Special Collections
Holiday Stories for Kids
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The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
by Karina Yan GlaserA modern classic in the making reminiscent of the Penderwicks series, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street is about the connections we make and the unexpected turns life can take. The Vanderbeekers have always lived in the brownstone on 141st Street. It's practically another member of the family. So when their reclusive, curmudgeonly landlord decides not to renew their lease, the five siblings have eleven days to do whatever it takes to stay in their beloved home and convince the dreaded Beiderman just how wonderful they are. And all is fair in love and war when it comes to keeping their home.
Yesterday's Santa and the Chanukah Miracle
by Sarah Hartt-Snowbell and Patty GallingerAnnie can’t believe her eyes! The "Santa" in the mall looks so much like her grandfather’s friend, Simon. A Jewish Santa? Annie lines up to get a closer look - and ends up "placing an order". Simon Greenbaum, flat broke, has taken the job at the Winter Castle to earn a few dollars between jobs. And after all, with his long white beard, he looks just like Santa already. "Don’t breathe a word to your Zaideh that you saw me here," he says. "If you don’t tell him that I’m a Santa Claus, I won’t tell him what you asked for. It’s a deal?" When Annie’s parents find out, however, that she has placed an order with Santa for a Christmas tree, they are disappointed and tell her that she must learn to be her own person and stand up for her beliefs in order to earn the respect of others. Meanwhile, Annie wants to help Mr. Greenbaum and comes up with a plan. But to carry out her plan, she must reveal his secret. What will she do?
When Santa Fell to Earth
by Cornelia FunkeA crash-landing puts Christmas in peril in this quirky, funny, and heartwarming holiday classic from the New York Times–bestselling author of Inkheart.Scared by a storm, Twinklestar, the least reliable reindeer, bolts—causing Santa and his sleigh to crash-land. And though Santa has dropped into a friendly neighborhood, he’s not safe: Jeremiah Goblynch, the ruthless new leader of the Council of Yuleland, is determined to put an end to children’s wishes and turn the holiday season into his own personal moneymaking scheme. As the last REAL St. Nick around, only Santa stands between Goblynch and his grinchlike plan. With the help and hope of kids Charlotte and Ben, Santa must face Goblynch and his Nutcracker goons to save Christmas!“Wonderfully imaginative details, adventure, danger, and a brave young Santa who fights to preserve all that is magical and special about Christmas make this a perfect read over a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s night.” —School Library Journal“The humor, plus some unusual character types, sets this apart from the general run of holiday tales.” —Kirkus Reviews
Kwanzaa (Best Holiday Books)
by Dorothy Rhodes Freeman and Dianne M. MacmillanFreeman and MacMillan discuss the significance of Kwanzaa in five information-packed chapters. The traditions and seven key principles associated with Kwanzaa are explained in a clear, interesting way that gives the reader a comprehensive understanding of this important holiday. Picture captions and descriptions present.
Together for Kwanzaa
by Juwanda G. FordKwanzaa is Kayla's favorite time of year. But this year, it looks as if a heavy snowstorm will keep her big brother, Khari, from getting home in time for the festivities! Will Khari miss the celebration completely? Or will Kayla and her brother somehow find a way to be together for Kwanzaa? A perfect introduction to Kwanzaa, this book will teach children all about the traditions and practices that make it a special winter holiday. From the Trade Paperback edition.
K is for Kwanzaa
by Juwanda G. FordCelebrate Kwanzaa from A to Z! K is for Kwanzaa is a unique alphabet book for young children and a wonderful introduction to the African-American holiday. Each letter of the alphabet represents an important word or fascinating fact about Kwanzaa. This book bring to life all that is central to Kwanzaa: cultural heritage, family, and community. Here's a book that's a "must-have" for young classroom libraries and every family that celebrates the holiday!
Squirrel's New Year's Resolution
by Pat Miller and Kathi Ember"Do you know how to make a resolution?" Squirrel asked Bear. "Is it like making a snack?"Bear laughed. "Resolutions are more important than snacks.""More important than snacks?" said Squirrel. "What is a resolution?"Squirrel knows that New Year's Day is a great day for making resolutions! But what does it mean to make a resolution, anyway? As she makes visits around the forest she learns about New Year's resolutions and helps her friends get started on theirs. If only she can think of a resolution of her very own . . .
Llama Llama Holiday Drama
by Anna DewdneyLlama Llama holidays. Jingle music. Lights ablaze. How long till that special date? Llama Llama has to wait. If there's one thing Llama Llama doesn't like, it's waiting. He and Mama Llama rush around, shopping for presents, baking cookies, decorating the tree . . . but how long is it until Christmas? Will it ever come? Finally, Llama Llama just can't wait any more! It takes a cuddle from Mama Llama to remind him that "Gifts are nice, but there's another: The true gift is, we have each other. "
My First Chanukah
by Tomie DepaolaWhy light only one candle? What is gelt? Are there presents? Other books by this author are available in this library.
Kwanzaa
by Deborah M. Newton ChocolateA children's book of Kwanzaa, with definitions of the Swahili words that belong to the holiday.
Who Stole New Year's Eve?
by Martha Freeman and Eric BraceBetween Christmas and New Year's Eve, College Springs has a winter carnival, complete with ice sculptures; however, this year someone has stolen all thirty-seven of them, including one on Chickadee Court. Unfortunately, the twelve-year-old sleuths, Yasmeen and Alex, are having friendship issues--Yasmeen thinks that she's being replaced by a new girl who has come to Chickadee Court. Then, the whole gang comes together to solve the frosty mystery. Believe it or not, the clues lead to a fracking operation and the laboratory of a professor who is racing to invent a new alternative fuel before his competitors do.
This Is the Dreidel
by Paige Billin-Frye and Abby Levine"This is the dreidel Max takes from the drawer / where he had placed it one year before." Max and his family, from This Is the Turkey, return to celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah! With Abby Levine's rhythmical, cumulative verses, readers will follow Max through the many beloved traditions of the holiday. Max takes the menorah down from the shelf and polishes it. His sister picks out the colorful candles, the blessing is said, and the family exchanges gifts with one another. Of course, Max's relatives come and latkes are served. Max spins the dreidel and everyone sings songs about the great miracle of Hanukkah.
The Polar Express
by Chris Van AllsburgFor twenty years, The Polar Express has been a worldwide bestseller and Christmas classic. A perfect keepsake for any family, this beautiful edition can be handed down to each new generation of readers.
In 1986 The Polar Express was awarded the prestigious Caldecott Medal and hit the New York Times bestseller list. Since that time, more than six and a half million copies have been sold, and every December it faithfully reappears on national bestseller lists. In 2004, The Polar Express became a blockbuster holiday movie. The DVD release in 2005 assures, that like the book, the movie will become a holiday classic.