Tomie de Paola's Christmas Books

What better time to share new stories with your children than at Christmas time? Tomie de Paola, a beloved children's author and illustrator, has created many wonderful Christmas books for families and for children. Several of these books are based on folk Christmas legends from different cultures, including Italy, France, and Mexico.

Reading one or a few of these stories help children get a feel of what Christmas is like in a different country. If your family originally hails from one of these countries, reading these books with your children is a great way to share some of the flavors of their ancestors and to help them connect with their cultural tradition. 

The illustrations in all of Tomie de Paola's books are endearing with bright colors and stylized characters. Children are charmed by their simple shapes and welcome feel. Yet these illustrations are very beautiful as well and add layers to the story all in themselves.

Any of these books will be welcomed Christmas visitors to your family. They can be read again and again each year as a way to bring some of the Christmas spirit to life in your home.

The Night of Las Posadas, by Tomie de Paola, tells the story of the tradition of re-enacting Mary and Joseph's search for a place to lay their heads, as Mary's time to give birth approaches. The villagers make a procession from house to house, asking for a room and are sent away each time.

Strega Nona has given up her potions and spells because "Christmas has a magic of its own." She wants to prepare a big feast for the townspeople. but her assistant, Big Anthony, bumbles along and messes up his attempts to fetch the supplies. Poor Strega Nova fears she will be spending Christmas alone. However, her expectations are not to be realized because there is a big surprise in store for her.

From Mexico comes this charming story of a little girl who gives of herself and of a flower that blooms deep in the winter as a symbol of Christmas.

Tomie de Paola's illustrations bring life into the village life of Mexico where this story originates. His characteristic drawings exude the beauty of a Mexican community at Christmas time.

Tomie de Paola draws from his Italian heritage yet again for this tale about an eccentric old woman who is searching for the Christ child. She searches high and low, but will she find the desire of her heart?

Have you ever wanted to give someone a present so much, but didn't have any money or resources? Who ever said that the best gifts are material gifts? The gifts of the heart are true gifts that any of us can give. This is an old story about a young clown who thinks he has nothing to offer a special child.

Based on an old French legend, Tomie de Paola tells the story of a clown who wants to give a gift to the Christ child. Having nothing to give but himself, the little clown gives the only gift he can -- he juggles for Baby Jesus.

Here's a collection of Tomie de Paola's Christmas stories.

Three Christmas stories are included in this volume: The Legend of Las Posadas, The Legend of the Poinsettia, and The Three Kings.

This is a great way to share three of Tomie de Paola's Christmas stories with your family.

Here's another Christmas offering from Tomie de Paola! It will come as no surprise to you when I tell you that Tomie de Paola's favorite holiday is Christmas. He has sure written and illustrated many Christmas books!

This book illustrates the old Christmas carol "The Friendly Beasts." Tomie's illustrations are endearing, as each animal adds his presence around the manger scene.

Christmas Books for Children
A collection of Christmas books to share with your children.