Special Collections
Holiday Stories for Kids
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The Christmas Quiet Book
by Deborah UnderwoodThe holidays are filled with joyful noise. But Christmas is sometimes wrapped in quiet: “Searching for presents quiet,” “Getting caught quiet,” and “Hoping for a snow day quiet.” Irresistibly cute, soft colored pencil illustrations of bunnies, bears, and more paint a magical holiday picture indeed.
Honeyky Hanukah
by Woody Guthrie and Dave HorowitzLatkes and goody things all over town, It's Honeyky Hanukah time. In Woody Guthrie's rowdy, funny celebration of a Hanukah night, a young boy and his dog move merrily from house to house, gathering up family and friends for a big feast at Bubbe's.
Eight Candles to Light
by Jonny ZuckerHere is a simple and delightful introduction to the Jewish festival of Chanukah. Follow a family as they light the menorah, open presents, and eat latkes to celebrate the great miracle that happened more than 2,100 years ago.
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?
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.
Baboushka and the Three Kings
by Ruth RobbinsThe children of old Russia awaited with joy the coming of Baboushka at Christmastime as our children today await Santa Claus. Baboushka's story is retold here with beauty and warmth. When the three kings ask the old woman to join them in their search for the Child, she declines because her day's work is not finished. In vain, she tries to follow them the next day. Since that distant time, Baboushka has continued her endless search for the Child. The primitive beauty of old Russia is captured in rich four-color pictures by Nicolas Sidjakov, illustrator of the well-known THE FRIENDLY BEASTS. Included is the story in verse with music composed especially for this book.
Little Owl and the Star
by Mary MurphyOn a silent night, a star beckons Little Owl, and he follows. In a distant manger he finds a man, a woman, the happiest baby, and joy that lights the world.
Song of the Stars
by Sally Lloyd-JonesThe Song of the Stars, written by best-selling author Sally Lloyd-Jones, is a Christmas book that explores the joy and excitement and celebration in all of creation at the coming of Jesus. They’ve been waiting with eager longing for the coming of God’s long promised son, and when at last he arrives, though it’s mostly unnoticed by mankind, the whole earth holds its breath: their Creator, Jesus, Emmanuel has come to the world that He made. Mountains, trees, seas, skies, stars, animals—the rumor spreads that at last the time has come. It’s time! He’s here! And a poor teenage couple and some ragged shepherds join in their song of joy.
Eight Winter Nights
by Laura Krauss Melmed and Elisabeth SchlossbergMoishe's Miracle author Laura Krauss Melmed and illustrator Elisabeth Schlossberg celebrate Hanukkahin joyful action rhymes, festive poems, and exuberant scenes of family life. From traditional holiday foods to the story of the Maccabees, they capture the warm sights, sounds, and tastes of this wintertime festival.
Seven Spools of Thread
by Angela Shelf MedearisWhen they are given the seemingly impossible task of turning thread into gold, the seven Ashanti brothers put aside their differences, learn to get along, and embody the principles of Kwanzaa. Includes information on Kwanzaa, West African cloth weaving, and instructions for making a belt.
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.
The Gifts of Kwanzaa
by Synthia Saint JamesKwanzaa is a new holiday, based on African harvest festivals. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Kwanzaa quickly became an important African-American celebration and is now even observed around the world. Kwanzaa has seven symbols and seven principles and is celebrated for seven nights, from December 26 to January 1. Each night, a new candle is lit in the kinara, a seven-branched candleholder, and the family talks about the principle for that day. Kwanzaa is a time for rejoicing with family and friends, for remembering the achievements of ancestors, and for dedicating efforts towards the good of the community and race. Synthia Saint James's simple text explains the holiday to young children; her bright, boldly patterned paintings evoke this rich and vibrant celebration.
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.
Kwanzaa
by Deborah M. Newton ChocolateA children's book of Kwanzaa, with definitions of the Swahili words that belong to the holiday.