As the holiday season approaches in December 2025, finding the perfect book for a young reader can be a challenge. Barbra Hesson has curated a selection of new and noteworthy children's titles that promise to inspire, entertain, and become cherished additions to any family's library this festive month.
A Festive Tale of Words and Wonder
Leading the December recommendations is 'The Gift of Words' by Peter H. Reynolds, published by Orchard Books. This picture book tells the story of Jerome, who searches his wintry surroundings for joyful words but initially finds only cold and worrisome ones. Undeterred, he gathers his own treasured vocabulary and takes them downtown to find the perfect tree to decorate.
Soon, friends and family contribute, adding their favourite words and stringing together phrases of optimism. The tree's branches "explode with words that inspire, encourage and bring hope." Hesson highlights the book's vibrant, playful illustrations and its powerful positive message, noting it will be a unique addition to Christmas collections. She suggests the story will motivate both educators and families to create their own trees of positivity.
Holiday Humour from the Food Group
For fans of humorous picture books, Hesson points to 'Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas' by Jory John, illustrated by Pete Oswald from HarperCollins Children’s Books. This latest installment in the popular Food Group Series follows the Big Cheese as he plans what he intends to be the biggest, best, and funniest Christmas party ever.
The plans are detailed with humorous illustrations and fun text, but a washing machine disaster threatens to ruin everything. With help from his friend Wedge Wedgeman, the Big Cheese discovers a new, simpler, and cozier venue. The story delivers a heartwarming lesson that Christmas is about time with friends, not glitz, promising to make children laugh and reflect on what the season means to them.
Building Stronger Communities Together
Moving beyond the holidays, Hesson recommends 'Together, A Book About Community' by Elise Gravel, published by North Winds Press. This book uses strange and brightly illustrated creatures to demonstrate the benefits of community and how working together makes us stronger.
Through simple text and clear examples, it explains how we are safer, more efficient, and happier when we stick up for each other, share, support, and show respect. Hesson notes this is an excellent book to open conversations with children about how others can make them feel secure and how they can, in turn, help create a caring environment for others.
A Classic Introduction for Early Readers
For young readers ready for chapter books, Hesson features 'Anne of Green Gables: The Chapter Book Collection' by Kallie George from Tundra Books. This six-book collection introduces early readers to the mischievous and charming adventures of Anne Shirley, the iconic redheaded orphan who surprises siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert when they were expecting a boy to help on their farm.
Each book contains a single story from Anne's life at home, school, and in the community, with vibrant illustrations bringing Green Gables to life. Hesson recommends this collection as a wonderful gift and a perfect introduction to chapter books, praising its humorous, real-life stories that will encourage children to later explore L.M. Montgomery's original series.
Barbra Hesson's December 2025 selections offer a diverse range of stories, from festive celebrations to timeless lessons on community and classic Canadian literature, ensuring there's a perfect book for every young reader on your list this holiday season.