Curling up with a good book is a favorite pastime for book lovers eager to get lost in a new story, but winter adds an extra special touch of coziness. It’s the perfect time to grab a soft blanket, set a favorite drink and bowl of popcorn nearby, and settle in contentedly with the pages of a good book while watching gently falling snow. To help you get in the spirit of the season or shop for the reading enthusiasts on your list, we caught up with a few of the helpful librarians from Mason Public Library who share their favorite holiday book recommendations. All of these titles are available at Mason Public Library. For more information, visit MasonPL.org.
Kitschmasland!
By: Travis Smith
Now in its second edition, this book offers a whimsical glimpse into popular Christmas décor items from the 1950s through the 1970s. This retro revelation includes plenty of decorations and vintage examples of campy kitsch that the author refers to as “Kitschmas!” With more than 400 images and 160 pages, readers can find colorful images of vintage magazine covers that represent mid-century holiday décor and design elements. This nostalgic blast from the past is nominated by librarian Becky Gibson, who notes a personal interest and family history in this festive design throwback.
"I like this book because I collect Christmas decor from the 1950s. I have inherited all my mother’s Christmas decorations, as well as some of my grandma's decorations too.”
Happy Narwhalidays
By: Ben Clanton
Happy Narwhalidays is a New York Times bestselling book that is part of a graphic novel series. This fifth book of the series features three new stories with Narwhal and Jelly, who aim to spread some holiday cheer. Readers can learn about Narwhal’s favorite holiday and Jelly’s skepticism about the existence of the Merry Mermicorn (part mermaid, part unicorn). Youth services librarian Cheryl Vasan recommends this fun tale, which includes colorful illustrations by the author, Ben Clanton, for new and upcoming bookworms. The book series is recommended for children ages five to nine years old.
“I picked this because it is one of our most popular children’s holiday books from our collection. It checks out year-round!”
The Cookie Bible
By: Rose Levy Beranbaum
Described as the ultimate cookie book, librarian Mary Amoroso nominates The Cookie Bible as a must-read for any baker. This essential baking book includes all the best cookie recipes for the holidays and any day of the year. Inspired bakers can find more than 150 recipes that include classic cookies, such as Rose’s Dream Chocolate Chip and Double Ginger Molasses and holiday staples like Gingerbread Folks (with a special sturdy variation for gingerbread houses). This book also includes many innovative options for yet-to-be-discovered favorites like Black Tahini Crisps or Brownie Doughnuts. The author is known as the diva of desserts and her 13 books have been translated into many other languages.
The Christmas Spirit (and many more!)
By: Debbie Macomber
Debbie Macomber is the author of more than 20 holiday books, including The Christmas Spirit, Starry Night, Trading Christmas and Dashing Through the Snow. Librarian Lori Wernicke includes this book series that is described as hopeful and heartwarming, with romance that focuses on building relationships. This adult fiction writer also offers cookbooks, adult coloring books and children’s books. The author has released a Christmas-themed book or novella nearly every year since 1986, leaving readers with a rich diversity of stories and characters from which to find their next favorite book.
“Debbie Macomber's Christmas novels are light, easy to read and upbeat. I love that they are short enough to enjoy in an afternoon.”