Curious George and the Man with the Yellow Hat are preparing for the Christmas holidays. George and his friend ride home in a sleigh with a tree. Then, they bake cookies, decorate a gingerbread house, and wrap presents. George is not mischievous in this story; instead, he helps out with holiday preparations. This board book includes five sounds (battery-operated) on a panel alongside the story pages. The bell icon at the bottom of the page corresponds with a spot on the sound panel. Pressing one spot, the readers will hear sleigh bells ringing. Another spot has a bell on a kitchen timer or the crinkling of wrapping paper. The sounds will probably delight young children. In the end, lucky George gets a visit from Santa Claus. Adult guidance may be needed to support the careful handling of the plastic, electronic sound panel, which holds the button-type batteries. New fans of Curious George will probably also enjoy the other adventures involving this little monkey.
(Published: 2019)
They were three noble, wise leaders who, each in their own country, saw a bright star in the heavens and traveled to a far country to find its source. The wise men knew the prophecy of the birth of a king and did not want to miss the opportunity to welcome this great leader and offer him gifts. Through their studies of other countries and other languages, even as they practiced rituals of different faiths, they each felt that something was missing. Before arriving at their Jerusalem destination, the three met on the road and shared their stories. They decided to travel together to Jerusalem to meet this new king. They would soon discover that the star was not leading to Jerusalem but to a much more humble place and that the king they would meet in Jerusalem would just be looking for trouble. It is not an easy task to find a new twist on the real Christmas story. We can always tell about another snowman, or another goes astray, but the story of the newborn baby in the stable is known to the youngest of children. Somehow, author Taylor has left the stable and gone to the wise men in the desert, traveling by camel to find the answer to the star in the heavens. The story is presented in simple, everyday language for children and adults alike, with sentences like if anyone in Jerusalem knew anything at all, they would be here instead of there and none of the wise men’s old maps worked anymore. They would have to find a new way home to tell us the story from the viewpoint of the wisemen. Illustrator Cataldo has given the reader faces filled with an expression of humility, playfulness, and awe, as well as images of a baby in the evening shadows and his mother’s arms. The artwork and the text are extraordinary, and this reviewer would rate this book at a five. It will find a place in preschool and early elementary collections and the shelves of families who have happily received this gift. It has already found a place on my giving list for next year.
(Published: 2018)
I Got the Christmas Spirit
By: Connie Schofield-Morrison
Illustrated by: Frank Morrison
Reviewer: Mary Lanni
The Christmas spirit is everywhere during the holiday season: one must simply be willing to see it. From the jingle jingle of the bells to the swish swish of ice skates, the world changes for one young girl when the holidays arrive. She loves what the Christmas season is all about, from the sights and sounds around her to the feelings she experiences within herself. She finds ways to help others and become more accepting and joyful in the spirit of the season, and she enjoys the delicious foods she eats and soulful songs she sings. This book echoes its companion I Got the Rhythm in many ways, specifically in the riveting, emotional images, and the short, descriptive text. However, it lacks the rhythmic motion of the first book in the series. Despite that, this is a lovely addition to the Christmas canon, especially for very young children. The oil on canvas medium makes the illustrations in this book rich and filled with color, vibrating with intensity. Each face exudes emotion, and the images immerse the reader in the story. The feelings of the holiday season are all accounted for, from joy to love to sharing, explained briefly in the text and more thoroughly through the illustrations. Readers of all ages will find themselves reminiscing over their own holiday experiences as they turn each page of this book. The tastes, sights, smells, and sounds of the holiday season are palpable throughout this beautifully illustrated text. Libraries would do well to include this within their collections of books about the Christmas season.
(Published: 2018)
Mustache Baby is back for a Christmas adventure! Meet Baby Billy and a Baby Javier: two baby friends with an unusual trait in common: early facial hair. Baby Billy was born with a mustache, and his friend Baby Javier was born with a beard. On Christmas Eve, Baby Javier’s beard turns white, and he is immediately transformed into Santa’s number one helper. There is so much to do to prepare for the big night that Baby Javier becomes overwhelmed by responsibility. Baby Billy to the rescue! He puts on his elf hat and makes toys all day to help his friend. When he decides to keep them for himself, Baby Javier becomes angry, and Billy winds up on the naughty list! Will they repair their friendship in time for Santa’s visit? Fans of the “Mustache Baby” series will love this fun and engaging Christmas installment. Recognizable characters and illustrations place these two friends in the Christmas spirit, teaching important lessons about friendship and giving along the way. At a time of year that is a balance of giving and receiving, readers will recognize the tribulations Baby Billy and Baby Javier experience in this story. The text is a blend of some pages with a large number of sentences and others with only a few words. This keeps the pacing of the book constantly shifting and engaging for readers of all ages. Occasional jokes adults can appreciate ensure that the entire family will enjoy this story together. A textured, glittery cover coupled with vibrant, emotive images make this book stand out among others in its genre. Families with young children will love incorporating this book into their Christmas reading traditions.
(Published: 2019)
It’s Christmas, and a cookie and milk have been set out for Santa. But, before he can arrive, his cookie has gone missing. Where could it be? Is it lost among the wrapped presents, accidentally hung on the tree, buried in a snowball, or floating in a cup of hot chocolate? Layer by layer, the mystery unfolds as each page takes the reader closer to finding out just where Santa’s missing cookie might be found. By the book’s end, it becomes clear that perhaps the family dog has something to do with the cookie’s disappearance, and lo and behold, maybe the family cat has taken too much of an interest in Santa’s milk as well. Charming in tone, this board book offers readers a simple holiday story that literally unfolds page by page. As the reader turns each page, he or she comes that much closer to not only solving a mystery but also reaching the core of the book. The author has cleverly presented a book featuring a kaleidoscope-type structure that draws the story further in as they move through it. This is a lovely holiday book that combines engaging illustrations, a fun story, and an engaging physical structure. This is a storybook that will be a fun read at the holidays or beyond.
(Published: 2019)
When Santa Was a Baby
By: Linda Bailey
Illustrated by: Genevieve Godbout
Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green
Even as an infant, Santa seems to do his own thing. Instead of gurgling or cooing at his parents, Santa lets loose with the booming HO, HO, HO! that we all know is his form of laughter. His parents are surprised, but they accept it as part of their special boy. As a toddler learning colors, he demonstrates a strong preference for red. His parents accept this, too. When he wraps up his birthday presents to give to the children in the neighborhood, his parents are amazed by his generosity. Each time child Santa exhibits one of what will become his trademark characteristics–an affinity for reindeer, hooking animals up to pull a mock sleigh, chimneys, and more–his parents are caught off-guard but indulgent of their unusual child. At the same time, readers laugh more with each glimpse of a Santa trait in this cherubic blond tyke. Linda Bailey s childhood Santa is worthy of shelf space alongside other larger-than-life characters, including Pecos Bill and Paul Bunyan. A must-read for the holiday season, this fun picture book is well-suited to public and school libraries.
(Published: 2015)
The Worst Christmas Ever
By: Kathleen Long Bostrom
Illustrated by: Guy Porfirio
Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer
Matthew is not happy with his family’s upcoming move to California. His only comfort is the presence of his dog Jasper nearby. California is even worse than Matthew expected. He does not like his new school, he doesn’t know the songs in church, and he finds it unsettling that trees do not change colors and drop leaves in the fall. Anticipating Christmas with no snow and a fake tree is depressing. When his family agrees to pose in the church’s outdoor nativity on Christmas Eve, Matthew is mortified. Then, the worst possible thing he can imagine happens. Jasper chases a squirrel in the park and gets lost. The family searches for hours. Nothing. They put up flyers and call the neighbors. There is no sign of Jasper. The three days before Christmas Eve are misery for Matthew. Then, when the family enters the nativity, a miracle happens. Realistic illustrations depict Matthew’s many strong emotions and the loving support he consistently receives from his father, mother, and younger sister.
(Published: 2019)
Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year for families who celebrate it. Whether gathering together from across great distances or meeting nearby, the spirit of Christmas runs deep. One of the most important sentiments of the holiday is the act of giving to one another. Time, food, attention, and presents are all things that can be exchanged in the spirit of the Christmas holiday. This book list includes religious and secular titles for children ages 4-7 that highlight the act of giving gifts at Christmas and inspire other acts of kindness, as well. Contributed by: Mary Lanni
Babushka
By: Dawn Casey
Illustrated by: Amanda Hall
After Babushka feeds and warms the three wise men, she decides to see baby Jesus on her own. Along the way, she meets children in need and gives them the presents she planned to give to Jesus.
When the Bond family sends a letter to the North Pole asking Santa how they share the spirit of giving on their upcoming trip to New York City, Baby Santa, and his reindeer host them on a day of helping others while seeing the sights.
A family of pigs decides that they will make their gifts for Christmas rather than buy gifts this year. But the littlest pig struggles to come up with an idea.
In this celebration of the joy of giving, one snowy Christmas Eve, a king buys some soft, red cloth to make the perfect Christmas gift for his daughter. Little does he know that the left-over cloth will be used to make presents for many more of the kingdom’s inhabitants, right down to the last teeny bit of cloth, which is made into a scarf just right for a mouse.
As Nick does last-minute Christmas shopping, he sees several Santas and overhears one retelling the legend of Saint Nicholas, which he takes to heart as he examines his own attitudes towards gift-giving.
Disappointed when a gift he wished for all year seems quite puny on Christmas morning, young Roland wishes for bigger and bigger gifts before learning a valuable lesson about being careful what you wish for.
It’s Christmas! There will be carols and candy canes and sparkling presents under the tree! But what about children whose families have no presents to give? Kind-hearted Drew wants to help them—but how? A magical story of how one little boy got a very special giving bag from Santa—and how his Christmas wish came true.
When an ordinary cat learns that a king has been born in his stable, he grows sad because he has no gift to give, as the other animals do.
Holidays are traditionally led by, well, tradition, and Christmas is no exception. Whether it is eating the same food, listening to the same Christmas songs, or reading the same Christmas stories, we all have memories of specific rituals our families relied on for Christmas to become Christmas. I remember, as a child, my mother reading us ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas each Christmas Eve. I also remember the same three Christmas albums played repeatedly (Blue Christmas by Elvis, anyone?) and ham for Christmas lunch.
Did you continue your family’s Christmas traditions with your own family, or did you create new ones when you became an adult? Are you still reading Cranberry Christmas, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or The Polar Express with your family each Christmas season? I’m guessing a large number of you are. It’s good to keep some family traditions alive, but I also think it is good to create some new ones. In such a creative world, it is hard not to include some of the latest soon-to-be classics.
The last ten years have brought many unique and fun Christmas-themed books to share at Christmas. There are many talented authors and illustrators not only putting a unique spin on classic Christmas characters but also adding new Christmas characters as well. Thus, we invite you to take a look at this issue’s 12 newer Christmas titles to read this year. And, if you celebrate Hanukkah, we have included our 6 Hanukkah picks from the last ten years. Be sure to check out our Read & Shine website and Facebook page for more reading lists from past Christmases.
We at CLCD wish all of our readers and their family and friends a peaceful yet exciting Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year, filled with surprising new stories to read and memories to cherish.
Classic Christmas books like The Christmas Carol, The Polar Express, Elf on a Shelf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas adorn home bookshelves and library book displays throughout December. But have you checked out the newer Christmas titles? We are sharing 12 titles, all published within the last few years, that you may want to add to your treasury of Christmas stories. Maybe they will become a Christmas classic for you and your family. Be sure to use our comment box for your own Christmas book recommendations.
Part of the magic of the Christmas season stems from the traditions that families and friends take part in every year: hanging up stockings, putting lights in the windows, and, one of the most important of all, picking out and taking home the Christmas tree. This story evokes all the rituals of decorating the tree — digging out boxes jam-packed with ornaments and tree trimmings, stringing tinsel, and, at long last, turning on those twinkling lights.
Christmas is coming, but Mia has no time to send the card she made to Grandpa, who lives far away. But when she stumbles across a magical mailbox, Mia finds herself inside the Reindeer Express and is whisked away on an exciting voyage over many exotic lands, reaching Grandpa just in time. Young readers will love opening doors that lead into the next page, peeking through holes into the next scene, and opening the card that Mia made for Grandpa. It’s an interactive holiday story that will be especially appreciated by families that can’t all be together for Christmas.
In his attempt to make this the best Christmas ever, Jack accidentally breaks a very old ornament, releasing a tiny fairy who teaches him something about the true Christmas spirit.
Dasher is a brave little doe with a wish in her heart. She spends her days with her family under the hot sun in a traveling circus, but she longs for a different life – one in which her hooves tread in soft, cold snow under the glow of the North Star. And one day, when the opportunity arises, Dasher seizes her destiny and takes off in pursuit of the life she wants to live. It’s not too long before she meets a nice man in a red suit with a horse-drawn sleigh. And soon, with the help of a powerful wish, Christmas will never be the same.
While spending Christmas with her Cuban American grandmother in Miami, Florida, young Nina misses her usual New England holiday but enjoys learning about the foods and other traditions her father knew as a child.
The day before Christmas everyone in Jose’s neighborhood seems grumpy, including his mother who is homesick for Puerto Rico, but when he and his parents return from the pizzeria where they borrowed an oven to cook their roast, the heavenly aroma reminds those they pass of all they have to celebrate.
Squirrel and Hare are finishing preparations on Christmas Eve when Mouse, seeking a last-minute gift, finds a sick swallow, and by helping her, the friends find the true spirit of Christmas.
A story about what would happen if animals celebrated Christmas like humans do, from a penguin and chick writing letters to Santa to a koala and her parents sharing a holiday cuddle. Perfect for little animal lovers.
Told that they will have to move out of their Harlem brownstone just after Christmas, the five Vanderbeeker children, ages four to twelve, decide to change their reclusive landlord’s mind.
Amelia Wishart was the first child ever to receive a Christmas present. It was her Christmas spirit that gave Santa the extra boost of magic he needed to make his first trip around the world. But now Amelia is in trouble. When her mother falls ill, she is sent to the workhouse to toil under cruel Mr. Creeper. For a whole year, Amelia scrubs the floors and eats watery gruel, without a whiff of kindness to keep her going. It’s not long before her hope begins to drain away. Meanwhile, up at the North Pole, magic levels dip dangerously low as Christmas approaches, and Santa knows that something is gravely wrong. With the help of his trusty reindeer, a curious cat, and Charles Dickens, he sets out to find Amelia, the only girl who might be able to save Christmas. But first, Amelia must learn to believe again.
Strung with lights and cookies stowed, the Goodnight Train rides to the North Pole! With cookie-loaded cars, candy cane-lined streets, and frosting-topped houses, Huliska-Beith’s illustrations are a treat; and Sobel’s Christmas-themed verses add rhythm and cheer at every turn. Children will be captivated by each passing page as the holiday train chugs through towns of gingerbread and hills of gumdrops, and young readers can enjoy familiar lines, such as “Ho! Ho! Ho!” in the accompanying text. Caregivers will find humor in the delightful cast of characters—a cooking-stealing sheep, comical train car-bathing penguin, and the piggy porter who tries to instill order aboard the train as he checks the tickets twice to see who has been “naughty” and who has been “nice.” As the Goodnight Train nears the North Pole, sleepy eyes will enjoy catching glimpses of Santa hiding amidst the red and green images galore; and the dark, star-speckled backdrops and soothing text will carry bedtime readers past the North Pole and into Dreamland.
Traditions, some passed down through many generations, are cherished around the Christmas season. Enjoy this collection of 12 titles that provide a glimpse into Christmas traditions with some providing a unique twist.
Advent Elf
By: Paivi Stalder
Illustrated by: Barbara Korthues
On the first night of Advent, Arty, an elf in training, jumps out of the Advent wreath demanding that Paul get him home.
Rebecca, a young girl living in Nazareth, accompanies a small donkey who is searching for his mother to a stable in Bethlehem where they both witness a special event.
A parable about Santa’s elves that involves a hungry polar bear, the water world below the ice, and the miraculous transformation of a ragged, unfinished wreath.
Grieving for her dead mother, a poor girl finds all her dreams fulfilled when, on Christmas Eve, she hangs above her hearth a stocking she has knitted.
The story of how, in Savannah, Georgia, in 1857 James Lord Pierpont sat down to write a song for his congregation’s Thanksgiving program and, homesick for the cold New England weather he remembered, came up with an enduring classic.
A collection of five folktales related to Christmas. Includes: The Brave Little Camel (Syria), Baby in the Bread (Malta), The Gourd of Plenty (Ghana), Flowers for Jesus (Mexico), and Babushka (Russia).
When Lucida is unable to finish her gift for the Baby Jesus in time for the Christmas procession, a miracle enables her to offer the beautiful flower we now call the poinsettia.
The story of the Christensen brothers, pioneers of ballet’s early days in America, and how The Nutcracker Ballet became a holiday tradition in America.
In this adaptation of the folk song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” friends exchange such gifts as a piñata and “cuatro luminarias.” Includes pronunciation and glossary of Spanish words. Also includes a description of Christmas foods and other holiday traditions from different Latin American countries.
Eleven years ago, my family and I experienced a rather warm Christmas day in Virginia. The temperature was 65+ degrees with lots of warm sunshine. Weather like this was perfect for grilling and eating outdoors which is exactly what we did. Thus began our fajitas for Christmas lunch tradition and we have continued it ever since, even on the colder Christmases.
Many of the American Christmas traditions we participate in are based on European Christmas traditions, with many of them from Germany and Scandinavian countries. As with most things passed down through generations, the stories of Christmas traditions’ origins vary, and speculation sometimes becomes folklore.
Christmas Cards- In Britain, one was expected to write letters to family and friends at Christmas time. It was a time-consuming effort and realizing so children’s book publisher Henry Cole asked an artist to create a card with his picture and a statement of Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Cole then reprinted the card and sent it instead of the Christmas letter. To read Christmas cards from the Big Bad Wolf and all the King’s Men, read The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet Ahlberg.
Christmas Tree- The Christmas tree is a German tradition that took place during the mid-winter festivals. In autumn once the leaves had fallen, people thought the good spirits had left. To persuade the good spirits to return, people would cover the trees with colorful pebbles and cloths. They assumed this worked when they saw the leaves return in the spring. Oak trees were originally used but the chosen tree was later changed to a pine tree and brought inside the home to decorate. Queen Victoria is most known for spreading the tradition to other countries when her German husband, Prince Albert, brought the tradition to the palace. For a sweet book about loving a Christmas tree, take a look at The Scrawny Little Tree : a Christmas Story by Ed Mehler.
Christmas Lights- One night, Martin Luther admired the stars sparkling through treetops. He decided to recreate this for his church by burning candles on his church’s Christmas tree. A safer light show to share with your children is Ten Christmas Lights by Teresa Imperato, complete with push button lights.
Candy Canes- A German choir director gave sugar treats in the shape of a shepherd staff, which he called candy canes, to children during a Nativity service. The red stripes and peppermint flavor were added later, as were their use as Christmas tree decorations. Author Lori Walburg chooses to create a different legend about the candy cane in her book The Legend of the Candy Cane, along with additional background about the candy.
Gingerbread Houses- When most people think of gingerbread they either think of the gingerbread boy or the gingerbread houses that are usually created around Christmas. Grimm’s fairy tale Hansel and Gretel introduced the idea of a gingerbread house as that is where Hansel and Gretel find the witch living. Other creatures can live in a gingerbread house too. Mouse does in Gingerbread Mouse after a branch falls through his own house.
Nativity- While the Bible does not state the date of Jesus’ birth, many Christians choose to celebrate his birth on December 25. Why this date? Some believe it was to allow Christians a ‘non-pagan celebration’ during winter solstice. While most children recognize the usual horses, cows, and sheep in the Nativity story, author Eve Bunting chooses to let the smaller animals tell what they witnessed in We Were There: a Nativity story.
Yule Log- In Scandinavian countries, during the winter months when there was no sun for days on end, a celebration was held to welcome the sun when the first ray was spotted in the spring. A large fire was built, featuring a yule log to celebrate. The celebration became known as Yuletide. For some people a yule log is a rolled cake decorated in chocolate frosting to look like a wooden log. Some wintry stories to read by the fire can be found in Fireside Stories: tales for a winter’s eve by Caitlin Matthews.
Santa Claus- After his wealthy parents died, St. Nicholas, a Turkish bishop, used his inheritance to give gifts to the needy. One of the stories of Nicholas’ giving includes how he helped three sisters whose poor father could not afford their dowries. Supposedly, Nicholas secretly left a bag of gold through one of the broken windows. It was enough money for the first daughter to marry. He did the same the next night. By the third night, the window was repaired so he had to drop the gold down the chimney where it fell into stockings that had been left to dry by the fire. To learn more about St. Nicholas, The Legend of Saint Nicholas by Demi recounts pivotal events in the history and life of Saint Nicholas, including how he came to be associated with Christmas and Santa Claus.
For more books related to Christmas traditions, check out our Christmas Traditions reading list.
Though today we may find Christmas trees in neon colors and yule logs on the television, these steeped Christmas traditions seem to take separate activities and bind them together in our definition of the Christmas season. I encourage you all to take time this Christmas to start a new Christmas tradition with your family or friends.
From the CLCD family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year!
The Christmas tree lights are shining and enjoyed by everyone in the family, who have all settled down near the tree after a festive evening meal. A single gift is handed to each family member and, with immense anticipation, each person opens the gift to find the same item. Well, the same item but not; more similar than the same. Each person is in awe and turns the item in his hand and then opens the item up to discover a fascinating adventure awaits inside this item. Each person retreats to his room or a cozy corner to enjoy the item which is used throughout the night. Smiles and intent concentration avail throughout the house and all has become quiet. Each person is so enthralled with his gift that the only sound one hears is the crackling of the fire. At least this is how I picture it in my mind- the Iceland tradition called jólabókaflóð.
Maybe I’m fantasizing it too much. Yes, it is true that the Icelandic Christmas Eve custom is to receive a book. I’m sure some of my fantasy is true, for the book lover that is. But what about the non-book lover? The child in the corner who would rather spend his evening doing anything but reading.
One of the tricks to helping a non-book lover become a book lover is to find a subject that he enjoys and present books on that topic. This lasts for a little while, but then the child may return to moving books to the side. While reading doesn’t have to be everyone’s favorite past time, it is important to expose the non-book lover to a variety of books. A little “reader’s advisory” may be necessary to get the non-book lover over the hurdle of not picking up a book. This can be hard when convincing a child that there is a book out there that he will love. Sometimes the harder one tries, the more one pushes the child away.
While dealing with non-book lover children, I have learned one trick that works for some children- introduce them to a series book. Series books provide a familiar character that, if the child is rooting for or genuinely likes, the more likely he will pick up the next book in the series. Many of us understand this as it probably has worked for children we know, and ourselves as children. I read many of the Ramona books as a child. I liked Ramona, I understood Ramona, she and I both had similarities. Thus, my desire to pick up the next Ramona book in the series to see what was happening next in her life.
This issue of our newsletter includes a thematic reading list of popular series books that have turned many non-book lovers/non-readers into readers. Suggest several to the non-book lover that you know and challenge him (or her) to read at least the first 30 pages. Hopefully he will want to continue reading and, by next Christmas, may even be excited to receive a book on Christmas Eve.
As I undertook this week’s Read & Shine newsletter I was met with anxiety. You see, I love Christmas and love reading about Christmas customs all over the world. Many years ago, I found a small book at a discount store that had a page for each of the many types of Christmas celebrations around the world. I was so excited and couldn’t wait to share it with my elementary-aged daughter. Needless to say, she didn’t find it as fascinating as I did; she was more interested in if Santa would remember to bring her an American Girl doll. Santa did bring the doll, but I still hoped that I had left an impression of how important it is to learn about the many customs around the world.
I didn’t let my daughter’s disinterest stop me from sharing the Christmas customs with others. That same year, as a media specialist at an elementary school, my students would soon find a laminated bulletin board paper Christmas tree taped to the wall, with construction paper ball shaped ornaments, each displaying Merry Christmas in a different language. The children loved trying to guess what language each was. This activity was followed by what Santa’s name is in different countries. I was making progress.
As the years passed, I never gave up on trying to teach my daughter about the different December holidays and customs. A comment here, a trivia question there, always trying to spark an interest. The spark finally lit one year- the year I traced my heritage and came to a generation that I believed was of Jewish descent. This time my daughter was listening. Why the change? Chocolate gelt coins.
So back to all this anxiety. What’s all the anxiety about you ask? It’s how in the world can I share all the great holiday books with you all! All the December holidays celebrate either peace or unity and I’m not in any peaceful state trying to unite a thorough list of all the great holiday books available. But, alas, I will try. There are so many outstanding books that can introduce our children to the special celebrations that are held throughout the world this time of year. There aren’t enough days in December to thoroughly study each, but if we start introducing our children to the many customs and their significance, we will be showing our children that there is still peace and unity.
