Max's Christmas by Rosemary Wells

Day 7
It is Christmas eve. Max has so many questions about Santa and his impending visit. Why? Who? When? How? Ruby, his older sister, eventually runs out of answers and simply says:

because

Ruby ensures Max follows his bathroom routine of washing and teeth cleaning then she tucks him to bed.  But Max is a curious boy and so after she is gone he sneaks downstairs determined to meet Santa Claus. The wait is long and Max falls asleep. The whoosh down the chimney wakes him and he meets the man in red. Santa pops his hat over Max's eyes so the visit can remain a secret and then as Santa works to deliver the presents for the children, he answers more of Max's questions until finally he also says:

because

On Christmas morning Ruby comes downstairs and finds Max asleep on the lounge. He is wearing a strange hat. Ruby asks "What happened, Max? Who were you talking to? Where did you get that hat? Max! Why is your blanket so humpy and bulgy?  It is time for Max to answer:

because

Every Christmas I share Max's Christmas with our youngest children. I know this is an odd thing to say but I love the video by Weston Woods (watch part of it here) even more than the print book. Somehow the extra musical touches and facial expressions, especially of Ruby, extend the words on the page in a perfect way.

I do have some good news. Max's Christmas is an old book (1986) but it is still in print and in paperback. You can also buy an iTunes version. I don't think Max's Christmas needs a lot of discussion questions but I did find this set of teaching notes.

Rosemary Wells has two splendid Christmas titles - Max's Christmas and Morris's Disappearing bag.

I even own this cute Max toy. He is one of my story chest treasures.

There are so many books about Max and his sister Ruby. Picture books, simple chapter books and board books.  Here are three: