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There’s something magical about curling up with a good book as the days grow shorter, the air turns crisp, and the glow of the holidays fills the house. If you’re looking for the perfect read-aloud to enjoy as a family this Christmas season, A World Full of Dickens Stories: 8 Best-Loved Classic Tales Retold for Children by Angela McAllister is one you’ll want to add to your bookshelf.
This beautifully illustrated collection brings Charles Dickens’ timeless tales to life in a way that children can understand and enjoy. With its gentle retellings and whimsical artwork, it’s the perfect way to introduce young readers to one of the world’s greatest storytellers — all while soaking in the warmth and lessons of the holiday season.
A Fresh Way to Experience the Classics
Many families love sharing classic stories, but Dickens’ original language can sometimes be challenging, especially for younger readers. Angela McAllister’s A World Full of Dickens Stories offers the perfect bridge — faithful to Dickens’ heart and moral lessons, but written in a clear, engaging way for children.
Inside, you’ll find eight beloved tales, including Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, David Copperfield, and of course, A Christmas Carol — one of the most treasured Christmas stories of all time.
Why “A Christmas Carol” Belongs in Your Holiday Reading
Few stories capture the spirit of Christmas quite like A Christmas Carol. The transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge from a cold-hearted miser to a man filled with generosity and joy reminds us all of the true meaning of the season.
In this retelling, McAllister captures that heartwarming message in a way that children can easily connect with — making it a perfect story to share year after year. Whether you’re reading it aloud by the fire, discussing its themes of kindness and gratitude during morning time, or pairing it with a fun holiday craft, this story is a wonderful way to slow down and savor the meaning of Christmas together.
Not to mention, they’ve made so many versions of this story as a movie, you’ll have lots of options to choose from once you’re done reading!
A Beautiful Gift for Families
Beyond its stories, A World Full of Dickens Stories is a gorgeous gift book. The illustrations by Jannicke Hansen are rich and inviting — full of cozy detail and Victorian charm. It’s the kind of book that children love to leaf through and adults love to display on the coffee table. (It’s current home in our house!)
This makes it a lovely holiday gift idea for fellow homeschoolers, grandparents, or any family who enjoys classic tales and quality storytelling. Perhaps it’s the “early Christmas gift.” Open it on December 1st with your kiddos and read as many classics as you can, ending with A Christmas Carol right before Christmas day!
I must confess, it’s mid-November and we’ve already read 2 of the book’s 8 stories. They’re just that good and enjoyable, I didn’t want to wait. The bears range in age from 5-12 and every single one of them sits on the couch and listens without any fuss or a million, “shhhhh, listen!”‘s.
A Perfect Addition to Your Homeschool or Family Library
If you love weaving literature into your homeschool days, this book is a treasure. It can be used for:
- Morning read-alouds leading up to Christmas
- Character lessons on generosity, kindness, and compassion
- Art inspiration from its beautifully illustrated pages (they’re seriously the definition of whimsical!)
- Connections to history and culture as you explore Dickens’ world together
A World Full of Dickens Stories isn’t just a book — it’s an invitation to slow down, read together, and reflect on what truly matters during the holidays.
Seize the Day(s)
As we move into this busy, beautiful time of year, stories like A Christmas Carol remind us of the joy found in giving, the beauty of change, and the warmth of family. Angela McAllister’s A World Full of Dickens Stories captures that spirit perfectly — making it a must-have for your Christmas reading list.
Reading a Dickens’ story in the evening or morning is also a VERY easy ritual to do to make the holidays memorable and meaningful without a lot of stress or money involved.
So, pour the cocoa, light the tree, and gather together for a story that’s full of heart, history, and holiday cheer.
