Fun New Christmas Books from Sterling Children's Books - Including A Fun Pirate Retelling of a Christmas Classic, a Reindeer Strike and More... (Book Reviews)

Disclosure:  I was sent books from the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Looking for some cute Christmas books to share at bedtime with your children, this upcoming holiday season?  Then, look no further than Sterling Publishing, one of my favorite children's publishers, as they recently released four books, perfect for kids of all ages, that your family will enjoy this holiday season and for years to come.

First up is "A Pirate's Night Before Christmas."  Just like the title sounds, this is a fun retelling of the classic "The Night Before Christmas."  

'Twas the night before Christmas aboard the Black Sark, 

Not a creature was stirrin', not even a shark!

Published: October 2014
Age range: from 3 to 6
32 pages
ISBN: 1-4549-1357-6
ISBN13: 9781454913573
$6.95 US
$7.95 Canadian
Paperback with Flaps
all in color
11 X 10

Unlike this classic tale, which follows children getting ready for Santa's arrival, this story takes place on a pirate's ship, and has Santa and his reindeer replaced with Sir Peggedy driving eight giant seahorses.

Synopsis:

"Come aboard, young mateys, for a humorous, colorful, and thoroughly piratical retelling of "The Night Before Christmas!" On a ship of mischievous brigands—who have visions of treasure chests, not sugar plums, dancing in their heads—you wouldn't expect a visit from jolly St. Nick. Instead, here comes Sir Peggedy, with his peg leg and hook arm, cracking his whip and driving eight giant seahorses: Salty, Scurvy, Sinbad, Mollie, Cutthroat, Cross-Eyes, Roger, and Jolly. But even buccaneers can catch the holiday spirit …

Philip Yates's rollicking rhymes and Sebastiá Serra's sprightly, fun-filled pictures turn Clement C. Moore's Christmas perennial into a jubilant celebration."

Both of my girls loved this story, which was filled with colorful illustrations and a fun story that had them laughing as we turned the pages.  I can see this pirates tale becoming a classic holiday tale that will be reached for and read time and again, with both boys and girls enjoying this page turner. :-)

If pirates are not your child's thing, how about a reindeer rebellion?  Yes, you read that right -- Santa's reindeer are fed up with all of Santa's demands are going on strike in "The Great Reindeer Rebellion". 

'Twas the week before Christmas, and somewhere up north, 
dear Santa was frantic-he paced back and forth. 
He had just heard some news that he sure didn't like: 
it seemed that the reindeer were going on STRIKE!"

Published: October 2014
Age range: 4 upwards
32 pages
ISBN: 1-4549-1356-8
ISBN13: 9781454913566
$6.95 US
$7.95 Canadian
Paperback with Flaps
all in color
10 X 10

Santa thinks that it will be easy to fill their shoes, but he learns through failed auditions with other animals, that he needs the reindeer in order to deliver the toys to all the boys and girls on Christmas Eve.  

Synopsis:

"Oh, no! There's trouble brewing in the North Pole: Santa's reindeer have gone on strike and he's auditioning other animals to take their place. But when the cats abandon station to chase some mice and the elephants fall through the roof, what's Santa to do? Will his eight trusty reindeer ever fly again? This playful take on “The Night Before Christmas” gives kids a fun behind-the-scenes peek into Santa's workshop."

Kids of all ages will, especially little ones will love this cute story, that is filled with colorful illustrations that bring the story to life.  My girls loved listening to the story and seeing the different animals, including cats, elephants and even kangaroos try out to be apart of Santa's sleigh pulling team.  

Do the reindeer and Santa make up and work out their differences for a more amicable relationship?  You will just have to pick up this cute holiday storybook to find out! :-)

After you are done reading, "The Great Reindeer Rebellion," why not share "When, When, When will it be Christmas?"  

Published: October 2014
Age range: from 2 to 5
32 pages
ISBN: 1-907152-27-X
ISBN13: 9781907152276
$16.95 US
$18.95 Canadian
Hardcover with Jacket
all in color
12 1/2 X 9

Have your children asking when Christmas is?  Both of my girls are, and can't wait for the tree to go up, so that Santa has a place to put all their presents.  

Synopsis:

"Look—what do you see? Red, red berries, and a green, green tree. Ballerina mice frosting a snowy white cake, and pretty wrapping, bows, and tape. All the signs are in the air—it's almost that time of year. But when, when, when will Christmas be here? Come celebrate with this festive picture book from Cathy MacLennan. It's all dressed up in bright Christmas colors and filled with rhythm and rhyme to create the happiest holiday experience."

So, when I read this story to them the other day, I showed how they weren't the only ones eagerly awaiting Santa's arrival.   This cute rhyming storybook introduces little ones to a group of birdies, rabbits, reindeer, kittens and even mice, as they ask, "When will it be Christmas?" over and over again, until the big day arrives.   

This book would be a perfect addition to bedtime reading as you and your kids count down until Santa's arrival, until you arrive at Christmas Eve, where you can share this story followed by another recent Sterling Children's Book release, "The Night Before Christmas" by Clement C. Moore.

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house …

Published: October 2014
Age range: 5 upwards
40 pages
ISBN: 1-4549-1355-X
ISBN13: 9781454913559
$6.95 US
$7.95 Canadian
Paperback with Flaps
9 1/4 X 11 1/2

I grew up having my parents reading this classic holiday poem to my brothers and I, as we set out Santa's cookies and milk, and got ready to try and sleep, as we waiting for Santa to arrive.  Out of all the books I have owned over the years and have read this classic holiday poem from, I have to say this new edition, which has illustrations done by Tom Browning is by far my favorite.  

Synopsis:

"For decades families have gathered together to read Clement C. Moore's enchanting holiday poem. Featuring beautiful original illustrations by award-winning artist Tom Browning, this stunning edition stands apart from the rest. Browning has created a classic Saint Nick—the quintessential round, jolly, white-bearded figure that everyone imagines. The look is timeless, filled with warmth and sentiment: exactly what Christmas should be.

The story's enduring charm and Browning's memorable art make The Night Before Christmas a must-have for any child who is just discovering the tale—and every adult who has loved it forever."

The illustrations bring this classic holiday poem to life, and are simply amazing -- full of color and life, making this this perfect Christmas Eve book to end the night with the kids, as you wait for Santa's arrival.  

We will be reading this book for sure on Christmas Eve this year, and for many years to come, and I plan to pick up a few more copies to store away, so that I can give to my girls when they get older and have children of their own, so that they can continue the holiday tradition of reading this classic poem as Christmas approaches.

In addition to these four new releases from Sterling Children's books, this children's publisher also has many other great Christmas themed books you can purchase and share with your kids.  Why not try something fun and buy 25 books, and read a book a night with your children, as a fun countdown to Christmas.  

While advent calendars are fun, spending quality time reading with your children is priceless and one that they will remember for years to come. Not only will they develop a love for books and reading, but they will love looking to snuggling up close to you each and every night, to read a new book.


Visit Sterling Children's Books today to browse their selection of holiday books and more, as well as purchase the above new releases, to add to your family's collection of holiday books, that you will read year after year.

Disclosure:  I was sent books from the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.