A Christmas recommendation from Cinda:

Get inspired for the holiday! Read something you’ve never heard of before. Read something as old as you can find. Read something brand new, hot off the shelf. Read a classic you enjoy over and over. And share with your family!

Image Credit: Goodreads.com, Image Link

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree | Robert Barry

Summary: When Mr. Willowby’s Christmas tree is so tall that he has to cut the top off, he unwittingly provides trees for various people and animals.

Recommendation: For ages 5-8.


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Christmas Classics (7 stories) | edited by Tom Pomplun

Summary: Comic adaptations of some famous (and less-famous) Christmas-themed tales. This is Graphic Classics® volume 19, a graphic novel collection. A letter from Santa Claus / by Mark Twain ; illustrated by Anton Emdin — A Christmas carol / by Charles Dickens ; adapted by Alex Burrows ; illustrated by Micah Farritor — A visit from St. Nicholas / by Clement C. Moore ; illustrated by Florence Cestac — The adventure of the blue carbuncle / by Arthur Conan Doyle ; adapted by Rich Rainey ; illustrated by Hunt Emerson — A Chaparral Christmas gift / by O. Henry ; adapted by Tom Pomplun ; illustrated by Cynthia Martin — The strategy of the werewolf dog / by Willa Cather ; adapted by Tom Pomplun ; illustrated by Evert Geradts — A luckless Santa Claus / by F. Scott Fitzgerald ; adapted by Tom Pomplun ; illustrated by Simon Gane — The Wondersmith / by Fitz-James O’Brien ; adapted by Tom Pomplun ; illustrated by Rick Geary — About the artists and writers.

Recommendation: For grade levels 8-12.


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The Snow Child | Eowyn Ivey

Summary: A couple’s lives are changed forever by the arrival of a little girl, wild and secretive, on their snowy doorstep. Also available in large print or sound recording.

Recommendation: For adults.


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Letters from Father Christmas (multiple versions, see page numbers and copyright date) | J. R. R. Tolkien

Summary: There are MANY versions available – here are a few in our collection:

Letters from Father Christmas by J. R. R. Tolkien (208 pages) © 2020
https://search.illinoisheartland.org/search/title.aspx?ctx=272.1033.0.0.3&pos=4&cn=3809239

Letters from Father Christmas by J. R. R. Tolkien (111 pages) © 2004
https://search.illinoisheartland.org/search/title.aspx?ctx=272.1033.0.0.3&pos=3&cn=450094

Letters from Father Christmas by J. R. R. Tolkien (157 pages) © 1999
https://search.illinoisheartland.org/search/title.aspx?ctx=272.1033.0.0.3&pos=2&cn=2544678

Letters from Father Christmas by J. R. R. Tolkien (44 pages) © 1995
https://search.illinoisheartland.org/search/title.aspx?ctx=272.1033.0.0.3&pos=1&cn=1321391

NOTE: You may also find related works under the title The Father Christmas Letters by the same author.


About the author

Smithton Public Library

The Smithton Public Library District is located in southern Illinois, near St. Louis, MO. The library serves nearly 5,000 residents. We hope you visit us soon!