Our Favorite day of the year

Written by A. E. Ali

Illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell

"Musa's feeling nervous about his first day of school. He's not used to being away from home and he doesn't know any of the other kids in his class. And when he meets classmates Moisés, Mo, and Kevin, Musa isn't sure they'll have much in common. But over the course of the year, the four boys learn more about each other, the holidays they celebrate, their favorite foods, and what they like about school. The more they share with each other, the closer they become, until Musa can't imagine any better friends.

In this charming story of friendship and celebrating differences, young readers can discover how entering a new friendship with an open mind and sharing parts of yourself brings people together. And the calendar of holidays at the end of the book will delight children as they identify special events they can celebrate with friends throughout the year. "

I have a Little Dreidel

by Baum, Maxie

"I have a little dreidel, I made it out of clay, And when it's dry and ready, then dreidel I shall play! It's time for Hanukkah, and Hanukkah is a time for family. This reasonably priced hardcover picture book features the classic holiday dreidel song, with extra rhyming verses added on. We see the family gathering at a child's house, mama and child working together to make latkes (a classic Hanukkah treat), the family lighting the menorah, and then a spirited game of dreidel. The game is described in easy-to-follow language so that children can follow along and play at home themselves! "

Seven spools of thread : a Kwanzaa story

by Angela Shelf Medearis

"In an African village live seven brothers who make family 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. If they fail, they will be turned out as beggars. Using the Nguzo Saba, or "seven principles" of Kwanzaa, the author has created an unforgettable story that shows how family members can pull together, for their own good and the good of the entire community. Magnificent and inspiring linoleum block prints by Daniel Minter bring joy to this Kwanzaa celebration. "

The Big Snow

by Berta Hader

"The woodland animals were all getting ready for the winter. Geese flew south, rabbits and deer grew thick warm coats, and the raccoons and chipmunks lay down for a long winter nap. Come Christmastime, the wise owls were the first to see the rainbow around the moon. It was a sure sign that the big snow was on its way. "

Lucias Morning in Sweden

Written by Ewa Rydaker

"In the busy house of the Svennson family, everyone is getting ready for the Swedish holiday of Lucia Day, December 13. The book tells the story of Santa Lucia through the eyes of three children in modern-day Sweden. It describes their giddy activities, brought to life in colorful, full-page illustrations, and also provides sheet music, recipes, and sewing patterns for the costumes traditionally worn by children on this day, when many Swedish people celebrate the legacy of Lucia and the coming of the light with coffee, saffron buns, ginger snaps, and wonderful singing. One of the most beloved and celebrated traditions of the Swedish people, Lucia Day also signifies that the Christmas holiday is getting close. "

THe Snow must go on! a way, way off-broadway adventure

Written by Molly Wingand

Illustrated by Mike Esberg

"Look out North Pole! The penguins and snow people of Antarctic Springs are out to prove that their little town is the place to be for fun, festive holidays!

Their stage show may be way, way off-Broadway, but with an Elvis impersonator, a stand-up comedian, and a flock of talented penguins, this whimsical troupe of players puts the South Pole on the map!"

Winter Days in the Big Woods

Written by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Illustrated by Renee Graef

"Winter has come to the Big Woods! Laura and Mary help Ma with chores around the house. When the frost comes, they draw pictures in their windows."

Bear Stays up for Christmas

Written by Karma Wilson

Illustrated by Jane Chapman

"The day before Christmas snuggled up on his floor, Bear sleeps soundly with a great big snore..."

Snowglobe Family

Written by Jane O'Connor

Illustrated by S.D. Schindler

"Oh, when will it snow again? wonders the little family who lives in the snow globe. They long for a snowstorm? if only someone in the big family would pick up the snow globe and give it a shake. Baby would love to. She notices the little family, but the snow globe is too high for her to reach. But then Baby is alone during a snowstorm. Will the snow globe family get a chance to go sledding, too?"

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Written and Illustrated by Dr. Seuss

Read by our guest Ms. Katie

"Not since "'Twas the night before Christmas" has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will grow even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is the perfect gift for readers young and old. "