2008 Woodie Awards
In My Book
Kerry Sullivan
Issue date: 12/7/04 Section: Arts & Entertainment
It's official; the holiday season is here. It's cold, it gets dark outside before many of us get out of class, and within the next two weeks, the Assumption community will be leaving campus for Winter Break. Some will be working; some will be traveling; but most will be going home to spend time with family and friends. And if your family is anything like mine, there will be lots of young children to entertain. So for this installment of "In My Book," I thought I'd share five Christmas stories that you can read to the little ones. Some are funny, some are poignant, some are classic, some are inspirational, but all will get you and your loved ones into the spirit of the season.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Recently made into a computer-animated feature film, Van Allsburg's picture book is perhaps most well known for its striking illustrations. The Polar Express tells the story of a boy who defies disbelievers taking a train ride to the North Pole to visit Santa. To rekindle the magic in your Christmas and to get young children excited for the jolly old man in red's visit on Christmas Eve, The Polar Express is just the ticket.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
The Grinch is a childhood favorite of many, but few realize that Dr. Seuss himself identified with the mean-spirited, holiday-hating Grinch. Theodor Geisel, better known by his pseudonym Dr. Seuss, avoided big holiday celebrations and never got "into the sentimentality" of the season. Instead, he preferred the quiet company of his family in Springfield, Massachusetts, much like the Grinch preferred to spend his Christmas seculded from the celebrating Who's of Who-ville.
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
The classic tale of the evening that St. Nick pays a visit to all the good little boys and girls of the world is filled with magical anticipation. The curious, expectant silence in the house juxtaposed to Santa's surprise visit has helped to make this rhyming picture book an annual favorite for many families on Christmas Eve, including my own.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Recently made into a computer-animated feature film, Van Allsburg's picture book is perhaps most well known for its striking illustrations. The Polar Express tells the story of a boy who defies disbelievers taking a train ride to the North Pole to visit Santa. To rekindle the magic in your Christmas and to get young children excited for the jolly old man in red's visit on Christmas Eve, The Polar Express is just the ticket.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
The Grinch is a childhood favorite of many, but few realize that Dr. Seuss himself identified with the mean-spirited, holiday-hating Grinch. Theodor Geisel, better known by his pseudonym Dr. Seuss, avoided big holiday celebrations and never got "into the sentimentality" of the season. Instead, he preferred the quiet company of his family in Springfield, Massachusetts, much like the Grinch preferred to spend his Christmas seculded from the celebrating Who's of Who-ville.
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
The classic tale of the evening that St. Nick pays a visit to all the good little boys and girls of the world is filled with magical anticipation. The curious, expectant silence in the house juxtaposed to Santa's surprise visit has helped to make this rhyming picture book an annual favorite for many families on Christmas Eve, including my own.