The Jolly Christmas Postman
The Jolly Postman Series
on Goodreads (4,268)
What’s inside...
The Jolly Postman rides again with more real letters and presents in his Christmas postbag. This gorgeously illustrated, full-color classic celebrates a time before email with an interactive picture book full of real letters to read aloud. The Jolly Postman brings a batch of wonderful letters for Christmas, including notes from the Big Bad Wolf and all the King's men. Open this book, take out the letters, and discover what favorite characters would write to each other--and reimagine best-loved tales together.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the Jolly Postman enjoyed delivering letters to different fairy tale characters?
How did the characters' letters and gifts help them share special messages with each other?
What would you write in a letter to your favorite fairy tale character and why?
How do you feel when you receive a letter or a card in the mail?
Which character in the story would you like to meet the most and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the importance of communication by discussing the different ways the characters in the book connected with one another.
Ask your child to imagine what they might send to a fairy tale character as a gift and why.
Discuss the feelings associated with receiving and sending mail, relating it to personal experiences with family and friends.
Suggest creating a drawing or writing a small note to a favorite character as a creative extension of the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing and giving
Explanation: In 'The Jolly Christmas Postman', the postman delivers letters and gifts to various fairy tale characters, showcasing the joy of giving during the holiday season.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their toys and belongings with friends and siblings, understanding that giving can be as rewarding as receiving.
Example Lesson: The value of kindness
Explanation: The postman’s interactions with the characters are polite and friendly, highlighting how treating others with kindness can make daily tasks more enjoyable.
Real-World Application: Children can practice being kind to classmates and family members, learning that small acts of kindness can brighten someone's day.
Example Lesson: Literacy and communication skills
Explanation: The story revolves around reading letters, which can motivate children to read and write their own letters.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in writing, perhaps starting with thank-you notes, and improves their reading skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding and respecting differences
Explanation: As the postman visits different characters, each with unique traits, the story celebrates diversity and individuality without judgement.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the differences in people they meet and understand the value of diverse communities.
Example Lesson: Promoting problem-solving skills
Explanation: The postman encounters various challenges on his route that require creative solutions, reinforcing the importance of thinking critically.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in their daily activities, whether it’s figuring out puzzles or resolving conflicts with peers.