Christmas-themed books come in many different flavors, from Jean Shepard’s humorous Christmas musings that were the basis for A Christmas Story movie to Chris Van Allsburg’s classic children’s book, The Polar Express, and so many more. The following are mini reviews of Christmas- or holiday-themed books that I’ve that I’ve read or listened to with my gingerbread cookie rating (1-5 cookies). Keep coming back as this alphabetical list will continue to grow and grow! These mini reviews are merely meant to give you my opinion on the book. I won’t completely dissect them in order to preserve the reading experience for you. They are likely available wherever books are sold or lent (e.g., Barnes & Noble, your local library, etc.).
F
Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs
In this unique holiday-themed children’s book, Raymond Briggs uses whimsical illustrations, no text, to capture Santa during his most important night of the year. You’ll find a Santa in this wonderful story that can get a bit grumpy at times as he toils away up at the North Pole, but also one that is endearing and sweet. Briggs’ amazing illustrations are the centerpiece of this story as we follow the big guy on his Christmas eve travels across the globe with his dedicated reindeer in tow. I loved this book as a child, loved sharing it with my kids, and love looking through it today when Christmas rolls around each year. And if you love this one, don’t miss the sequel, Father Christmas Goes on Holiday, as well as his other, The Snowman and Fungus the Bogeyman.
My Gingerbread Rating (out of 5)
H
Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris
One of my favorite holiday-themed book has become quite the Christmas classic in David Sedaris’ short story collection called Holidays on Ice. Featuring hilarious travails of his time as a Macy’s Department Store elf and other brilliant holiday humor, Sedaris brings his unique narrative style to the holiday season in this must-read book. And truth be told, I’d highly recommend the audio book as Sedaris himself acts as the reader of this holiday classic and makes it all the more funnier as a result. Frankly, I’ve never read a David Sedaris book because I always listen to him read it, which is so much funnier in his unique voice. The printed or audio book is available where all great holiday books are sold, available as a download from Audible, and likely available at your local library.
My Gingerbread Rating (out of 5)
Check out our Christmas- or holiday-themed mini movie reviews as well, which come with my gingerbread cookie rating (1-5 cookies) as well as a link to various websites that can tell you whether they think the movie is appropriate for you and your family. I also provide a review of each movie’s soundtrack, if one was released.
