Great Holiday Books
Celebrate the holiday season with some good children's books that entertain and educate
No holiday is complete without good holiday books. Here are some new reads and some classic selections.
Nothing is better on a cold winter's evening than settling in with a warm fuzzy blanket and a good holiday book. Whether your children enjoy the old classics, or prefer a new or updated story, there is a book for everyone! Many tell stories of holidays around the world and eloquently state the true meaning of the season, and some are just fun!
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel
This is the story of how clever Hershel of Ostropol rids a town of their pesky goblin problem. Townspeople were afraid to celebrate Hanukkah, because the goblins came and ruined their celebrations every year. Hershel uses his wits to rid the synagogue of the goblin infestation, and readers learn about the Hanukkah traditions, like the dreidel, in a fun way.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
It's a classic for a reason! The original story of Ebeneezer Scrooge is just as engaging today as when it was written. In order for a lonely, crabby old man to experience the true meaning of Christmas, he must face up to the demons of his past (and present, and future!). And when he does, every reader will see that a little Christmas spirit goes a long way, especially for the poor Cratchit family and the unexpected gift that comes to them from the least likely person.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Forget the so-so movie with Jim Carrey. This is the original Grinch, and the simple rhymes and illustrations make it a highly anticipated yearly read. From the Grinch's dog, Max, to little Cindy Lou Who (who in this version is no more than two!), children of all ages will see the true meaning of the season shine through when the Grinch's small heart grows three sizes and he is graciously invited to spend the holiday at the Who's' table.
Seven Spools of Thread by Angela Shelf Medaris
In this Kwanzaa story, seven brothers are given the task of making gold out of seven spools of thread. An impossible task, you say? Not when the brothers work together using the seven principles of Kwanzaa. This book is colorful and engaging and will help young readers learn about the newer holiday of Kwanzaa.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
This is a funny book for older readers about the year the most awful kids in town manage to worm their way into the plum roles in the town's Christmas pageant. The Herdmans (all six of them) are bound to ruin the pageant, aren't they? After all, they have a reputation for bad behavior. But maybe the Herdmans will surprise everyone and show that even "bad" kids can do good things. A fun story for reading aloud to kids, ore for older kids to read themselves.
