Newton's Book Notes ; Picture Books Illustrate Christmas' True Meaning

Summary

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Christmastime is the time of year for giving and thinking of others, especially those less fortunate. I've collected some beautiful picture books for the whole family to enjoy throughout December.

"Great Joy" by award winner Kate DiCamillo celebrates the essence of this special season. A young girl looks out of her window from high above to a busy downtown street corner. It soon will be Christmas, the air is cold, and snow is beginning to fall. Her mother is sewing the last part of her angel costume for the church play. She asks her mother where the organ grinder and his monkey go when it gets dark. Her mother replies that she doesn't know but that "everyone goes somewhere." The little girl stays up late to see where the old man goes and soon realizes he doesn't go anywhere - he stays on that same corner in the freezing cold. What she does to help this man is simple, but powerful, and sends a message to all who read about the power and joy of generosity. The breathtaking illustrations by Bagram Ibatoullineare set back in the middle of last century.

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Newton's Book Notes ; Picture Books Illustrate Christmas' True Meaning

"Antonella and Her Santa Claus," written by Barbara Augustin and illustrated by Gerhard Lahr, has an old European feeling. That could be because this book was first published in Germany in 1969. This new American publicati...

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