Christmas Around the World
by Mary D. Lankford
from HarperCollins
Ethiopian fringed umbrellas; star-shaped Filipino parol lanterns;candlelit Swedish St. Lucia crowns-Mary Lankford bringstogether Christmas traditions from twelve different lands,like decorations on a splendid tree.
The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice
by Wendy Pfeffer
from Dutton Juvenile
The beginning of winter is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of the year. Long ago, people grew afraid when each day had fewer hours of sunshine than the day before. Over time, they realized that one day each year the sun started moving toward them again. In lyrical prose and cozy illustrations, this book explains what the winter solstice is and how it has been observed by various cultures throughout history. Many contemporary holiday traditions were borrowed from ancient solstice celebrations. Simple science activities, ideas for celebrating the day in school and at home, and a further-reading list are included.
Illustrated by Jesse Reisch.
A Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas
by Jack Canfield
from HCI
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Children experience Christmas through magic, anticipation, and learning about the baby Jesus. As we mature, we experience Christmas through the gifts we give, the love we share, and the magic we create for others. A Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas brings back the memories of childhood through the eyes of children on Christmas day and inspires good deeds by reminding us how the smallest gesture can truly change a life.
Go back in time through genuine stories of hope and kindness and see how people find the true meaning of the season through unexpected miracles and those they meet along the way. Peek into the life of one family as they visit a relative at a nursing home on Christmas and how a cup of ice cream and a few moments of time brighten up the day for those who live there. Read about one woman's journey through surviving the loss of her husband and how the love and warmth of her family at Christmas strengthens her. Enjoy a sweet tale of how an old doll dressed in new clothes becomes the most precious gift and cherished memory a child ever receives. And, of course, it wouldn't be Christmas without a few stories celebrating the wonderment and joy children experience throughout this very special season.
Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus: The Classic Edition
by Francis P. Church
from Running Press Kids
Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats: A Treasury of Chinese Holiday Tales, Activities & Recipes
by Nina Simonds
from Harcourt Children's Books
Filled with delectable recipes, hands-on family activities, and traditional tales to read aloud, this extraordinary collection will inspire families everywhere to re-create the magic of Chinese holidays in their own homes. They can feast on golden New Year's dumplings and tasty moon cakes, build a miniature boat for the Dragon Boat Festival and a kite at Qing Ming, or share the story of the greedy Kitchen God or the valiant warrior Hou Yi.
This stunning compilation from bestselling cookbook author Nina Simonds and Leslie Swartz of the Children's Museum, Boston, is the perfect gift for families that have embraced Chinese holidays for generations--and for those just beginning new traditions.
A Box of Treats: Five Little Picture Books about Lilly and Her Friends
from HarperFestival
Five little picture books about Lilly and her friends to share all year long.
Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah (Sammy Spider's First Books)
by Sylvia A. Rouss
from Kar-Ben Publishing
Sammy watches longingly as Josh Shapiro lights another candle and receives a brightly-colored dreidel each night of Hanukkah. "Spiders don't spin dreidels, spiders spin webs!" Sammy's mother reminds him. Then on the last night, Sammy gets his own spinning surprise. Full color.
Lights of Winter: Winter Celebrations Around the World
by Heather Conrad
from Lightport Books
Children's picture book about winter celebrations around the world: Solstice, Yule, Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah, Teng Chieh, Diwali, Soyal, Las Posadas, Zagmuk, Saturnalia. For ages 3-9. Thirteen color illustrations. Book Size: 9.25" x 7.5"
Children Just Like Me: Celebrations!
by Anabel Kindersley
from DK CHILDREN
Dorling Kindersley Publishers never fail to create beautiful, engaging children's books, packed with fascinating information. In Celebrations, photographer Barnabas Kindersley teams up with writer Anabel Kindersley and UNICEF to create a fascinating journey exploring the cultural traditions of children all over the world. Harry Belefonte notes in his introduction, "Here is your opportunity to travel by book to nearly every corner of the globe ... [and] join children everywhere in celebrating important events in their lives." In addition to photographs of traditional costumes and customs, each child from the wide range of countries represented gives a first-person account of how holidays are celebrated. Children will enjoy learning about how kids like just like them have fun, and in the process will broaden their cultural horizons. (Ages 8 to 12)
Barnabas and Anabel Kindersley, creators of the acclaimed Children Just Like Me, meet with children around the world as they celebrate 25 of their favorite holidays and traditions. With stunning photographs and illustrations, readers meet each child and learn the significance of the chosen celebration. Full color.
Lanterns and Firecrackers: A Chinese New Year Story (Festival Time)
by Jonny Zucker
from Barron's Educational Series
A Chinese family prepares for their New Year festivities they decorate the house with flowers, then set off firecrackers to scare away bad spirits and welcome the coming year. Family and friends sit down together for a festive dinner, then go outside to watch the parade of dragon dancers. The festival ends on its final night with a display of colored lanterns. Festival Time books depict the activities of typical families, as Mom, Dad, and children celebrate holidays that have special religious or cultural significance for them. Cheerfully attractive color illustrations supplement a simply-told story of the holiday's origins and a description of the festivities that are part of that holiday. Festival Time books can be read aloud to toddlers, but are easy enough for many first and second graders to read to themselves. Each book's final two-page spread is written mainly for parents, offering suggestions for ways to communicate the holiday's meaning to kids. (Ages 3-7)
+++
