The Christmas Book
What’s inside...
This lovely and lyrical picture book, based on a real Icelandic tradition, brings the sparkle and anticipation of Christmas and the joys of reading to life. The northern lights dance, snow blankets the ground, and the Christmas season heralds the start of the Book Flood, a time when people buy books as gifts for loved ones. On Christmas Eve, families and friends gather to share magical stories by the fire. Emily Kilgore and Kitty Moss's 'The Christmas Book Flood', with its gorgeous artwork and diverse cast of characters, is a surefire holiday classic that encourages starting your own holiday tradition inspired by this beloved Icelandic custom.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the Christmas celebration in the book, and why did it stand out to you?
How do you think the main character felt during their Christmas adventure?
If you could give a gift to any of the characters, what would it be and why?
What does Christmas mean to you, and how does it compare to the Christmas in the story?
How can we make our own Christmas celebration special like the one in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story by asking them which character they felt the most connected to and why.
Discuss the different Christmas traditions mentioned in the book and compare them with your own family's traditions.
After reading, spend time together making a craft or a decoration inspired by a scene from the book to create a lasting memory.
Use the story as an opportunity to discuss the importance of giving and kindness, reflecting on what gifts mean beyond their material value.
Create a cozy reading environment, with perhaps holiday-themed snacks or background music, to make the reading experience enchanting and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of generosity
Explanation: In 'The Christmas Book,' characters exhibit acts of giving without expecting anything in return, showing the essence of true generosity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of sharing and giving to others, which can encourage them to be generous in their interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: The joy of togetherness
Explanation: The story highlights how characters come together to celebrate Christmas, emphasizing the importance of community and family during festive times.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to value and cherish moments spent with loved ones, fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The spirit of kindness
Explanation: Characters in the book often perform kind deeds, showing empathy and care towards others, which embodies the Christmas spirit of goodwill.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being kind and considerate in their daily interactions, promoting a more empathetic and understanding attitude towards others.
Example Lesson: The beauty of selflessness
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters put the needs and happiness of others before their own, illustrating selfless behavior.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to act selflessly, influencing them to think about how their actions affect others and encourage them to help those in need.