Special Collections
Holiday Stories for Kids
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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.
The People Remember
by Ibi Zoboi and Loveis WiseFrom award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Ibi Zoboi comes her debut picture book—a tour de force that uses the principles of Kwanzaa to talk about the history of African Americans. This lyrical, powerful tribute is sumptuously illustrated by New Yorker artist and rising star Loveis Wise. A beautiful gift for readers of all ages and for fans of Kadir Nelson’s Heart and Soul. A Coretta Scott King Honor Book! The People Remember tells the journey of African descendants in America by connecting their history to the seven principles of Kwanzaa. It begins in Africa, where people were taken from their homes and families. They spoke different languages and had different customs. Yet they were bound and chained together and forced onto ships sailing into an unknown future. Ultimately, all these people had to learn one common language and create a culture that combined their memories of home with new traditions that enabled them to thrive in this new land. Sumptuously illustrated, this is an important book to read as a family—a story young readers can visit over and over again to deepen their understanding of African American history in relation to their own lives and current social justice movements. By turns powerful and revealing, this is a lyrical narrative that tells the story of survival, as well as the many moments of joy, celebration, and innovation of Black people in America.
The Night Before New Year's
by Natasha Wing and Amy WummerThe newest title in Natasha Wing's bestselling Night Before series! It's the night before New Year's, and the whole family is determined to stay up until midnight! Everyone's stocked up on sparkly streamers and festive party hats, but after a night filled with card games and too many cupcakes, the little ones are getting sleepy...Can they make it until the clock strikes twelve?
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.
Maria
by Theodore TaylorEleven-year-old Maria and her family are the first Mexican Americans to enter a float in the annual Christmas parade in San Lazaro, California.
The Legend of Holly Claus
by Brittney RyanSanta Claus&’s daughter sets out to break a curse and free a magical kingdom—in this beloved New York Times bestseller. Though few mortals know his secret, Nicholas is more than a jolly red-suited man who visits children all over the world on Christmas Eve—he is also the king of Forever, Land of the Immortals. Each year he gets letters from millions of boys and girls, and helps make their Christmas wishes come true. But one year, a special little boy from New York City asks something Nicholas has never been asked before: &“What do you wish for Christmas, Santa?&” With that simple question, a magical story unfolds. Nicholas answers that his only wish is for a child. And soon the immortal people of the kingdom celebrate the arrival of Holly Claus, the princess of Forever and the first child to grace its ground. But their happiness is dashed when an evil sorcerer places a spell on the infant, turning her heart to ice and freezing her kingdom in time. Many years later, just in time for Christmas Eve, Holly travels to New York, intent upon saving Christmas and freeing the land of Forever. Holly will make this the most magical—and memorable—Christmas the world has ever seen. This ebook features a note from Brittney Ryan including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author&’s personal collection.
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.
Must Be Santa
by Pete Whitehead and Tim MooreWho's got a beard that's long and white? Santa's got a beard that's long and white! Who comes around on a special night? Santa comes around on a special night! Special night, beard that's white! Must be Santa! Must be Santa! Must be Santa! Santa Claus! The classic Christmas song Must Be Santa has been covered by music giants Bob Dylan and Raffi. Now, for the very first time, the fun and festive lyrics have been paired with adorable illustrations in this Big Little Golden Book hardcover edition. It makes the perfect gift! From the Hardcover edition.
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.
Seven Spools of Thread
by Angela Shelf Medearis and Daniel MinterIn an African village live seven brothers who make life miserable with their constant fighting. When their father dies, he leaves an unusual will: by sundown, the brothers must make gold out of seven spools of thread or they will be turned out as beggars.
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.
Simon and the Bear
by Eric A. KimmelEnjoy a Hanukkah tale full of wonder and miracles from the author of the classic Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. Before Simon sails to America, he promises his family that he will get a job and send for them. Simon's mother knows he will need a miracle, so she reminds him to celebrate Hanukkah wherever he may be. Little does either of them know that Simon will spend the first night of Hanukkah on an ice floe after his ship sinks. The lone survivor out in the wide ocean, Simon lights the first candle, and it attracts a visitor: a polar bear. Does she eat him? No! She shares his latkes, enjoys his songs, goes fishing for him, and even keeps him warm at night. By the last day of Hanukkah, Simon has nearly given up hope of ever being rescued. But then he recounts all of the miracles that have befallen him so far. Perhaps it is not too much to hope for one more, he thinks, as he lights all of the candles in the menorah. The bright glow signals a passing ship, and Simon makes it to New York after all. This fanciful Hanukkah tale -- like none you've ever read before -- celebrates eight miracles: family, friendship, hope, selflessness, sharing, faith, courage, and love. From the author of the Caldecott Honor-winning classic Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins comes a gorgeously illustrated fantasy Hanukkah tale full of miracles, from sharing latkes with a polar bear to surviving a Titanic-like sinking. The story behind the ancient holiday is included at the end.
Hershel And The Hanukkah Goblins
by Eric A. KimmelA traveler rids a village synagogue of ghosts. A Caldecott Honor Book.
Hanukkah Bear
by Eric A. KimmelBubba Brayna’s legendary latkes lure an unexpected visitor into her home in this playful Hanukkah tale from a master storyteller.
Bubba Brayna makes the best latkes in the village, and on the first night of Hanukkah, the scent of her cooking wakes a hungry, adorable bear from his hibernation. He lumbers into town to investigate, and Bubba Brayna—who does not see or hear very well—mistakes him for her rabbi. She welcomes the bear inside to play the dreidel game, light the menorah, and enjoy a scrumptious meal. However, after her well-fed guest leaves, there's a knock at the door—it's the rabbi, and all of Brayna's other friends, arriving for dinner. But there are no latkes left—and together, they finally figure out who really ate them.
Lively illustrations by Mike Wohnoutka, portraying the sprightly Bubba Brayna and her very hungry guest, accompany this instant family favorite, a humorous reworking of Eric A. Kimmel’s earlier classic tale, The Chanukkah Guest. A traditional recipe for latkes is included in the back matter, along with interesting, digestible facts about the history and traditions of Hanukkah. A 2013 National Jewish Book Award Winner, this book is perfect for a holiday story time with children— either in the classroom or at home, as an introduction for young readers to the traditions and customs of Hanukkah, and as a classic to return to year after year.
My First Kwanzaa
by Karen KatzHooray! Hooray! It's time to get ready for Kwanzaa. During the seven days of Kwanzaa we celebrate the importance of family, friends, and community. This warm and lively introduction to a special holiday will help even the youngest children join the festivities!
The Twelve Days of Christmas
by Alison JayOn the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me . . . In this beautiful edition of the classic festive song, a happy couple make their way to a lavish Christmas party, discovering wonderful gifts as they go. Alison Jay's signature crackle-glaze technique makes this illustrated version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" luminous and magical: animals dart across the pages, ladies dance, lords leap, and wintery landscapes sparkle against warm, cozy scenes. With hidden surprises on every page, this is a book for the whole family to treasure--and sing along to!--year after year.
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.
Dreidels on the Brain
by Joel Ben IzzyAt last a great American Hanukkah story! This very funny, very touching novel of growing up Jewish has the makings of a holiday classic.
One lousy miracle. Is that too much to ask?
Evidently so for Joel, as he tries to survive Hannukah, 1971 in the suburbs of the suburbs of Los Angeles (or, as he calls it, “The Land of Shriveled Dreams”). That’s no small task when you’re a “seriously funny-looking” twelve-year-old magician who dreams of being his own superhero: Normalman. And Joel’s a long way from that as the only Jew at Bixby School, where his attempts to make himself disappear fail spectacularly. Home is no better, with a family that’s not just mortifyingly embarrassing but flat-out broke.
That’s why Joel’s betting everything on these eight nights, to see whether it’s worth believing in God or miracles or anything at all. Armed with his favorite jokes, some choice Yiddish words, and a suitcase full of magic tricks, he’s scrambling to come to terms with the world he lives in—from hospitals to Houdini to the Holocaust—before the last of the candles burns out.
No wonder his head is spinning: He’s got dreidels on the brain. And little does he know that what’s actually about to happen to him and his family this Hanukkah will be worse than he’d feared . . . And better than he could have imagined.
Top Elf
by Caleb HuettThese elves are off the shelves. Ollie and Celia think they know what the life of an elf is supposed to be like: Make toys. Help Santa. Make more toys. Help Santa. Try out a new ice-cream flavor. Help Santa. But then Santa rocks the North Pole with a surprise announcement! He's decided this is going to be his last year in the Big Red Suit--and instead of letting his oldest son, the unfortunately named Klaus Claus, take over, he's opening up the job to any kid who wants to apply--Claus or elf. The Santa Trials have begun! Ollie and Celia enter the contest, having no idea whatsoever that they'll soon have to squeeze through impossible chimneys, race runaway sleighs, sweet-talk a squad of rowdy reindeer, and consume cruel amounts of cookies and milk. It's both an adventure and a survival test, far beyond what any elf or Claus has been asked to do before. But whoever rises to the top will get a reward even bigger than Christmas . . .
The Girl Who Saved Christmas
by Chris Mould and Matt HaigFrom the bestselling author of A Boy Called Christmas comes a hilarious and heartwarming holiday tale for fans of Roald Dahl and Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol that imagines the story of the first child to ever receive a Christmas present. “Matt Haig has an empathy for the human condition, the light and the dark of it, and he uses the full palette to build his excellent stories.” —Neil Gaiman, Newbery-winning author of The Graveyard Book 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. . . .""With a little bit of naughty and a lot of nice, this Christmastime yarn is a veritable sugarplum." —Kirkus Reviews
A Boy Called Christmas
by Chris Mould and Matt HaigBefore there was Santa Claus, there was a young boy who believed in the impossible. . . . Lemony Snicket meets Elf in this warmhearted Christmas caper. Eleven-year-old Nikolas--nicknamed "Christmas"--has received only one toy in his life: a doll carved out of a turnip. But he's happy with his turnip doll, because it came from his parents, who love him. Then one day his father goes missing, and Nikolas must travel to the North Pole to save him. Along the way, Nikolas befriends a surly reindeer, bests a troublesome troll, and discovers a hidden world of enchantment in the frozen village of Elfhelm. But the elves of Elfhelm have troubles of their own: Christmas spirit and goodwill are at an all-time low, and Nikolas may be the only person who can fix things--if only he can reach his father before it's too late. . . . Sparkling with wit and warmth, A Boy Called Christmas is a cheeky new Christmas classic-in-the-making from acclaimed author Matt Haig and illustrator Chris Mould."Irresistibly readable. Destined to become a Christmas and anytime-before-or-after-Christmas classic!" --Chris Grabenstein, New York Times bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library"The definitive (and funny) history of ho, ho, ho! My children loved it." --Yann Martel, bestselling author of Life of Pi "The most evergreen, immortal Christmas story to be published for decades." --Stephen Fry"Humorous and heartfelt, A Boy Called Christmas will grow your heart three sizes and make you believe in magic." --Liesl Shurtliff, New York Times bestselling author of Rump"Matt Haig has an empathy for the human condition, the light and the dark of it, and he uses the full palette to build his excellent stories."--Neil Gaiman, Newbery-winning author of The Graveyard BookFrom the Hardcover edition.
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.
Hoppy Hanukkah!
by Linda Glaser and Daniel HowarthViolet and Simon, two small bunnies, are excited about Hanukkah. Simon is ready to light all the candles and then blow them right out! But Mama and Papa explain how to celebrate Hanukkah by lighting one candle each night at sunset and placing the menorah in the window for all to see. Grandma and Grandpa come over, too, and there are latkes and presents and a dreidel game. Linda Glaser's simple, cozy story is just right for children first learning about this holiday. Daniel Howarth's charming paintings show a happy family passing on their tradition.