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Angelina Ballerina
Angelina's Christmas
Angelina wants to take Christmas cookies to old Mr. Bell, who lives alone. But her cousin Henry has something else in mind for the cookies What happens next results in some magic moments and the discovery that there is a Santa Claus living in their own village.
24 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 1986
About the author
Katharine Holabird
294 books83 followersKatharine Holabird is an American writer, best known as the author of the Angelina Ballerina series.
As a child, Holabird was an avid reader who loved fairy tales and stories about heroic animals, and she frequently saw ballets like Cinderella and Swan Lake with her grandmother. The young, imaginative Holabird loved animals, playing in her tree house, and dancing with her sisters. In 1969, she received a B.A. in literature from Bennington College in Vermont and then worked at Bennington College as a literary editor for a year after her graduation. Holabird then found herself in Italy as a freelance journalist where she met her husband, Michael Haggiag. The two married in 1974 and moved to London where she continued to write and worked at a nursery school.
In 1983, her first children’s book, Angelina Ballerina, was published. Holabird’s son, Adam, was her inspiration for the character Henry, and Angelina’s character was inspired by her daughters’ love for dressing up and dancing. Holabird wrote the first draft of Angelina Ballerina at the kitchen table with her daughters dancing around her. In fact, the Angelina books were originally about a girl, but then Craig drew a mouse, and Holabird loved it. “The impulsive character of Angelina came alive,” says Holabird, “and seemed to pirouette off the page with enthusiasm and energy, while her plump and ebullient body expressed drama and attitude in every twitch of her tail.” Angelina is a very emotional character; she is sensitive and often bursts into tears right before offering an apology. She struggles with her conscience but always ends up doing the right thing—which is very familiar to many young children. The universal childhood themes in Angelina include friendship, jealousy, loyalty, & dedication. Holabird’s goal was to realistically portray the difficulties of growing up. According to Holabird, it is a ballerina book for “all the passionate little dancers and performers in the world,” including her own two daughters, which is why she “decided to explore the impulsive, highly emotional character of a small but determined ballerina.”
The first American edition of Angelina Ballerina was published in 1984. A year later, Holabird received the Kentucky Bluegrass Award for Angelina Ballerina. In 1986 and 1987, she received the ALA Notable Book Awards. Angelina’s Christmas was selected as Child Study Association’s Children’s Book of the Year in 1987. The following year, Holabird and Craig published Alexander and the Dragon, their first Alexander book; it is aimed at preschool children who want to be consoled about bedtime monsters. In 1990, Holabird wrote the Alexander sequel, Alexander and the Magic Boat, which portrays a strong mother/son relationship while the two go on a voyage to imaginary worlds. Also in 1990, Holabird received the British Book Design and Production award.
In 1999, HIT Entertainment in London (known for Thomas the Tank Engine, Bob the Builder, and Barney) secured the rights for Angelina Ballerina and commissioned Grand Slamm Children's Films to make an animated TV pilot. HIT also developed a lot of Angelina merchandise. Angelina made her worldwide television debut in 2001 on CITV in the United Kingdom. In 2002, the Angelina series premiered on PBS Kids TV in the United States. Angelina Ballerina’s Invitation to the Ballet received the prestigious Oppenheim Platinum Award in the U.S. in 2004. That same year, Angelina was named the official spokesperson of National Dance Week in the United States. In 2005, Angelina made her debut on PBS Kids Sprout, a twenty-four-hour digital television channel for preschoolers in the U.S.
As a child, Holabird was an avid reader who loved fairy tales and stories about heroic animals, and she frequently saw ballets like Cinderella and Swan Lake with her grandmother. The young, imaginative Holabird loved animals, playing in her tree house, and dancing with her sisters. In 1969, she received a B.A. in literature from Bennington College in Vermont and then worked at Bennington College as a literary editor for a year after her graduation. Holabird then found herself in Italy as a freelance journalist where she met her husband, Michael Haggiag. The two married in 1974 and moved to London where she continued to write and worked at a nursery school.
In 1983, her first children’s book, Angelina Ballerina, was published. Holabird’s son, Adam, was her inspiration for the character Henry, and Angelina’s character was inspired by her daughters’ love for dressing up and dancing. Holabird wrote the first draft of Angelina Ballerina at the kitchen table with her daughters dancing around her. In fact, the Angelina books were originally about a girl, but then Craig drew a mouse, and Holabird loved it. “The impulsive character of Angelina came alive,” says Holabird, “and seemed to pirouette off the page with enthusiasm and energy, while her plump and ebullient body expressed drama and attitude in every twitch of her tail.” Angelina is a very emotional character; she is sensitive and often bursts into tears right before offering an apology. She struggles with her conscience but always ends up doing the right thing—which is very familiar to many young children. The universal childhood themes in Angelina include friendship, jealousy, loyalty, & dedication. Holabird’s goal was to realistically portray the difficulties of growing up. According to Holabird, it is a ballerina book for “all the passionate little dancers and performers in the world,” including her own two daughters, which is why she “decided to explore the impulsive, highly emotional character of a small but determined ballerina.”
The first American edition of Angelina Ballerina was published in 1984. A year later, Holabird received the Kentucky Bluegrass Award for Angelina Ballerina. In 1986 and 1987, she received the ALA Notable Book Awards. Angelina’s Christmas was selected as Child Study Association’s Children’s Book of the Year in 1987. The following year, Holabird and Craig published Alexander and the Dragon, their first Alexander book; it is aimed at preschool children who want to be consoled about bedtime monsters. In 1990, Holabird wrote the Alexander sequel, Alexander and the Magic Boat, which portrays a strong mother/son relationship while the two go on a voyage to imaginary worlds. Also in 1990, Holabird received the British Book Design and Production award.
In 1999, HIT Entertainment in London (known for Thomas the Tank Engine, Bob the Builder, and Barney) secured the rights for Angelina Ballerina and commissioned Grand Slamm Children's Films to make an animated TV pilot. HIT also developed a lot of Angelina merchandise. Angelina made her worldwide television debut in 2001 on CITV in the United Kingdom. In 2002, the Angelina series premiered on PBS Kids TV in the United States. Angelina Ballerina’s Invitation to the Ballet received the prestigious Oppenheim Platinum Award in the U.S. in 2004. That same year, Angelina was named the official spokesperson of National Dance Week in the United States. In 2005, Angelina made her debut on PBS Kids Sprout, a twenty-four-hour digital television channel for preschoolers in the U.S.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 16, 2024
A sweet story about involving the lonely at Christmas. I really liked the message of this one--nice to find a children's Christmas book that isn't about presents. Would be a good choice for young readers with a holiday performance coming up.
December 5, 2008
I'm predisposed to adore Angelina so I may be a bit biased in my review. Still, I thought this was a nice little story about sharing the joys of Christmas with others (and the unexpected rewards that can come from giving for the sake of giving alone!)
December 9, 2023
After peeking in his window at Christmastime, Angelina befriends a lonely, retired postman who in turn helps cheer up her cousin Henry, who is sulking about not being able to meet Santa.
I never got into the Angelina Ballerina franchise and this wisp of a story does nothing to draw me into her world. Being a kind peeping tom who dances ballet is not much of a personality.
I never got into the Angelina Ballerina franchise and this wisp of a story does nothing to draw me into her world. Being a kind peeping tom who dances ballet is not much of a personality.
December 21, 2019
Yeah there's a nice ending to the story and the illustrations are well done but they want me to just pretend like Angelina bullying Henry never happened and I can't do it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2022
I just love the pictures!
Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: Santa Claus is in the story. A boy whines.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
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Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: Santa Claus is in the story. A boy whines.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
December 15, 2021
Angelina decides to help make an elderly man's Christmas a little less lonely, while cousin Henry finds a new way to believe in Santa Claus.
With adorable illustrations by Helen Craig.
With adorable illustrations by Helen Craig.
December 14, 2018
I remember reading this book as a kid and being obsessed with the costumes worn in "The Nutcracker" scenes in here, as well as the cozy cookie baking scenes! The story itself is a good one, but personally I think Helen Craig's artwork is really what makes this such a lovely Christmas book.
December 24, 2025
My all-time favorite Angelina book and favorite Christmas picture book. The color palette, costumes, and coziness get me every time.
December 14, 2018
Beautiful illustrations and a heartfelt message of friendship and family.
December 26, 2018
Such a sweet, heartwarming Christmas story. This is vintage Angelina at its finest. Great wat to teach the true meaning of Christmas. Love the classic style of illustration.
June 17, 2026
ANGELINA’S CHRISTMAS by Katharine Holabird is a classroom favorite that belongs in every library.
When Angelina notices her elderly neighbor Mr. Bell spending Christmas alone, she enlists cousin Henry to help spread holiday cheer. Henry, meanwhile, is determined to finally meet Santa Claus and discovers that a real Santa lives right in their town. Both Henry and Mr. Bell get their Christmas wishes in this heartwarming tale.
What makes this book special is its beautiful message of kindness and compassion. Angelina's thoughtfulness toward Mr. Bell teaches young readers to notice those who might be lonely and need friendship. This theme meshes perfectly with the Christmas spirit, making it ideal for holiday read aloud with lessons that last all year.
As with all of Angelina’s books, my students request this book again and again.
This is a must-have for any personal or classroom library. I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
When Angelina notices her elderly neighbor Mr. Bell spending Christmas alone, she enlists cousin Henry to help spread holiday cheer. Henry, meanwhile, is determined to finally meet Santa Claus and discovers that a real Santa lives right in their town. Both Henry and Mr. Bell get their Christmas wishes in this heartwarming tale.
What makes this book special is its beautiful message of kindness and compassion. Angelina's thoughtfulness toward Mr. Bell teaches young readers to notice those who might be lonely and need friendship. This theme meshes perfectly with the Christmas spirit, making it ideal for holiday read aloud with lessons that last all year.
As with all of Angelina’s books, my students request this book again and again.
This is a must-have for any personal or classroom library. I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
December 2, 2022
And on a lighter note for today's readings, we have Angelina's Christmas. Lighthearted and lovely, with illustrations that are wonderfully bright and detailed. A parent reading aloud to a small child will have fun pointing out the the scenery and background action going on, as well as discussing the main story. My other readings today were quite serious and faith based. This story can be taken either way, so suitable for a variety of homes. But for sure, we see compassion, kindness, giving, and love. And an act of charity is not about pity. The recipient has much to give in return. Because this book is part of the Angelina Ballerina series there is a ballet! The Nutcracker, of course. Fun, straightforward, and full of goodness, this is an excellent Christmas read.
June 10, 2022
Angelina is a sweet mouse to worry about the one house which is dark during the holidays. That their old postman (retired) is all alone during the holidays and seems to have to little worries her and she asks her family about the man. It's lovely to see her family coming together to give the elderly gentleman a beautiful Christmas. It's even nicer to see how they pull him back into the community and set up a new tradition which keeps him vital during this stage of his life.
Sometimes Angelina hits one out of the park. She's not always a somewhat vain and spoiled dancer. She really can be quite nice. This is one of her finer moments.
Sometimes Angelina hits one out of the park. She's not always a somewhat vain and spoiled dancer. She really can be quite nice. This is one of her finer moments.
December 20, 2025
I have a different edition. I cannot find a picture of it on Goodreads. This book was bought for my children and it was well loved. Having brought all my Christmas books from the loft this year and finally having time to go through them again, I have been re reading some of them. It's a lovely story, (ignore those who have written horrible unnecessary reviews on here, they aren't genuine) and my children could relate to it because of being that age and being in Christmas concerts. The illustrations are beautiful and are able to put over all the different emotions which only add to this story. Angelina is still popular today. I can definitely recommend this and others about her.
June 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for an ARC of this book!
This was such a great revised edition to the Angelina Ballerina book collection! The artwork, characters and storyline were so cute and kept my daughter very engaged! I loved all of the sweet Christmas traditions that were written into the story as well as Angelina performing in her yearly Nutcracker performance! Henry is always such a cute side character and I loved following along in his search for Father Christmas.
This was such a great revised edition to the Angelina Ballerina book collection! The artwork, characters and storyline were so cute and kept my daughter very engaged! I loved all of the sweet Christmas traditions that were written into the story as well as Angelina performing in her yearly Nutcracker performance! Henry is always such a cute side character and I loved following along in his search for Father Christmas.
November 14, 2024
Have I ever told the story of how I have never believed in Santa?
Anyway, it was fine. The illustrations are really well done. It’s just… I think someone could have arrived at the conclusion earlier. Did Angelina Ballerina really need to be the one to get this guy to dress up as Santa or could have literally anyone else have thought of it way earlier? A school person? Anyone.
Anyway, it was fine. The illustrations are really well done. It’s just… I think someone could have arrived at the conclusion earlier. Did Angelina Ballerina really need to be the one to get this guy to dress up as Santa or could have literally anyone else have thought of it way earlier? A school person? Anyone.
March 1, 2022
This is an interesting one. Henry was kind of whiny, but Angelina didn’t need to call him names—neither situation was really addressed. That awkwardness aside, helping Mr. Bell was a good representation of what Christmas is all about.
December 19, 2018
*christmas is about people, not presents
*old people are not useless
*old people are not useless
April 29, 2020
The story is quite choppy and hard to follow in the first few pages, but the second half of the book was great, very magical and beautiful.
March 15, 2021
Read aloud to the kids. The kids and I are loving the Angelina series.
December 8, 2021
I loved the Angelina books as a kid, but I never knew there was a Christmas one until yesterday. It was very cute and sweet, and showed the joy of helping someone in need.
November 22, 2022
a sweet story--love the illustrations
December 9, 2022
Beautifully illustrated and heartwarming story ❤️
December 11, 2023
Pinterest girlies wish they were Angelina Ballerina.
December 31, 2023
I always love the artwork in these books. The story was nice, but it didn’t have anything particularly special about it.
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December 27, 2024So sweet and nostalgic, this was a beloved series as a kid and upon an adult reread the quaint Christmas sentiment and illustrations held up beautifully. One I’ll share witgouden of my own one day.
November 4, 2025
A very sweet book with the most enchanting illustrations ever.
December 26, 2025
📖 My girl, Angelina! 5 stars forever 🐁🎀🩰🎄
December 2, 2019
Angelina and her cousin Henry try to bring some cheer to a lonely neighbor during the holiday season. A lovely Christmas story about caring for others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews