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book nook: Holiday/Seasonal
Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh (Ages 4-8)
When a pilgrim family leaves for the new world on the Mayflower they have no idea of the hard winter in America they’ll have to suffer through. From a baby being born on the ship, building a new settlement, and befriending a native tribe, this story gives an account of the first Thanksgiving.
Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson (Ages 4-8)
Did you know that Thanksgiving wasn’t a national holiday until 1863? This is the true story of a woman, Sarah Hale, who spent 38 years writing letters so that we would once again observe this national tradition.
Squanto’s Journey: the Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac (Ages 8-12)
This is the story of Squanto, of the Patuxet tribe, and his mission to help the pilgrims survive in the new world.
1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving by Catherine O’Neill (Age 8-12)
A historically accurate and provocative look at the myths and facts which surround the Thanksgiving story. Through research and illustrations of Plymouth Plantation’s reenactments, hear the Wampanoag tribe’s side of the Thanksgiving story. While Americans view Thanksgiving as a national holiday, the Wampanoag tribe observes it as a day of mourning.
Christmas
Humphrey’s First Christmas by Carol Heyer (Ages 4-8)
The story of the baby Jesus, told from the point of view of one of the camels the wise men rode to Bethlehem.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson (Ages 9-12)
The Herdmans, a group of swearing, lying, thieving, cigar-smoking kids, show up in church one Sunday and decide they are going to be in the annual Christmas pageant. This year’s pageant is sure to be the most unusual, memorable, and (possibly) the best ever.
Shall I Knit You a Hat?: A Christmas Yarn by Kate Klise (Ages 4-8)
When Mother Rabbit hears that there is a blizzard coming on Christmas Eve, she knits Little Rabbit a hat. Little Rabbit loves his hat so much that he decides his friends all need one too. Enjoy the story about giving and even learn how to knit a project yourself.
SantaKid by James Patterson (Ages 4-8)
When Santa’s workshop is taken over by a huge business whose goal is to do Christmas better and faster, Santa becomes depressed, thinking he’s losing his job. Chrissie, Santa’s daughter, must convince the CEO to have Christmas like it was last year. Will she and the elves succeed?
Santa’s Twin by Dean Koontz (Ages 9-12)
Charlotte and Emily must save Santa from his mischievous twin, Bob Claus. Bob has stolen Santa’s sleigh and is planning on given out broccoli, mud pies, and cat poop to children. Will the girls be able to save Santa and Christmas?
Christmas in the Big House: Christmas in the Quarters by Fredrick and Patricia C. Mckissack (Ages 9-12)
Christmas on a plantation in 1859 is vastly different in the big house and the slave quarters. Read about how Christmas was celebrated by the plantation owners in the big house and those who lived in the slave quarters.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah Moon by Deborah Da Costa (Ages 4-8)
A young girl, Isobel, learns from her Aunt Luisa about the traditions of the Jews living in Latin America, and how they celebrate Hanukkah.
The Best Hanukkah Ever by Barbara Diamond Goldin (Ages 4-8)
When the rabbi talks about giving the perfect gift, the Knoodles set out to give one another just that…but their misunderstanding of what the “perfect” gift is results in a humorous exchanging of gifts.
The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes by Linda Glaser (Ages 4-8)
For years, Mrs. Greenberg has refused Rachel’s family when they ask her to join them for Hanukkah dinner. But on the last night of this Hanukkah, when Rachel’s mother runs out of potatoes for the latkes, Rachel runs to Mrs. Greenberg’s house in the hope that, not only will she come back with borrowed potatoes, but she’ll also come back with Mrs. Greenberg.
The Magic Menorah: A Modern Chanukah Tale by Jane Breskin Zalben (Ages 9-12)
When Stanley finds an old menorah in the attic, he rubs it to clean it up a bit. Fishel the genie appears suddenly and offers him three wishes if Stanley can answer three riddles.
How I Saved Hanukkah by Amy Goldman Koss (Ages 9-12)
Watching everyone around her prepare for Christmas makes fourth-grader Marla, the only Jewish kid in class, feel left out. So Marla sets out to discover what Hanukkah is really about.
The Miracle Jar by Audrey Penn (Ages 4-8)
A father tells the stories of Hanukkah as the mother worries about having enough oil to make all eight Hanukkah dishes.
The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story by Lemony Snicket (Ages 9-12)
A Latke, unlike a Gingerbread man, does not enjoy being fried in oil. The Latke explains his role in Hanukkah and, more importantly, how Hanukkah is not like Christmas.
Kwanzaa
Habari Gani?: What’s the News?: A Kwanzaa Story by Sundaira Morninghouse (Ages 4-8)
A seven-year-old African-American girl describes her family’s activities throughout the week-long Kwanzaa celebration, explaining the meaning and importance of Kwanzaa.
My First Kwanzaa Book by Deborah Chocolate (Ages 4-8)
An introduction to the traditions of Kwanzaa and its meaning to the African American community.
Seven Days of Kwanzaa by Angela Shelf Medearis (Ages 9-12)
This book discusses the history and meaning of Kwanzaa, and includes recipes and crafts for readers to make during the seven days of celebration.
The Children’s Book of Kwanzaa: A Guide to Celebrating the Holiday by Dolores Johnson (Ages 9-12)
Illustrated with block prints, this book surveys 400 years of African American history, including several biographies and guides and recipes for making the Kwanzaa celebration even more special with handmade gifts.
The Rugrats’ First Kwanzaa by Stephanie Greene (Ages 4-8)
Learn about the holiday of Kwanzaa through the Rugrats. Susie is celebrating Kwanzaa for the first time and is reminded of how special she truly is.
Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis (Ages 9-12)
An original folktale that describes the seven principals of Kwanzaa, the book also provides good moral stories for any time of the year.
Halloween
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson (Ages 4-8)
When the witch needs some help it’s easily given, but only if there’s room on the broom.
The Widow’s Broom by Chris Van Allsburg (Ages 4-8)
A widow finds a fallen witch in her garden. When the witch leaves behind her old, broken broom the widow wonders if the broom still has powers.
Beware!: R.L. Stine Picks His Favorite Scary Stories by R.L. Stine (Ages 9-12)
A collection of scary stories and poems from various authors that anyone would love.
Twisted Sistahs by Mark Kimball Moulton (Ages 9-12)
Three eccentric sisters provide a party to find suitors. Then the ladies have a hilarious time keeping the “mistahs” away.
Easter
The Egg Tree by Katherine Milhous (Ages 4-8)
When Katie discovers her grandmother’s old painted Easter eggs she decides to revive the tradition of the Easter egg tree.
Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco (Ages 4-8)
Miss Eula just loves the hat in the shop window, and there is nothing the children want more than to get it for her. But when they are mistakenly accused of throwing eggs at the shop-owner’s window, it seems like they will never get it now. How will they prove their innocence?
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