Unconventional Holiday Stories for Kids: Rocks and Monsters Take Center Stage

This Is Not a Christmas Book: A Rock-Loving Lizard’s Perspective

This Is Not a Christmas Book* *This Is a Book About Rocks by Jory John, illustrated by Pierre Collet-Derby (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 40 pages, ages 4-8), invites young readers into the world of geology through a humorous yet earnest lizard narrator. Despite his emphatic declaration that this is “NOT a Christmas book,” playful readers will quickly notice that the illustrations subtly betray him. Amidst a seemingly ordinary field of rocks, holiday-themed shapes informally join the scene—an elf wraps presents in the corner, and other figures from Christmas lore appear as distractions to the lizard's earnest lecture on rocks.

The lizard, dedicated to teaching about geology, is comically thwarted by the holiday whimsy that unfolds around him. The narrative cleverly combines educational content with comedic elements, encouraging children to engage with the story beyond just the words on the page. Each turn invites a new discovery, drawing the eye to details like a reindeer’s antlers or the unmistakable figure of Santa himself, who ultimately gifts the lizard a lump of coal—not quite the Christmas present most would hope for, but a fitting gift for a geology enthusiast.

This fusion of holiday cheer and educational insight not only amuses children but also reinforces a sense of curiosity about the natural world. Jory John’s clever storytelling and Collet-Derby’s lively illustrations will make this book a hit for those looking to blend festive fun with learning. The idea that this is a “This Is Not a Holidays book” suggests possibilities for future releases, potentially encouraging the exploration of other holidays and seasonal events through this entertaining lens.

Midnight Manor: A Whimsical Twist on Bedtime Stories

On a different note, Midnight Manor: A Backwards Bedtime Book by Sid Sharp (Annick Press, 36 pages, ages 4-8) offers a unique take on the bedtime story tradition. In this imaginative tale, the inhabitants of Midnight Manor—an eclectic array of monsters including goblins, banshees, and poltergeists—wake as the sun sets and prepare for their evening adventures. This reversal creates an engaging narrative that taps into nighttime themes without directly invoking Halloween, making it suitable for year-round reading.

Sharp’s depiction of these endearing monsters indulging in relatable nighttime routines—playing basketball, swimming with sharks during bath time, and winding down with stories—strikes a balance between playful creepiness and humor. For instance, when their basketball gets deflated, Hector, one of the creatures, cleverly detaches his own head to keep playing. These quirky details invite laughter and spark the imagination, showing that monsters can be as silly as they are spooky.

Thematically, Midnight Manor provides an avenue for children to explore their fears of the dark and creatures that inhabit it. By portraying monsters as friendly and relatable, the book helps to demystify nighttime fears, representing the idea that even the most unconventional characters can experience warm, mundane moments that lead to a sense of comfort. Furthermore, fans of classic bedtime stories will catch a nod to Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight, Moon, as the tale wraps up with a series of goodnights, establishing a familiar rhythm that might be comforting for young listeners.

Why These Books Matter

In a sea of holiday-themed children's literature, both books stand out for their original approaches. They deviate from conventional storytelling by introducing readers to lizard narrators and playful monsters, making them ideal for ages 4-8 who seek both humor and a bit of the unexpected in their reading journeys. The merging of educational elements with holiday or bedtime themes can foster conversations between parents and children about geology, nighttime routines, and the playful nature of holidays—delivering lessons wrapped in laughter and imagination.

As families approach the holiday season, titles like these carve a niche in the festive book market. They provide not just entertainment, but also teach kids to appreciate the quirks of storytelling, sparking their imaginations in new ways. Given Jory John’s popularity, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more unconventional storylines emerge, while Sid Sharp’s whimsical take invites readers to rethink the nature of bedtime books altogether.

Both This Is Not a Christmas Book and Midnight Manor offer significant insights into the art of storytelling for children. They serve as reminders that books can be light-hearted yet educational, engaging young minds in conversations that transcend page numbers. As parents search for literature during this festive time, these selections might not just find their way into stockings but also into the hearts of children forever enchanted by the unconventional.