Surround yourself with great books this holiday season!

This holiday season, spend some quality time together celebrating family holiday traditions. Christmas, Hanukkah, and KwanzaaСall will be here soon!  As you gather loved ones close this holiday season to celebrate, be sure to pick up some of these wonderful books to read together!

 

 

 

 

 

Listen to the Silent Night
(Dutton Children’s Books, $16.99; ages 3-7) by Dandi Daley Mackall. Was it really quiet the night that Jesus was born?  As you read along, you will discover the many sounds of that night—from the noises of Joseph’s sandals and Mary’s donkey all the way to the sound of Baby Jesus’ cry.  Bold, rich illustrations fill this journey that details the night Jesus was born—these illustrations paired with the rich sounds of the journey make for a story children will enjoy time and time again!

The Story of Hanukkah
(Holiday House, $14.95; ages 4-8) by David A. Adler. Learn about Hanukkah and that “Hanukkah celebrates one of the first fights for religious freedom.” Bright, colorful illustrations accompany the telling of the battle, waged by Judah and the Maccabees. Learn about the this and how Hanukkah celebrates the day the temple was rededicated more than 2,000 years ago. Also enjoy the recipe for Latkes and the directions for how to play “Dreidel” at the end of the book.

The Christmas Coat: Memories of My Sioux Childhood
(Holiday House, $16.95; ages 4-8) by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve.  Virginia and Eddie have a long way to walk to school on the reservation—Eddie wishes for cowboy boots and Virginia’s dreams for a new coat. Maybe the boxes from the East will have one for her? Follow along on this journey with Virginia and find out if her Christmas wish comes true! A truly heart-warming story that is full of rich, vibrant illustrations!

Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa
(Katherine Tegan Books, $12.99; ages 3-7) by Donna L. Washington. Li’l Rabbit’s favorite part of Kwanzaa is the Karamu, the big feast. Li’l Rabbit’s Granna is sick, and he wants to bring her a special treat for Karamu. Li’l Rabbit searches high and low but comes home without a surprise for Granna. Will she be disappointed?  Find out as you follow Li’l Rabbit and his friends! Then, turn to the back pages for the “Nguzo Saga” or “The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa” and see how they are applicable to Li’l Rabbit’s story.

The Twelve Days of Christmas
(Dial Books for Young Readers, $16.99; ages 4-8) by Laurel Long. An absolutely gorgeous rendition of the “Twelve Days of Christmas”—the illustrations in this book are full of hidden gifts from the twelve days. Each page is a stunning work of art that will have you and your children pouring over it again and again. A fabulous Christmas read; it even includes the score for the music at the end! You won’t want to put this one down!

Lighthouse Christmas
(Dial Books, $16.99; ages 4-8) by Toni Buzzeo.  Frances and Peter wonder if Christmas will find them at all in their tiny lighthouse on an island off the coast of Maine. As supplies run out and Christmas approaches, Frances and Peter wonder if they should stay on the island with their father or leave and go to the mainland with their aunt? Then a bad storm arrives and Frances needs to keep the light lit while her father performs a rescue. The children stay, but will Santa find them? Find out in this charming Christmas story. 

Jennifer Galvin is never far from her children, a paintbrush, or a good book. Find her on the Web at www.jennifergalvin.com.