blogis librorum. A blog about books. Rare books.

The holidays have arrived, and with the season come hectic schedules. It can be easy to lose sight of the joy and celebration that also accompany this time of year. Our favorite children’s Christmas books beautifully capture those themes.

A Classic Christmas Tale

When Clement Moore penned A Visit from St. Nicholas in 1822, he had no idea that the poem would endure for over a century. In fact, the piece was first published anonymously. It was only later that Moore acknowledged authorship. We now know the poem as Twas the Night before Christmas, and many families now read it every Christmas Eve.

Children’s illustrators are frequently inspired by this beloved tale. Tasha Tudor’s rendition is particularly lovely.  Renowned pop-up artist Robert Sabuda also created a wonderful limited edition of the book that people of all ages will cherish.

Modern Favorites

• Hilary Knight’s Christmas Nutshell Library includes Knight’s interpretation of ‘Twas the Night before Christmas, along with three other modern holiday tales.

• The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg seized our imaginations and even inspired a major motion picture starring Tom Hanks.

• A Child’s Book of Christmas Carols, selected and arranged by Inez Bertail, evokes both the sights and sounds of the Christmas season.

• Charles Van Sandwyk’s The Fairies’ Christmas and Mr. Rabbit’s Christmas Wish recall the golden age of children’s books with stunning illustrations.