quindlen, an essay by Ludwig Bemelmans on how he created Madeline, and working sketches of Madeline, as well as photos of the Bemelmans family. This landmark volume will be treasured by the entire family.

The Shy Little Angel


Ruth Brown - 1998
    Against Gabriel

The Elves and the Shoemaker


Jim LaMarche - 1812
    Jim LaMarche's stunning paintings, reminiscent of his earlier work in The Rainbabies, are the perfect compliment to this favorite Grimm fairy tale.

God Bless Your Way: A Christmas Journey


Emily Belle Freeman - 2007
    Mary and Joseph weren't the only ones turned away from the inn at Bethlehem. In this new Nativity story, a widower named Micah travels the crowded road to return to the town of his birth. Just in front of him a young woman, heavy with child, rides in the back of a donkey. Her husband leads the way, walking slowly to make the ride smoother. Every so often the young woman turns toward Micah, offering gentle words of encouragement as he hobbles along behind them. And each time they stop for water, she makes sure that her husband offers Micah a sip. When they arrive at Bethlehem, Micah and the young couple go their separate ways. Micah wearily wanders the streets for shelter, a place to eat, and some way to fill his loneliness. Although he doesn't receive what he wants, he does receive what he needs--a warm quilt, a loaf of bread, and in the end, an invitation to come inside a small stable.

Santa's Snow Cat


Sue Stainton - 2001
    As Snow Cat wanders the sparkling city, she encounters many "nearly" Santas, but not her beloved Santa.With a huff from the North Wind, and the light of the big Lemon Moon, Snow Cat's true Santa can't be far away.

The Story of Christmas


Pamela Dalton - 2011
    Deeply reverent, richly detailed, and teeming with life, Dalton's images follow the story of the Nativity from the appearance of the Angel, to the shepherds who came from the fields, and to the three wise men who followed the star to pay respect for their new king. Working in a Pennsylvania-German folk-art tradition, rich with lovingly rendered animals and figures, Pamela Dalton has created a book that takes a deserved place among the finest celebrations of Christmas.

Apple Tree Christmas


Trinka Hakes Noble - 1984
    Moving and nostalgic, and brought to life by glowing watercolor paintings, it reveals the joy of a very special present and the love that a father and daughter share.