Once Upon a Christmas Time
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
This is a collection of 15 seasonal stories and poems for the twelve days of Christmas. Authors and illustrators include Shirley Hughes, Maggie Russell, Anthony Lewis, John Bush and Peter Weevers. Fifteen stories by as many authors are accompanied by color illustrations on every page, making it appealing for children in Grades 2-5.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the Christmas celebration in the story and why?
How did the characters show kindness and teamwork during their holiday adventure?
If you could add a new character to the story, who would it be and how would they join the celebration?
What new traditions would you like to start after reading this book?
How do you think the story would have changed if it took place in a different season?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by using open-ended questions.
Relate the themes of the book to your family’s own holiday experiences to make connections between the story and real life.
Use the illustrations in the book to discuss its themes, asking your child to describe what they see and how it relates to the story.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character, and explain why they chose it.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story and how your child might apply them in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of generosity
Explanation: The characters in 'Once Upon a Christmas Time' demonstrate generosity by sharing gifts and time with one another, emphasizing a spirit of giving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their toys or helping friends and family members, fostering a sense of community and kindness.
Example Lesson: Value of family and friends
Explanation: The book highlights various interactions among family members and friends, celebrating the love and support they provide during the holiday season.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to appreciate and cherish the bonds they have with their own family and friends, understanding the importance of nurturing these relationships.
Example Lesson: Understanding different traditions
Explanation: Through its diverse set of characters, 'Once Upon a Christmas Time' explores various Christmas traditions, showing how different cultures celebrate.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open-minded and respectful of diverse cultural practices, enhancing their social awareness and empathy.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: The story emphasizes not just the act of receiving gifts but the happiness derived from giving and sharing with others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to find happiness in altruistic acts and understand that sometimes giving can be more rewarding than receiving.
Example Lesson: Resilience during challenging times
Explanation: Characters in the story overcome obstacles to enjoy their festivities, teaching resilience and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to apply resilience in their own challenges, whether it’s solving a problem at school or dealing with a disappointment.