If you like giving books for the holidays, these two board books illustrated by Sara Gianassi are adorable! They capture the more
traditional feelings and ideals of the season, but also are just nice books. Perfect for stocking stuffers, these are practically must haves for everyone.
They do include the full text (or at least a few verses) of each song (therefore a few lines might not be as familiar to some people) and have the sweetest images for illustrations. Okay, maybe too sweet for some people (there are cute skunks, deer, birds, and even the trees and the actual colors are cute and sweet), but it fits the tone. Yes, they are Christian based, after all they are hymns and not just Christmas songs, but they do have a slight universal appeal.
Perhaps I was drawn a bit more to Joy to the World: A Christmas Song as it is a bouncy tune (and yes, you will be singing the words, I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t help myself) and it has some sweet skunk images. Silent Night: A Christmas Song is obviously softer, and overall, I find it a sad song, therefore, I am not pulled towards it as quickly. They are quick reads. And since I read both as reader copies (though they are available), I am not sure of exact dimensions, but they do seem to be on the smaller side and only about the usual handful of pages).
Now if you are looking for something for an older child, The Last Slice: A Three Kings Day Treat by Melissa Seron Richardson and illustrated by Monica Arnaldo, is the book you want. This picture book (available but read via an online reader copy) is the story of Three Kings Day. It focuses also on the anxiety the young narrator of the story has about fears of eating the toy baby Jesus hidden in the cake. The tradition is told through this journey she takes to allow herself the courage to do something a bit frightening to her (after all, what if she swallows it???? Will God be mad? And other interesting questions are asked). Again, it is slightly more religious in tone, but allows anyone to be able to read and enjoy it. The culture is a focus as well as the holiday/celebration itself. The family aspect is important , too. The illustrations are cartoon-like, but not cartoonish, and have a bright tone to them. The details are as needed, being supportive and not taking over the story.