Three tales to recount three historic Christmas nights. We leave for Greccio, in Italy, where Saint Francis of Assisi created the first nativity scene in 1223, to Oberndorf in the Austrian Alps where the song Silent Night resonated for the first time in 1818, then to the Western Front in 1914 , during the Christmas truce which briefly suspended the fighting of the Great War. Tastefully illustrated, these beautiful stories reveal the traditions and spirit of Christmas. They will captivate young readers as much as their parents.
From 7 years old. Aimée Simon and Thomas Tessier, Mame, 48 pages, 17.90 euros.
Christmas for toddler
This board book allows very young children, aged 1 to 4, to discover the major stages surrounding the birth of Jesus. With its colorful illustrations, the work depicts the emblematic figures of the Nativity, ranging from Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary to the angel Gabriel, including the shepherds alerted by the angels and the Three Wise Men. The concise text guides readers from the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will bear the baby Jesus, to Epiphany, which celebrates the visit of the Three Wise Men.
“Christmas for toddlers”, Mechtilde Savigny, Éditions des Petits Chouans, 12 pages, 12 euros.
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The legend of Saint Nicholas
Three little boys lost in the forest knock on the door of a house. They find themselves prisoners of a butcher who locks them in a barrel to cook them. Fortunately Saint Nicholas comes to deliver them. Faithful to the spirit of the albums Father Beaver Created by Paul Faucher in 1931 to stimulate the imagination of young readers, we discover the famous legend of Saint Nicholas who brings gifts on December 6 to good children. Special mention for the illustrations produced in screen printing (stencil).
“The legend of Saint-Nicolas”, from 4 years old. Robert Giraud and Julia Wauters, Flammarion Jeunesse, 32 pages, 9.50 euros.
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The three shepherds
One night, young shepherds learn from angels of the birth of a king. Hoping to enter his service and thus become rich, they set out to meet him. To their great surprise, this journey leads them to a simple baby. The Virgin Mary then reveals to them the message that her newborn baby came to give to the world. A text of beautiful literary quality and spiritual depth accessible to little ones, carried by lively and tender drawings.
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“The three shepherds”, from 4 years old. Jacqueline de Kersabiec and Joëlle d'Abadie, Pierre Téqui publisher, 20 pages, 8.50 euros.
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Grandma's Christmas stories
A little girl who awaits the return of her father who left for the front during the Great War, a little camel driver who is heading towards Bethlehem, a Norman doctor awakened from his sleep during Christmas night… In six short stories, this work transports us to across different times and places, where the universal values of Christmas shine despite adversities. Each tale features characters who, faced with trials, demonstrate courage, kindness and charity. Texts which are reminiscent of the style of the Countess of Ségur.
“Grandma’s Christmas Tales”, ages 10 and up. Maryse Galvez du Gor, Via Romana, 56 pages, 15 euros.
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Christmas, recipes, stories and traditions to share with family
This family book is a real treasure for those who want to delve into the fascinating world of Christmas traditions. Through tales inspired by oral legends, gourmet recipes, and joyful songs, he explores the origins and meanings of the most emblematic customs of this celebration. Why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25? Why do we decorate a tree and give each other gifts? How to make the 13 desserts of Provence? A wealth of ideas for preparing for Christmas with the family.
“Christmas, recipes, stories and traditions to share with family”, Sophie de Mullenheim and Marie Muravski, Mame, 128 pages, 24.90 euros.
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