'Tis the season of joy, and what better way to celebrate than by embracing the cherished tradition of a Christmas advent book for my son?
Day 1 : As a mother of a spirited 3-year-old boy, I've witnessed the transformative power of the enchanting "Little Blue Truck's Christmas" by Alice Schertle.
The beauty of this tradition lies in its ability to promote read-aloud moments and strengthen the bonds within the family. Each evening leading up to Christmas, we gather around, creating a magical atmosphere filled with warmth and love. This special time not only nurtures my son's growing mind but also cultivates a lifelong love for reading.
"Little Blue Truck's Christmas" holds a special place in our hearts, and it's no surprise that it's the perfect choice for the first book of December. The rhythmic prose of Alice Schertle and the delightful illustrations capture the spirit of the season, making it an engaging read for young minds. The story follows Little Blue Truck as he embarks on a heartwarming adventure, spreading joy and delivering Christmas trees to friends.
What makes this book particularly endearing for my 3-year-old is his ability to connect with the narrative. Last year, he was captivated by the festive illustrations, counting each Christmas tree along the way. This year, a milestone unfolded as he proudly read the entire book by himself. The sense of accomplishment radiating from his beaming smile is a testament to the magic that a well-crafted Christmas story can bring.
The highlight of "Little Blue Truck's Christmas" is undoubtedly the momentous reveal on the last page—the well-lit Christmas tree. Every night, as we turn that final page, his eyes light up with excitement, mirroring the gleaming lights on the tree. It's a moment frozen in time, a memory etched in our hearts, symbolizing the joy and wonder of the holiday season.
As a mother, witnessing my son's eagerness to revisit this book night after night is a testament to the enduring impact of quality children's literature. "Little Blue Truck's Christmas" not only sparks imagination but also instills a love for storytelling and the joy of sharing those moments with loved ones.
This Christmas advent book tradition has become a treasured part of our family's holiday festivities. Through the pages of "Little Blue Truck's Christmas," we find not only a charming tale but a timeless connection that transcends generations. So, let the glow of the Christmas lights illuminate your family's storytime, and may the spirit of togetherness be the greatest gift of all.
Day 2 : “You're My Little Christmas Wish" by Nichola Edwards holds the magic of our journey, from your first breath to winter's embrace. A timeless tale, it now intertwines with our winter play, inviting the enchantment of snowmen, gingerbread, Christmas stars, and snowflakes—each page a cherished reflection of our love and wish for our little one.
Day 3 : “Christmas is Joy" by Emma Dodd, a cherished tradition since DD's first holiday. With each turn of the page, Dodd's enchanting words and beautiful illustrations illuminate the joy of being with loved ones during this festive season. These yearly readings weave a tapestry of warmth, creating precious memories that dance in our hearts.
Day 4 : 'Christmas Story' by Alan Aburrow-Newman. This charming find from a neighborhood mini free library has become a treasured part of our holiday season. With four delightful stories wrapped into one, it's meant for 4-8 year olds, but our 3-year-old son, DD, can't get enough. Despite the abundance of text, he's captivated by the enchanting tales, making it a cozy family read for all ages.
Day 5 : ‘พระราชาในนิทรน‘ โดย พี่ตุ๊บปอง or 'The King in Fairy Tales’ by Toobpong —a heartfelt tribute to the late King Rama 9 of Thailand. This Thai-English bilingual gem is part of a series of 9+1 children's books about mindfulness by เสถียรธรรมสถาน or Sathira Dhammasathan. I've cherished reading the entire set and playing the enchanting songs that accompany each book since my son was born. These stories have woven a special place in our hearts, and 'The King in Fairy Tales' is undoubtedly one of his favorites.
Day 6 : ‘Le Petit Prince’ by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. 📚❤️ From the torn cover to the cherished pages, this book holds a special place in our hearts. Craig and I have woven the languages of Thai and French into DD's world since his earliest days. ‘Le Petit Prince’ became the first enchanting tale Craig read to him. Despite the wear and tear, each page tells a story of language, love, and the bond we've built through words.
Day 7 : Thai edition of ‘Paddington and the Christmas Surprise’ by Michael Bond. 📚✨ There's something magical about Paddington's adventures, and this Thai edition adds an extra layer of joy. While we cherish the classic Paddington tales in English, DD's current favorite is this delightful Christmas story. It's become a cherished part of our festive reading routine, adding warmth and laughter to our holiday season.
Day 8 : As we unwrap the pages of 'Thank You Dish' by Trace Balla on this #AdventBook Day 8, the words echo a timeless gratitude. In a single dish, we find a tapestry of thankfulness for people, animals, and the little things. A reminder that gratitude knows no season; it's a sentiment that enriches every day.
Day 9 : 'Counting Our Blessings' by Emma Dodd—a cherished tradition since DD was born. This heartwarming tale, featuring a dachshund just like our dear Amy, reminds us to count our blessings and cherish every moment with loved ones. Gratitude fills our holiday season.
Day 10 : 'ขอบคุณ' โดย พี่ตุ๊บปอง or 'Thank You' by Toobpong—Another cherished book in our collection, read DD since birth. Its pages may bear the marks of toddler exploration, torn but lovingly mended, yet the sentiments of gratitude within remain untouched. Each reading is a gentle reminder to appreciate the sun, rain, wind, flowers, nature, parents, grandparents, and everything in our world. This well-loved book, though weathered, continues to hold a special place in our hearts.
Day 11 : Jan Brett's 'The Nutcracker' – a thoughtful gift from a dear friend. As we strolled through the neighborhood, my little one's fascination with nutcracker decorations ignited. Now, this enchanting tale becomes a shared joy, bringing the magic of the season to life for us both. A perfect blend of friendship, festive decor, and the wonder of storytelling.
Day 12 : 'Fox and the Snowflake Christmas' by Julia Rawlingson. Our cozy winter read unfolds a whimsical tale that captivates my 3-year-old's imagination. Though the words may be many, the enchanting story has become a cherished part of our seasonal celebration. I find joy in his eager requests for more, and I look forward to sharing the magic of winter through this delightful series. Here's to creating lasting memories with stories that warm our hearts in the cold winter days.
Day 13 : 'The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder' by Mark Cassino with Jon Nelson, Ph.D. 📚 A delightful journey into the magic of snow, blending captivating storytelling with educational insights. Perfect for nurturing the curiosity of your snowman-loving little one!
Day 14 : 'Red & Lulu' by Matt Tavares – a heartwarming tale that takes flight with the magic of friendship and the spirit of the season. 📚✨ Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Red and Lulu, where love and holiday joy soar through the pages. A perfect addition to your festive reading list!
Day 15 : 'Merry Christmas, Mouse!' 📚🎄 A heartwarming gift from a dear friend @landoftheraisingsons. In the enchanting pages of this counting book by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond, holiday magic and friendship come alive. Grateful for the joy-filled moments shared through the gift of literature!
Day 16 : 'The Little House' by Virginia Lee Burton, a timeless tale that whispers the importance of embracing change while cherishing the essence of home.
Day 17 : 'The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker,' a cherished treasure since our little one's birth. The enchanting blend of beautiful music and illustrations nurtures a love for music, creating a symphony of joy in our hearts.
Day 18 : A timeless treasure: 'Corduroy' by Don Freeman. 📚✨ Delight in the heartwarming journey of a small bear in green overalls, resonating with the magic of friendship and the joy of discovery. A classic that continues to warm hearts across generations.
Day 19 : The gift of nostalgia: 'A Charlie Brown Christmas,' Embrace the holiday spirit with Charlie Brown and friends, as this timeless classic unwraps the true meaning of Christmas. Grateful for the joyous gift of tradition and cherished memories.
Day 20 : The classic 'Snowy Day' by Ezra Jack Keats—a timeless tale where winter's wonder transforms an ordinary day into a magical adventure. Dive into the whimsical illustrations and let the joy of a snowy world captivate your heart. A cherished story that enchants readers of all ages.
Day 21 : 'The Little Book of Joy' by Joanne Ruelos Diaz—a daily companion for celebrating the beauty in every moment. In its pages, discover 365 ways to infuse joy into your days, creating a tapestry of gratitude, laughter, and simple pleasures. A reminder that joy is found not just in grand moments but in the everyday magic that surrounds us.
Day 22 : 'Here Comes Ocean' by Meg Fleming. Living by the bay, the ocean is a breath away, and this enchanting story resonates deeply with our little one. Each page mirrors the rhythms of our coastal life, and as we explore the pages, we're reminded that the ocean's magic is not just minutes away—it's in the heart of every adventure.
Day 23 : : 'I am Billie Jean' by Brad Meltzer from the 'Ordinary People Change the World' series. Started collecting these gems when my son was a tiny tot, and the joy lingers even as he grows. At 21 months, he grabbed this book, read the pictures on his own, and we shared a magical moment. These books, crafted for 5-9 years old, prove that the love for reading knows no age. Keep reading to your little ones, and watch the magic unfold.
Day 24 : A cherished classic: 'T'was the Night Before Christmas' by Clement C. Moore. This special edition not only unwraps the timeless tale but also brings the enchantment to life with a musical touch—a symphony of words and melodies to fill the night with holiday magic.
