Christmas Farm

This picture book, written by Mary Lyn Ray, continues in the vein of her Pumpkins in telling a holiday tale.  It is a wonderful holiday story in which a young boy helps his elderly neighbor begin a Christmas Tree farm.  Each year, the trees and the boy grow until the trees find their new home where they bring joy and the Christmas spirit.  A story of patience, care and love, interspersed with some math (!), it is a lovely addition to any holiday book list!

Princess Posey and the Christmas Magic

This addition to the very popular Princess Posey series by Stephanie Greene will be a delightful addition to anyone's Christmas lists.  Posey is a first grader, so this series is a very early chapter book.  Posey asks Santa for a magic wand, but when she tells a lie, she wonders if she  may end up on his Naughty List.  It is a lovely story of the magic of Christmas and the courage to do the right thing, even when it is hard.

Snowflakes Fall

This picture book was written by Patricia MacLachlan and illustrated by Steven Kellogg. Steven Kellogg had been a member of the Sandy Hook community for many years and was greatly affected by the tragedy there two years ago.  Patricia MacLachlan wrote this book after speaking with him about the tragedy. "A snowflake, A child.  No two the same - all beautiful."  It is a beautiful ode to winter and its wonders, but it also speaks of the power of renewal.  Part of the proceeds go to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund.

How Murray Saved Christmas

I discovered this picture book several years ago and it has become one of my favorite read-alouds.  Written by Mike Reiss, it follows the pattern of many books who have taken the Clement Moore poem, T'was the Night Before Christmas and modified it.  In this version, Murray, a diner owner, has been asked to substitute for Santa. It is hilarious and heartwarming. 

Absolutely Truly

Heather Vogel Frederick is the author  of the very popular middle-school book series, The Mother-Daughter Book Club.  Although that series is a bit too mature for a K-5 library, I was hoping this one was not.  I was pleased that this was an innocent, lovely read.  Truly has moved to a small town in NH with her large family.  Her father is an Afghanistan War veteran who has lost his arm and inherited his family's bookstore.  The story is a mystery in which Truly and her new friends uncover an old love story, but it is also the story of a small town and its workings, and a brave veteran who learns to embrace life again.