Dasher
Author: Matt Tavares
Illustrator: Matt Tavares
Summary: Dasher was the youngest reindeer in his family, and loved to hear her mom tell stories about the magical snowy place under the North Star. When the gate door to their pen swings open one night, Dasher runs as fast as she could despite the warnings her mother gave about their owner Mr. Finnegan. Lost in the woods, she comes across Santa and offers her help to deliver the presents. It was an amazing night, filled with adventure and excitement, but will Dasher ever see her family again? You’ll have to read to find out.
Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a sweet story about dreams and the power of family. It will make a great tradition in your holiday read-alouds.
Extension Activities: Check out this amazing book activity kit. Click here!
The Tree That's Meant To Be
Author: Yuval Zommer
Illustrator: Yuval Zommer
Summary: This is a sweet story told from the point of view from a tiny tree among a forest of what it considers “perfect” trees. The tiny tree believed it was less than perfect: it was lopsided, it was small, and it was different. When families come after the snowstorm to cut down trees for their holiday celebrations, the tiny tree was left alone. Would anyone hear it’s cry for a friend? Someone special with whom to spend the holiday?! You will hug your family for sure by the end of this story.
Recommended Ages: 3 to 7 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a magical story that would be great to lead a discussion about being proud of who you are and celebrating differences!
Extension Activities: Create your own DIY birdseed ornaments. Click here!
Little Red Sleigh
Author: Erin Guendelsberger
Illustrator: Elizabeth Tretyakova
Summary: Little Red was a small sled that had big dreams...dreams to become Santa’s Sleigh. Her friends in the shop told her she could never achieve that...she wasn’t big enough, or fast enough, or special enough. But Little Red held onto her dreams. You and your family will be sure to cheer on Little Red as she begins her adventure to find Santa.
Recommended Ages: 4 to 9 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to open discussions with your kids about their dreams, and what they can do each day to achieve them.
Extension Activities: Make a vision board with your kids. Have them cut out pictures of things they want to accomplish.
Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light
Author: April Stott
Illustrator: April Stott
Summary: Coco is a little girl and Bear is, well a bear! They are as different as they can be, but they are true friends who both appreciate the fact that they have kindness in their hearts. When Bear becomes sad because the other animals are afraid of him, Coco helps him develop a plan to “share some kindness and bring some light”. Will baking cookies to give away be all it takes to make friends with the other forest animals? You and your family will be sure to enjoy this sweet story of friendship.
Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to read to talk about what friendship is, and how to make friends and keep them.
Extension Activities: Check out the kindness activities on the author’s website. Click here!
The Christmas Wish
Author: Lori Evert
Illustrator: Photography by Per Breiehagen
Summary: This is a fabulous blend of realistic photographs with a fantastical story! Anja was a little girl with big dreams...dreams of becoming one of Santa’s Elves! Before leaving on her epic adventure to find Santa, Anja delivers gifts to her friends and family, promising to visit them again when she can. With the help of a friendly red cardinal, Anja sets out across the mountainside. Will she make it to Santa’s house before Christmas? Or will it remain only her dream?
Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to talk about the difference between Fiction and Non-Fiction and photographs and illustrations.
Extension Activities: Check out the discussion questions and book activities. Click here!
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