Santa Claus is coming to town!
The Friends of the Chester Public Library will host Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 19 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Municipal Center's Multipurpose Room. In addition to breakfast, kids will have a Polaroid picture taken with Santa, hear some stories, and make some crafts. Tickets are $5 per person. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Chester Public Library. For more information about this event, go to http://www.chesterlibrary.com/libraryevents.html.
Can't wait to bring your kids to see Santa on the 19th? Reading some Santa stories to your children may usher the jolly fellow into their imaginations. Jan Brett's "The Night Before Christmas" brings Clement Moore's popular Christmas poem to life. Brett, a popular children's book illustrator, created numerous colorful images that enhance "The Night Before Christmas" verses. This book is a great introduction to children who have never had this story read to them.
Looking for something new? Try "Stick Man" by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Stick Man lives in a tree with his family of sticks. What happens to Stick Man when he decides to go out for a jog? How does he end up meeting Santa Claus? This amusing story, written in verse, is sure to become another popular holiday story for children.
Another excellent picture book that may be a longer read than the titles mentioned above is "Santa Calls" by William Joyce. Art Atchinson Aimesworth, a whiz kid, receives an invitation from Santa to come up to Toyland. Why does Santa invite Art? What does Art find in Toyland? Children will find Art's adventure very intriguing.
Adults never grow out of Santa tales and there are plenty available. Mystery lovers may enjoy Mary and Carol Higgins Clark's Yuletide Mystery series. Mary Higgins Clark's characters, Alvirah and Will Meehan, are joined with Carol Higgins Clark's character, Regan Reilly, to resolve several holiday mysteries starting with "Deck the Halls," followed by "He Sees You When You're Sleeping," and "The Christmas Thief." The fourth title is "Santa Cruise," and the latest title available is "Dashing Through the Snow."
Another title for adult readers is "Secret Santa" by Robert Tate Miller. In this story, newspaper reporter Rebecca Chandler finds it tough to retain her holiday spirit. Will her assignment to find the person acting as a Secret Santa, who gives generously each year to a needy soul, give Chandler some holiday cheer?
For other great holiday stories, come to the Chester Public Library. We have a Christmas shelf in the Children's Room filled with many picture books. We also have other holiday stories and movies scattered within our collection for all ages to enjoy.
Have a holiday story that you recommend? Make a comment in the online version of this article at www.derrynews.com, or comment on our Library blog at www.chesterpubliclibrary.wordpress.com.
We'd love to read your holiday picks. Happy Holidays from the Chester Public Library!
