6 Christmas Short Stories

Christmas picture books are some of the best books out there. Not only are the stories excellent, but the pictures are beautiful. Below are some of my favorites.

~ Annika’s Secret Wish – Beverly Lewis, illustrated by Pamela Querin
Annika wants one thing in the whole world – a black pony of her own. And she might have the chance to get it. According to Swedish Christmas tradition, whoever finds an almond in their rice pudding will have their wish come true. But her little brother Davy also has a wish; he wants to walk without a crutch. Who will find the almond and get their wish?

~ The Story of Holly and Ivy – Rumer Godden, illustrated by Barbara Cooney
A doll wants a girl to love her. Ivy wants a grandmother to care for her. Mrs. Jones longs for a little girl of her own. All think their wish will never come true but they forget there’s always hope during Christmas time ….

~ The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey – Susan Wojciechowski, illustrated by P. J. Lynch
Widower Jonathan Toomey is the grouchiest woodcarver in the valley. When Widow McDowell asks him to carve a nativity set and let her son Thomas watch, he begrudgingly agrees. But slowly the widow and Thomas warm him up and as the nativity comes together, so does Jonathan’s broken heart.

~ The Very Best Christmas Ever! – Emilie Barnes, illustrated by Michal Sparks
Emilie Marie and her friends have decided to start a Christmas club so they can share their traditions and celebrate the season together. Part story, part craft book, and all around fun.

~ The Crippled Lamb – Max Lucado, with Jenna, Andrea, and Sara Lucado, illustrated by Liz Bonham
Max Lucado created this story with his daughters during a game they played together. Joshua is an orphaned, spotted, crippled lamb who has no friends except Abigail the cow. Abigail assures him God has a special place for those who are left out but Joshua doesn’t believe her, especially when he gets left behind by the main herd and forced to spend the night in the stable. Then Mary and Joseph need something to keep the newborn King warm and only Joshua has the answer. One of the most unique and beautiful nativity stories.

~ The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree – Gloria Houston, illustrated by Barbara Cooney
It was supposed to be a Christmas Ruthie would never forget, one of the best ever. But Papa’s away at war and this was the year he was supposed to give the village church a Christmas tree. Mama’s determined to get that tree though and one night she and Ruthie set out to find the perfect tree.