Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2023 i Storytime

When Maria woke up in her bed, it was still dark… but she felt thirsty. Rubbing her eyes, she padded across the landing to get a drink of water. As she peered over the banister, she saw the living room with its brightly decorated tree. The floor was strewn with colourful wrapping paper and the many gifts that the children had received. Then, Maria saw something move by the wall. There were dozens of mice! They weren’t scurrying, either, but marching in neat columns. In front was a mouse king in a crown… “Follow me!” he squeaked loudly. “We will conquer the house tonight!” There was a rattling sound, and a little red figure came out from behind the sideboard. It was a nutcracker in the shape of a soldier.…

In it, they found a little baby girl with golden hair. “We have no children,” said the woman, “so let us take this child in and raise her as our own!” Her husband gladly agreed, and they took the baby home with them. Because she was sweet-natured and had golden hair, they named her Honey. They gave her cow’s milk from a baby’s bottle made of clay and put her in a wooden cradle in front of the fire. At that time, people in the Netherlands often kept their animals in their homes over winter, as this helped them keep warm! While Honey slept, she was watched over by the cows in their pen at the other end of the room… The family also had a fine furry cat. They…

→ YOU CAN’T LET AN ELEPHANT PULL SANTA’S SLEIGH by Patricia Cleveland-Peck, illustrated by David lazzyman (Bloomsbury) features lots of animals - and the bouncy rhyming text lists very good reasons why you wouldn’t want them to help with various Christmas tasks! The art is amazing, with a loose, colourful style that captures the character of each creature… → HELLO WINTER by Jo Lindley (Farshore) is part of a series of beautifully illustrated books set on Season Isle. It stars the seasons in the form of four cute fairy kids - but the others don’t like hanging out with Winter because she makes things too frosty. Don’t worry, though - this tale has an ending that celebrates difference and the wonders of the chilly season! → POETRY PROMPTS by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by…

But King Wenceslas did not join in the celebrations. Instead, he went for a walk on the battlements of his castle. The wind was bitterly cold that night, and he pulled his fur robe tightly around his shoulders. Wenceslas stared out across the land. The moon shone brightly in the sky, and snow lay on the ground. In the distance, near the edge of a pine forest, he saw a figure struggling through the deep drifts. What were they doing out on such a chilly night? The king clapped his hands, and his young page came running. The boy’s name was Vaclav, and he shivered in the cold. “What do you need, Your Majesty?” the page asked. “Who is that poor soul out there?” Little Vaclav peered at the distant…

Saint Nicholas! Unlike the other beings on this list, he actually existed! He lived during the late Roman Empire and was the bishop of Myra, in Turkey. He is said to have given his wealth to the poor – by throwing gold coins through their windows! His generosity was legendary. Santa Claus and many other Christmas characters were inspired by him. Krampus! He is a furry horned monster that prowls through the Alps of Europe on the night before the Feast of Saint Nicholas (6th of December). Krampus scares naughty children by rattling chains, and leaves coal in their stockings! The Yule Goat! This invisible farm animal is supposed to bring presents at Christmastime - though he sometimes makes mischief, too. Giant straw versions of him are still made in…

Kong He was a commander in the armies of the Duke of Lu. He was over two metres tall and incredibly strong. Battlefields were dangerous places, but Kong He was not afraid of charging into combat! When he was ordered to attack the enemy castle of Bi Yang, he led his men through an open gate - but discovered too late that his foes had let them into a trap! They began lowering the castle’s iron gate, planning to capture the commander and his men inside. But brave Kong He stepped forward and held the heavy gate on his broad shoulders so his troops could escape. For saving his men, he was given many awards. When the war was over, a weary Kong He went back to his young wife,…

THE MORE, THE MERRIER! By now, you might have held your first Story Club meeting - we hope it went well! The next thing to do is let more people know about your club, so they con join in the fun! MAKING POSTERS! Why not turn promoting Story Club into a fun activity by getting your members to draw posters about it - featuring scenes from their favourite tales? Don’t forget to include information about what your club does and when and where it meets! LET PEOPLE KNOW! The posters can be put on noticeboards in school libraries and other places where interested kids might spot them. You can also ask teachers to mention your club and what it does at school assemblies or in newsletters. Don’t worry too much…