Christmas Fiction: Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera

The Kringle family lives in a luxurious hotel in New York City.  Everyone in their family loves Christmas, even their family businesses have holiday names.   Their children Sophie and Chris have everything!   Regularly “schooled” in Christmas decorum, the holiday is central to their lives.  The most mysterious member of the family is Auntie Claus who disappears every year around the holidays for an extended business trip.  These stories (ideal for ages 5-10) reveal how Sophie and Chris eventually learn their family secret. 

Auntie Claus  

Sophie is in awe of her mysterious Auntie Claus.  Whenever she asks her Auntie a question about one of those mysteries, the answers are always simple but vague.  This year when Auntie Claus goes on her annual business trip, Sophie stows away.   They travel by magical elevator to the North Pole.  When they arrive, Sophie disguises herself as an elf where she works diligently with no sign of Auntie Claus anywhere.  While on a special task, Sophie sees her brother’s name is on the B-B-and-G (Bad-Boys-and-Girls) list.  Dreading his disappointment on Christmas morning, she erases his name and writes hers in its place.   Immediately, she is transported to the stage of the Grand Ballroom with Santa and Auntie Claus.   Santa praises Auntie Claus for her indispensible assistance getting everything ready for Christmas Eve each year.   Auntie Claus and Sophie are reunited, now sharing the family secret.  Santa carries Sophie in his sleigh back to her home.  Seeing her brother’s joy at all his gifts, she realizes an important lesson her aunt had been trying to teach her:  “It is far better to give than it is to receive.”  Under the tree is a special gift for Sophie, a diamond Christmas key hanging from a red ribbon—just like her Auntie Claus’. 

Auntie Claus and the Key to Christmas    

When Chris Kringle, Sophie’s younger brother and heir to the vital Santa post, begins to doubt Santa Claus’ existence, Auntie Claus determines to step it.   Chris is summoned to Auntie Claus’ suite where she warns him about becoming a member of PRUNES, Parade Rainers United National Elite Society.  Sophie tells him that if he doesn’t change his attitude, he will be on the B-B-and-G list.  Of course, he doesn’t believe either one of them.  To prove they are wrong, he does everything he can to ensure he will be on the B-B-and-G list this year.  Concerned, Sophie uses her magic key to send him to the North Pole.  Initially, he is shut out of the Santa’s kingdom, but Chris gets some first-hand experience with the PRUNES.  Using some of her Christmas magic, Auntie Claus brings him to the place where Santa, the elves, and his other family members are gathered.   Chris now knows the family secret and receives his special key…and never again does he have difficulty believing. 

Another title in this series is:

Auntie Claus, Home for the Holidays

Picture Books: Counting Down to Christmas

These Christmas tales use counting as a platform to tell about holiday traditions.  While they are useful for teaching or reinforcing counting skills, these books are entertaining and enduring in their own right.  Each book illustrates tradition, holiday spirit, and family memories. 

 Counting Christmas (ages 3-6) by Karen Katz  

Three children count down to Christmas Day.  In preparation, they wrap the tree with lights, put out the presents, make cookies for Santa, hang their stockings, and race upstairs.  Once the parents lovingly put them to bed, the children dream of Christmas goodies and gifts.   On Christmas morning they joyfully play with their toys and family.   Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Numerals, Number Words, Ryhme, Alliteration, Traditions

Christmas for 10 (ages 3-8) by Cathryn Falwell  

A simple counting format frames the festivities of a loving family preparing for Christmas.  The family decorates their tree, plays music, listens to stories, wraps presents, bakes cookies, and strings popcorn.  In addition, they pack baskets for the needy and cheerfully welcome guests.  Christmas for 10 illustrates children, parents, and grandparents making holiday memories together.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting (backward & forward), Numerals, Family, Traditions

The 12 Days of Christmas (ages 3-8) by Linnea Asplind Riley 

This cumulative picture book illustrates the popular Christmas song by the same name.  It is the story of a young man who gives his true love many unusual gifts, such as two turtle doves, three French hens, four colly birds, and five golden rings.  The vibrant paper cut-out illustrations are appealing.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Numerals, Ordinal Numbers, Vocabulary Building, Music

Ten Little Christmas Presents (ages 4-8) by Jean Marzollo 

Ten presents are sitting in the snow, labeled with an animal's name.  Each two-page spread illustrates an animal with his Christmas present and the number of presents left along with rhyming text.  For instance, "Ten little Christmas presents, in the snow so fine...Mouse gets earmuffs!  Now there are nine."  The pattern continues as each new present is opened.  After all the presents have been revealed, they ask, "Who's our Secret Santa?"  Then, Santa Bear slides down the hill and wishes everyone a merry Christmas.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Numerals, Forest Animals, Vocabulary, Rhyme, Generosity

Under the Star (ages 4-10) by Jane Yolen 

Each two page spread repeats the words, "Under the star, Under the star" on the left. Then, in ascending order (1-10) a countdown of people and animals who would have seen the Star of David on the night Jesus was born are called out.  The final picture is of all the people and animals gathered around Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in the manger.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Number Words, Numerals, Christmas, Bible Story

Snowbear’s Christmas Countdown (ages 5-10) by Theresa Smythe  

On the first day of December, Snowbear starts to prepare for Christmas.  Each day he fulfills one of his holiday traditions.  Snowbear writes out his Christmas cards, makes ornaments, picks out a tree, goes shopping, and wraps his presents.  In addition, he enjoys the winter weather by sledding and ice skating.  On Christmas Eve, Snowbear bakes cookies for Santa and his reindeer.  Readers will enjoy this countdown to Christmas (1-25).  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Ordinal Numbers, Weather, Traditions, Bears

Counting to Christmas (ages 4-8) by Nancy Tafuri  

Similar to Snowbear’s Christmas Countdown, a young girl counts down day by day.  Every couple of days she participates in a different activity, such as sending cards, making a gingerbread house, baking cookies, wrapping presents, and stringing popcorn.  Part of her holiday tradition is to prepare a Christmas treat for the animals outside.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Traditions, Numerals  

Christmas Picture Books: Non-Fiction on the Origins and Traditions of the Holiday

Over the next couple weeks, I will highlight some of the best in holiday stories and literature.  Today, the focus is on how Christmas became a holiday and the traditions associated with it.  Each book discusses the religious, secular, and multi-cultural influences on contemporary Christmas celebrations.  The one fact they consistently state inaccurately is that the wise men were in the stable with Jesus either the night he was born or shortly after.  Biblical references indicate it was much later, probably 1-2 years after, that the wise men visited their “house,” not the stable.  Otherwise, these non-fiction books about Christmas are educational for people of all ages.  They are ordered from easiest to most advance.

Christmas (ages 2-5) by Brenda Haugen

Beginning with some of the “signs” of Christmas liked wrapped packages and holiday songs, the origins and traditions of the season are concisely discussed.  The birth of Christ as the reason for the holiday is briefly mentioned.  Then, ancient traditions such as lights and evergreen trees are connected to modern day celebrations.  Gift giving, Santa Claus, and family gatherings are briefly covered.   Also included are directions for a candy picture frame, fun facts, vocabulary, and other resources.  The simple illustrations and text are ideal for preschool age children. 

Christmas is… (ages 3-7) by Gail Gibbons

This selection goes a bit further than Haugen’s Christmas.   The birth of Christ begins the story along with related symbols of angels and the manger (crèche).   Next, the connection of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus is discussed.   Christmas trees, festive lights, ornaments, holly, wreaths, mistletoe, and poinsettias are all linked briefly to the holiday.  The traditions of sending cards, giving gifts, sharing feasts, singing carols, and saying prayers are highlighted.  Ultimately, Gibbons states, “Christmas is peace, love, and joy.” 

Christmas: A True Book (ages 7-13) by Dana Meachen Rau

Christmas: A True Book is broken up into chapters for quick reference or incremental reading.  It is written in an informative but narrative style with frequent photographs and other art work illustrations.   The story of the first Christmas is covered well.  Then, the history of the holiday with the traditions of Roman Saturnalia and winter solstice festivals is illuminated.  Interestingly, Rau states that because of these pagan influences (still practiced today) many Christians (such as the Puritans) did not participate in the Christmas celebration.  Other chapters cover Santa Claus, decorating trees, other traditions, and international celebrations.  This series is one of my overall favorites. 

Christmas (ages 7-13) by Alice K. Flanagan

Broken into short sections using simple text, the tradition of Christmas is traced.  The adaptations of the Roman Saturnalia are connected to early Christians’ celebration of Christ’s birth.  Gift giving is linked to both the gifts the Magi brought Jesus and the tradition of Saint Nicholas, a generous clergyman.  The development of Santa Claus myth is concisely explained.   Other symbols are featured, such as the Christmas crib, the Christmas tree, stockings, and poinsettias.  Finally, readers are encouraged to use Christmas as a springboard to be joyful, to forgive others, to be kind, and to help the needy. 

You Might Also Want to Check Out:

The Family Christmas Tree Book (ages ALL) by Tomie DePaola

As a family finds and decorates their Christmas tree, they discuss how the Christmas tree tradition began in the Middle Ages with evergreen branches decorated with apples in front of churches which eventually moved to evergreens and small fir trees in homes, Christbaums, pyramids, and lightstocks.  Next, they share how the Christmas trees became a part of the American and English holiday celebrations.  The family explains many other aspects such as how candle lights transitioned to string lights as well as the use of ornaments and tree stands.  The Family Christmas Tree Book is written in an interesting, conversational style.  Since it only focuses on the Christmas tree, it is the most thorough cited source on the topic. 

Best Thanksgiving Non-Fiction Books

This list is focused on non-fiction books about the Thanksgiving holiday, including the historical background and modern day celebrations. 

Thanksgiving (ages 2-6) by Brenda Haugen
This non-fiction selection briefly covers the history and customs of the holiday.  It begins with a brief description of Thanksgiving celebrations today.  Then, it goes back to explain how the holiday originated with the Pilgrims, Squanto, and the Indians.  The first Thanksgiving celebration is concisely described, including both the food and the activities.  Finally, it circles back to modern day celebrations.  

Why I Chose It:  It is a simple overview of the major areas to cover for this holiday, ideal for preschool to first grade children.  The pictures are colorful and appealing for this age group.  * Best Choice for Preschool Aged Children

Thanksgiving is... (ages 3-7) by Gail Gibbons
Young readers will enjoy this journey through the history and traditions of Thanksgiving.  It begins with some brief references to ancient and medieval harvest celebrations.  The Pilgrims and the development of the holiday are also mentioned.  The majority of the book focuses on aspects of modern day Thanksgiving celebrations, such as decorations, family, friends, food, giving, games, plays, parades, sharing, and remembering.  

Why I Chose It:  The colorful cartoon pictures and short descriptions are ideal for younger children.  *Best Overall for Primary Grades

Celebrate Thanksgiving (ages 4-8) by Deborah Heiligman
This selection is part of the National Geographic Holidays Around the World series.  Using stunning color photographs of people of various cultures and short vignettes, an overview of the holiday is given which includes the first thanksgiving, how it became a holiday, popular foods, cultural variations, religious connections, and modern day celebrations.  Additional information at the back of the book includes a Native American Thanksgiving Prayer, Timeline of American Thanksgiving, recipe for Cranberry and Peach Preserves, additional books and websites to check out, and more.  

Why I Chose It:  The wonderful photographs capture the traditions and joys of the holiday.  It is a brief but engaging overview.  *Best Choice for Illustrations 

Thanksgiving Day (ages 5-10) by Mir Tamim Ansary
Uses paintings, photographs, and engaging text, a thorough introduction into the holiday’s origins and celebrations is presented.  Topics included are modern day celebrations, the first Americans, Pilgrims and their search for religious freedom, Puritans religion, the challenging first year, the first good harvest, and the first Thanksgiving celebration.  Also included is how Thanksgiving developed into an official holiday.   Each topic is covered well.  

Why I Chose It:  It provides a more detailed narrative overview of the holiday than the previous two selections.   The text is well-written and informative.   This book aptly conveys the importance of the holiday.   *Best Combination of Illustrations and Text

Thanksgiving: Why We Celebrate the Way We Do (ages 6-12) by Martin and Kate Hintz
Divided into six separate chapters, the areas covered are thankfulness, history of thanksgiving celebrations, Pilgrims and the first American Thanksgiving, how the tradition grew, and how it is celebrated.  The final chapter offers suggestions for things to do for Thanksgiving which include preparing cornbread, making a paper turkey, feeding the needy, and giving thanks.  There are references to other North American celebrations found in Canada and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The appendix includes a glossary, additional resource suggestions, and useful addresses.  

Why I Chose It:  This selection is the most thorough on the list, but also the most formal in writing style.  It covers all the information in the other books and much more.   One of the best parts is the chapter on thanksgiving history that describes celebrations from the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Mayans, Chinese, and more.   Another noteworthy chapter is on how the tradition grew, including references to the Revolutionary War, Continental Congress, George Washington, Sarah Josepha Hale, and Abraham Lincoln.  The language is clear enough that younger children will understand it if read out loud while older students have something more substantial to sink their teeth into.  *Best Thanksgiving Information Coverage 

Honorable Mentions
There are two similar books that some may find helpful.  Both use a question/answer format for conveying information.  First, Let’s Celebrate Thanksgiving (ages 3-6) by Peter and Connie Roop has approximately 9 main questions that are posed and answered.  Interspersed are riddle and fascinating fact pages.  The second one is called If You Were at …The First Thanksgiving (ages 5-10) by Anne Kamma which tackles 49 different questions about life in colonial America from the common ones, such as who was Squanto, why did the Pilgrims come to America, how did the Pilgrims and Indians meet, and where did they eat.  Also included is less commonly covered information , such as how did children help, were Pilgrim parents strict, who served the food, and why didn’t they serve pumpkin pie.