Book picks similar to
The First Night by B.G. Hennessy


christmas
picture-books
children
holidays

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble


William Steig - 1969
    But when a lion frightens him on his way home, Sylvester makes a wish that brings unexpected results.

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.

Gingerbread Mouse


Katy Bratun - 1998
    Then…crack! A tree branch falls and destroys her house!It’s up to Mouse to find a new place to live in time for her to enjoy the season. With determination, resourcefulness, and a good amount of Christmas wonder, Mouse finds not only another house but also a place she can truly call home.Katy Bratun’s detailed and vivacious illustrations capture the warm yet festive innerworkings of Mouse’s possible homes. Little ones will want to snuggle up with this story over and over again throughout the holiday season.Includes a delicious recipe for gingerbread cookies.

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.

Zombie in Love


Kelly DiPucchio - 2011
    And he’s looking everywhere! He’s worked out at the gym (if only his arm wouldn’t keep falling off). He’s tried ballroom dancing lessons (but the ladies found him to be a bit stiff). He’s even been on stalemate.com. How’s a guy supposed to find a ghoul? When it seems all hope has died, could the girl of Mortimer’s dreams be just one horrifying shriek away?

The Salamander Room


Anne Mazer - 1991
    Together, Anne Mazer and Steve Johnson have created a woodland paradise that any salamander would love to share with a child.

Pumpkin Soup


Helen Cooper - 1998
    The Cat slices up the pumpkin, the Squirrel stirs in the water, and the Duck tips in just enough salt. But one day the Duck wants to stir instead, and then there is a horrible squabble, and he leaves the cabin in a huff. It isn't long before the Cat and the Squirrel start to worry about him and begin a search for their friend. Rendered in pictures richly evoking autumn, Helen Cooper's delightful story will resonate for an child who has known the difficulties that come with friendship. Included at the end is a recipe for delicious pumpkin soup.

Where, Oh Where, Is Santa Claus?


Lisa Wheeler - 2006
    That is, until Santa suddenly disappears! Luckily, his polar pals are on the case. But will the furry friends rescue dear old Santa before it's too late for him to make his special deliveries?           Filled with Lisa Wheeler's festive rhymes and Ivan Bates's cozy illustrations, here is a rollicking Christmas adventure that little ones will want to hear over and over again.

Bark, George


Jules Feiffer - 1999
    "Bark, George," says George's mother, and George goes: "Meow," which definitely isn't right, because George is a dog.And so is his mother, who repeats, "Bark, George." And George goes, "Quack, quack."What's going on with George? Find out in this hilarious new picture book from Jules Feiffer.

This Is the Stable


Cynthia Cotten - 2006
    The animals are gathering round. Shepherds and wise men and angels are coming from afar. All of them are flocking to see the Christ child, born this night in Bethlehem.Illustrated in the gorgeous tropical hues of the region and told in lyrical verses perfect for reading aloud, this is a retelling of the Nativity that will be treasured for many Christmases to come.

11 Experiments That Failed


Jenny Offill - 2011
    Here are 12 "hypotheses," as well as lists of "what you need," "what to do," and "what happened" that are sure to make young readers laugh out loud as they learn how to conduct science experiments (really!). Jenny Offill and Nancy Carpenter—the ingenious pair that brought you 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore—have outdone themselves in this brilliant and outrageously funny book.

The Sparkle Box


Jill Hardie - 2011
    Free Sparkle Box included with every book! Sam is so excited about Christmas! He’s thinking about his Christmas list, anticipating holiday parties, and puzzling over one very mysterious gift—a sparkly box sitting on the mantel above the fireplace. In the midst of the festivities, Sam and his family participate in various acts of kindness to others. On Christmas morning, when Sam finally opens the Sparkle Box, he finds only slips of paper that record the family’s good deeds. Sam}s parents explain that the things that they’ve been doing for others are, in fact, a gift for Jesus—for Jesus said that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him. This heartfelt story will inspire readers to adopt this faith-centered tradition in their own homes. Includes a glitter-coated fold-out Sparkle Box!

Awful Ogre's Awful Day


Jack Prelutsky - 2001
    Larger than life, Awful Ogre packs into one day enough excitement, imagination, emotion, and sheer ebullience to last most of us a lifetime. In his awful, irresistible way, he steals the heart of every reader.Ages 6+

Who Is Coming to Our House?


Joseph Slate - 1988
    All the animals are eager to welcome the baby Jesus to their home.A warm, lyrical book your family will cuddle up with for years.

The Longest Christmas List Ever


Gregg Spiridellis - 2007
    Trevor thinks of eveything he could possibly want: Binocular glasses with night-vision mode!A rip-roaring go cart to tear down the road!A remote-controlled plane with a camera inside!An invisible robot that's easy to hide! But the one thing he does forget is the true meaning of Christmas. Trevor's list becomes so huge that it spills out of his house, down the street, through town and all the way to the post office...which happens to be closed for Christmas by the time Trevor is finally ready to send his list! Luckily Santa, with a little help from Trevor's parents, knows just what to get him: a fluffy brown puppy and the gift of friendship.