Storytime Books - Christmas

First published in 1823,'Twas The Night Before Christmas, written by Clement Clarke Moore has delighted children and families for generations. This nostalgic, rhyming poem eloquently describes Santa Claus and how he delivers presents to sleeping children while their father awakes to hear clattering on the lawn. The artful way Mr. Moore describes Santa…His eyes-how they twinkled! His dimples-how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!... makes this story come alive to young and old alike. Coupled with traditional art, this story is sure to be a family favorite each and every Christmas.

When Little Bear wakes up after sleeping through winter, he listens while all of his friends tell stories about Christmas. Little Bear doesn't know what Christmas is all about, but learns about trees being decorated with popcorn and lights, and how Santa Claus delivers presents for all of the animals in the forest. Little Bear's mommy explains that Christmas comes in the wintertime when they are asleep, so they aren't able to celebrate this special holiday. This news makes Little Bear very sad. Find out what happens the following year when Little Bear's friends decide to wake him up for Christmas.

This traditional English Christmas carol was first published in 1780 and still delights children and families today. Each new verse builds upon the last, making this cumulative poem fun for young learners to chant along with, and count each of the twelve days of creative gifts given by "my true love." As each verse ends with "…and a partridge in a pear tree," children will become familiar with the words and easily remember this engaging poem.