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book nook: Holiday/Seasonal
Thanksgiving
4-8 Years
The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh
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
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.
Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, and when you stop to think about it, there are many things – big and small – to be thankful for.
The Thanksgiving Door by Debby Atwell
When their Thanksgiving dinner is burned, an elderly couple decide to go to a restaurant for their meal and end up at the New World Café, where the owner’s family is having a private party. While the rest of the family thinks that Ann and Ed will ruin their party, Grandmother welcomes them and gives them a place of honor at the table.
Thanksgiving Rules by Laurie Friedman
In this simple rhyming story, Percy Isaac Gifford offers ten simple rules for getting the most out of Thanksgiving.
Duck for Turkey Day by Jacqueline Jules
When Tuyet learns that her Vietnamese American family is having duck instead of the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, she is worried about what the other kids at school will think when they find out that her family did not have turkey.
9-12 Years
Squanto’s Journey: the Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac
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
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.
Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Indian Corn: The Story of the Thanksgiving Symbols by Edna Barth
A discussion of the origins, customs, symbols, legends, and little-known facts about Thanksgiving.
The Thanksgiving Treasure by Gail Rock
Having learned about the history of Thanksgiving at school, eleven-year-old Addie wants her own family to celebrate the holiday with the spirit of hospitality and appreciation that was found at the first Thanksgiving feast. But will her decision to invite an old enemy of her father’s ruin their Thanksgiving dinner?
Christmas
4-8 Years
Humphrey’s First Christmas by Carol Heyer
The story of the baby Jesus, told from the point of view of one of the camels the wise men rode to Bethlehem.
Shall I Knit You a Hat?: A Christmas Yarn by Kate Klise
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
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?
Christmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheon
It is Christmas Eve of 1914, and British and German troops are in their opposing trenches, facing one another across No Man’s Land. When the British soldiers hear the Germans singing Stille Nacht, they join in and soldiers on both sides climb out of the trenches to meet in between the lines.
A Nutty Nutcracker Christmas by Ralph Covert
In a twist on the traditional story, Fritz accidentally releases the evil Mouse King from the video game where he had been trapped. Now Fritz must find a way to send him back!
Christmas with Rita and Whatsit by Jean Philippe Arrou-Vicnod
It’s Christmas Eve and Rita and her not-so-very-doglike dog Whatsit have a lot to do to get ready for Christmas! Follow Rita and Whatsit as they get everything ready for a visit from Santa.
The Spirit of Christmas by Nancy Tillman
With rhymed verse, this beautifully illustrated book explores Christmas and what it is really about.
Big Susan by Elizabeth Orton Jones
A doll family belonging to an ordinary girl named Susan comes alive one night of the year.
9-12 Years
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
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.
Santa’s Twin by Dean Koontz
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
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.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Ebenezer Scrooge is a bitter old man who has no use for Christmas. But one Christmas Eve, he receives a series of visits, each of which take him on an illuminating journey.
The True Gift: A Christmas Story by Patricia MacLachlan
Each year, Lily and Liam spend a perfect Christmas on their grandparents’ farm. This year, they learn the meaning of a true gift, thanks to a lonely white cow in the meadow.
Aurora of the Northern Lights by Holly Hardin
Alone in the world after losing her parents, Aurora embarks on a journey, trying to find a place where others don’t mind that she is different.
I Saw Three Ships by Elizabeth Goudge
Polly lives with her two maiden aunts and is convinced that something special will happen this Christmas. Leaving her window open on Christmas Eve in case the three wise men decide to visit, she wakes to find that multiple miracles seem to have taken place.
Hanukkah
4-8 Years
Hanukkah Moon by Deborah Da Costa
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
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
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 Miracle Jar by Audrey Penn
A father tells the stories of Hanukkah as the mother worries about having enough oil to make all eight Hanukkah dishes.
The Amazing Menorah of Mazeltown by Hal Dresner
The heartwarming story of a menorah, found in a junkshop, which brightened the cold and dark town of Mazeltown for the Hanukkah season.
Menorah Under the Sea by Esther Susan Heller
David Ginsburg, a marine biologist, spent five months at McMurdo Station in Antarctica studying underwater wildlife. He spent Hanukkah there, and celebrated the holiday by lining up sea urchins and sea stars in the shape of a menorah on the floor of the ocean, photographing the result.
9-12 Years
The Magic Menorah: A Modern Chanukah Tale by Jane Breskin Zalben
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
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 Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story by Lemony Snicket
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.
Hanukkah Around the World by Tami Lehman-Wilzig
The origins of the Hanukkah holiday, as well as the history and traditions of various Jewish communities throughout the world are described through fictional stories.
The Christmas Menorahs: How a Town Fought Hate by Janice Cohn
When a rock is thrown through a boy’s bedroom window in which a menorah is displayed, the community takes a stand against bigotry and violence.
Kwanzaa
4-8 Years
Habari Gani?: What’s the News?: A Kwanzaa Story by Sundaira Morninghouse
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
An introduction to the traditions of Kwanzaa and its meaning to the African American community.
The Rugrats’ First Kwanzaa by Stephanie Greene
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.
My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz
A young girl tells the reader all about her family’s Kwanzaa celebration. A good introduction to the Kwanzaa holiday.
The Sound of Kwanzaa by Dimitrea Tokunbo
A simple and clear introduction to Kwanzaa, this book makes the seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa accessible to younger readers.
9-12 Years
Seven Days of Kwanzaa by Angela Shelf Medearis
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
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.
Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis
An original folktale that describes the seven principals of Kwanzaa, the book also provides good moral stories for any time of the year.
Halloween
4-8 Years
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
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
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.
Piggie Pie! by Margie Palatini
When Gritch the Witch decides to descend upon Old MacDonald’s Farm to feast on plump piggies, the pigs hear about her plan and quickly disguise themselves as other animals in the barnyard.
In the Haunted House by Eve Bunting
Two pairs of feet tiptoe through a haunted house, exploring the delightfully chilling horrors found in each room.
Shake Dem Halloween Bones by W. Nikola-Lisa
Favorite fairy-tale characters come together for a hip-hop Halloween ball.
The Halloween House by Erica Silverman
A fun counting book in which two escaped prisoners make the mistake of hiding out in the Halloween House!
By the Light of the Halloween Moon by Caroline Stutson
One after another, ghosts, ghouls and beasts are tempted by a child’s wriggling toes.
Halloween Night by Marjorie Dennis Murray
A Halloween story which echoes a classic Christmas poem.
9-12 Years
Beware!: R.L. Stine Picks His Favorite Scary Stories by R.L. Stine
A collection of scary stories and poems from various authors that anyone would love.
Twisted Sistahs by Mark Kimball Moulton
Three eccentric sisters provide a party to find suitors. Then the ladies have a hilarious time keeping the “mistahs” away.
The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
Eight boys head out on a Halloween night and are led on an eerie adventure by a mysterious character named Moundshroud.
Dial-a-Ghost by Eva Ibbotson
A clerical error at the Adopt-A-Ghost agency results in two families of ghosts being switched and sent to the wrong homes.
The Witch Family by Eleanor Estes
Two young girls discover the power of their imaginations.
The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson
Because of the Herdman family, the mayor has canceled all trick-or-treating and the selling of candy. Instead, alternative festivities have been planned at the school, where parents and teachers can keep a watchful eye on everyone. But this time, the Herdmans manage to ruin the celebration for the adults and make it the best Halloween ever for the kids.
The Halloween Spectacle by Lesley Hershman
Jake is determined to wear the astronaut suit hanging in the window of the costume shop, but he doesn’t have the money to buy it. A neighbor gives him a mysterious bag of seeds, promising that they will grow into an amazing sight on October 31st. Jake plants seeds and sells tickets to the Halloween garden, but grows worried when the seeds are not growing and Halloween is getting closer.
Easter
4-8 Years
The Egg Tree by Katherine Milhous
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
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?
The Easter Chick by Geraldine Elschner
Hilda the hen is surprised one day when she hears the voice of the chick inside her egg announcing that she wants to be an Easter chick. Hilda enlists the help of the barnyard owl in discovering when Easter Sunday is so she can help her chick come on time.
The Easter Egg Farm by Mary Jane Auch
Pauline is a unique hen, who just can’t lay eggs when she’s under pressure to do so. When she does eventually lay eggs, they are vividly colored with assorted designs, resembling whatever object was in sight at the moment. Mrs. Pennywort, Pauline’s owner, sees an opportunity for making money.
The Bunny Who Found Easter by Charlotte Zolotow
A lonely rabbit is told by an owl that “there are always rabbits at Easter”, and begins his quest to find the place called Easter.
9-12 Years
The Easter Cat by Meindert Dejong
Millicent is a lonely girl who craves a cat of her own, but her mother’s allergies won’t allow them to keep one in the house. So what’s Millicent to do when a cat shows up one Easter morning?
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