Advent of Christmas books: How many miles to Bethelhem?

How many miles to Bethlehem? by Kevin Crossley-Holland & Peter Malone (Orion, 2004).
Each player in the Nativity story have their space in this tale. The illustrations are glorious - Renaissance-like, shades of the Middle East.
A true pageant of Christmas glory to end this advent calendar on the Feast of the Epiphany - and the twelfth day of Christmas.

Advent of Christmas books: Cowshed Christmas

Cowshed Christmas by Joy Cowley and Gavin Bishop (Random House, 2009).
Thank goodness - a New Zealand Christmas story that isn't silly and annoying!
Instead, this is a very New Zealand story, with very New Zealand illustrations, that celebrates the birth of Jesus.
It is unapologetically New Zealand - and Christian. And, as such, a breath of fresh air.
Thank you Joy & Gavin.

Advent of Christmas books: Two cans of corned beef...

Two cans of corned beef and a manulele in a mango tree: a Pacific Christmas by Sarona Aiono-Iosefa & Steven Dunn (Reed, 2004).
The Pacific comes to the traditional English rhyme. A bright and colourful version, perfect for our corner of the world.

Advent of Christmas books: The Nativity (Ray)

The Nativity illustrated by Jane Ray (Orchard, 1999).

Text adapted from the Bible, this is a splendid pop-up version of the Nativity story, with your own Nativity scene included. Glorious and gilded.

Advent of Christmas books: Light the lamps

Light the lamps by Margaret Wild & Dee Huxley (Margaret Hamilton Books, 1994).
A post-Christmas tale of the infant Jesus.
Set in Israel, a young girl plays with her neighbour's baby, and worries for her beloved stepmother, who cannot have children. The girl hopes that her stepmother will find comfort in this special baby.
A beautiful story, with great illustrations.

Advent of Christmas books: The twelve days of Christmas (Sabuda)

The 12 days of Christmas illustrated by Robert Sabuda (Simon & Schuster, 1996).

Sabuda's pop-up extravaganzas reign supreme in this version of the traditional rhyme. A treasure to adore, but not touch very much.

Advent of Christmas books: The twelve days of Christmas (Geddes)

The twelve days of Christmas, photography by Anne Geddes (Moa Beckett, 1994).
The traditional rhyme, this time with Geddes' cute babies illustrating each double-page spread.
I'm quite fond of the '5 gold rings' page, myself.

Advent of Christmas books: The twelve days of Christmas (Wildsmith)

The twelve days of Christmas illustrated by Brian Wildsmith (Oxford University Press, 1972).
The traditional version of the rhyme, but with Wildsmith's bright and vibrant illustrations.

Advent of Christmas books: A pukeko in a ponga tree

A pukeko in a ponga tree by Kingi Ihaka & Dick Frizzel (Heinemann, 1981).

A New Zealand classic. Very New Zealand version of the 12 days.

Great fun to read aloud.

Advent of Christmas books: The First Noel

The First Noel: a Christmas carousel by Jan Pieńkowski (Candlewick, 2004).

Abridged text from the book of Luke is accompanied by amazing cut-out illustrations in this 'book'. It is a carousel / shadow box / work of art / Christmas decoration.

Happy birthday Mum & L!

Advent of Christmas books: The 12 bugs of Christmas

The 12 bugs of Christmas by David A. Carter (Little Simon, 1999).

I'm a traditionalist, and refuse to do any 12 days of Christmas until the 1st day starts - which may, or may not, depending on your viewpoint - be Christmas Day.

So... this is a fun, pop-up version of the days. I love Carter's bug books anyway, so why not the bugs!

Advent of Christmas books: The Boxing Day test

The Boxing Day test by Sharon Whillis & John Bennett (Scholastic, 2002).

Patrick gets a cricket set for Christmas, but the family are all too tired/full, whatever, to play cricket with him. Bring on Nana and the first ever Brodie Family Boxing Day Test.

A tribute to cricket fans everywhere. I love Boxing Day games...

Advent of Christmas books: The Nativity (Vivas)

Merry Christmas everyone!
The Nativity illustrated by Julie Vivas (Omnibus, 1986).
Having a deep and long-lasting love for Julie Vivas' illustrations - it's not hard to understand why this is the book I chose for Christmas Day. The text is taken directly from the King James Bible, and is 'just' the nativity story. It is Vivas' illustrations which lift this book into the realms of award-winning and classic. Her angels are human - Gabriel's wings become more and more tattered at each visit. And baby Jesus' little starfish hands are just a delight. This edition makes the nativity a human story.

Advent of Christmas books: Santasaurus

Santasaurus by Niamh Sharkey (Walker, 2004).

The usual Christmas story - little kids waiting up to see Santa - but with dinosaurs. What could be wrong with that! The illustrations are cute - with added dino details.

Advent of Christmas books: Little one we knew you'd come

Little one we knew you'd come by Sally Lloyd Jones & Jackie Morris (Frances Lincoln, 2006).
A celebration of Christmas - and the birth of a much-wanted and anticipated baby. Each parent and child can enjoy this book and the feelings invoked. It is the illustrations that make this a nativity story.

Advent of Christmas books: The Christmas miracle of Jonathan Toomey

The Christmas miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski & PJ Lynch (Candlewick Press, 1995).
NZBookgirl has reviewed this treasure already.
The true meaning of Christmas is love, care, sharing - and miracles. This book has them all. NZBookgirl is right - the full-sized book is so much more than the smaller verseion (which is the one I own). A tissue book for me.

Advent of Christmas books: The Christmas alphabet

The Christmas alphabet by Robert Sabuda (Orchard, 1994).

Sabuda's intricate paper sculptures are always a joy, and this book is no exception.

Each letter of the alphabet is dealt with individually in a perfectly wonderful way - sometimes expanding the traditional Christmas vocabulary to include more emotive words... k is for kissing... f is for friends.

Advent of Christmas books: A creature was stirring

A creature was stirring by Clement C Moore & Carter Goodrich (Simon & Schuster, 2006).

Another great read-aloud. One page tells the traditional Night before Christmas tale, while the other tells one boy's version of it. Fun.

Advent of Christmas books: Slinky Malinki's Christmas crackers

Slinky Malinki's Christmas crackers by Lynley Dodd (Mallinson Rendel, 2006).

Slinky Malinki, that mischevious cat, returns with an attack on the perfectly decorated Christmas tree. As always, Lynley Dodd's illustrations and rhyming text match perfectly and makes this a great read-aloud.

And, this is why I rarely have a Christmas tree.

Advent of Christmas books: A message for Santa

A message for Santa by Hiawyn Oram & Tony Ross (Andersen Press, 1995).

Emily loves Christmas, but the thought of Santa sneaking into her house at night terrifies her. So, she leaves him a message... yes, he can come in - by the back door - but no further than the kitchen table. Santa obliges, and Emily begins to change her mind.

See - Christmas and Santa can be scary - it's not always sweetness & light, so it's great to see books which acknowledge, and ease, children's anxieties.