It’s almost December and the holiday season is upon us whether we like it or not. Here’s an easy way to knock some of those items off your “To-Do” list. Celebrate the wealth of artistic talent in Texas by buying books created by Texan authors and illustrators. I promise you’ll find something perfect for all the kids on your list!
Santa Knows by Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, illustrated by Steve Bjorkman
Every younger brother or sister will enjoy this original tale of a nasty older brother who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus and is proven wrong in the end. Sibling revenge fantasies aside, parents will also be relieved to discover a few “scientific” facts to support the existence of Santa Claus. 
Three Bears’ Christmas by Kathy Duval, illustrated by Paul Meisel
In this twist on the Goldilocks tale, Papa Bear, Mama Bear and Baby Bear go on a walk at Christmastime through the snowy woods in order to pass the time until their gingerbread has cooled off enough to eat. When the Bear family returns, they are surprised to find the gingerbread eaten, chairs broken and bed covers rumbled. Kids will love discovering the clues the Bears’ mysterious guest leaves behind.
Merry Christmas, Merry Crow by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by Jon Goodell
Celebrate the holidays with an industrious crow as it flies through a small town gathering bits and pieces to decorate its own outdoor Christmas tree.
Gingerbread Man Superhero! by Dotti Enderle, illustrated by Joe Kulka
Another traditional tale with a holiday twist! As the oven door opens, Gingerbread Man leaps out, shouting “Flour Power”! Then the cookie crusader takes off to save the world and sweet adventures commence!
A Christmas Carol Pop Up, by Chuck Fischer, paper engineering by Bruce Foster
Charles Dickens’s timeless fable, A Christmas Carol: A Pop-Up Book features artist Chuck Fischer’s richly painted depictions of the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, brought to life in intricate pop-up scenes by paper engineer Bruce Foster.
Rocky Mountain Night Before Christmas by Joe Gribnau and Salima Alikham When Santa loses his voice and all the reindeer get sick it is up to the tiny calf Sugar Lump and his cow friends to pull the sleigh and save Christmas.
Librarian’s Night Before Christmas by David R. Davis and Jim Harris A hard working librarian is surprised by Santa who with the help of his elves cleans up the library and puts away the books in a blink of an eye.
Christmas Kitten, Home at Last by Robin Pulver and Layne Johnson Santa and Mrs. Claus worry about what do with Cookie, a homeless kitten. Unable to keep the kitten themselves (Santa is allergic!), they luckily find a perfect home for a very special kitty.
Happy Holiday’s everyone! Wishing you and your family the most peaceful of new years!
Melissa Buron 