December Newsletter
The Giving Snowman, written by Julia Zheng, and illustrated by Graziella Miligi. This simple story of giving and gratitude told through the interactions of woodland animals, a couple of people and a snowman shows children how kindness really does count.
Wintercake, written and illustrated by Lynn Rae Perkins. Perkins is a Newberry medalist and New York Times bestselling author/illustrator. Wintercake is about thinking the best of those around you, mistakes as the start of something wonderful, and holiday traditions. Look out for the recipe hiding under the back flap! Lovely to share with all Athena-aged children.
For child’s eye view of how people celebrate holidays and how, we have 2 books for you:
Our Favorite Day of the Year, written by A.E. Ali and illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell. We are over the moon for the illustrations in this wonderful story of kindergarten friendships and differences, written in a way that 4 to 7 year old children will relate to. It will be especially interesting to our kindergarten students, though, because all the characters are in kindergarten together. This is sure to become a staple in all the Athena primary classrooms.
We All Celebrate, written by Chitra Soundar and illustrated by Jenny Bloomfield. This brightly illustrated book shows children that every month around the world, people somewhere are celebrating something special. Full of captivating illustrations for all ages, the facts are interesting and everyone in the family will learn something: adults, too!
For our youngest book lovers, board books are a must for independent enjoyment. Here are four that are sure to please our literary connoisseurs who actually eat their books:
Flip Flop Hanukkah, written by Danny Paller and illustrated by Aya Gordon-Noy. With its rhyming prose and illustrations of very young children, all the little ones will enjoy learning about the festival of lights.
My First Kwanzaa ABC Picture Book by MadGaviette Publishing is for babies and toddlers doing their first learnings about what a joyous Kwanzaa means, in their families, or their friends’ families.
Happy New Year Spot, written and illustrated by Eric Hill. Toddlers will find themselves in the same spot as “Spot”, too young to stay up til midnight on New Year’s Eve, but still celebrating with their family.
Antlers With Candles, written by Chris Barash and illustrated by Melissa Iwai. This gem follows a curious tot through the house at Hanukkah time, tipping over the latkes, making antlers out of the menorah and learning along the way about traditions.
A Christmas tale for ages 5 through 8, Grandma’s Gift, by Eric Velasquez recalls a day the author spent with his Grandma, a day that changed everything.
My Family Celebrates Kwanzaa, written by Lisa Bullard and illustrated by Constanza Basaluzzo is part of the Early Bird Stories series “My Family Celebrates…” There are six books in the holiday series, all fun, informative, and affirming.
The Twelve Days of Christmas gets a modern makeover in A Piñata In A Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas, written by Pat Mora and illustrated by Magalay Morales. Fun for everyone!
So often, it is difficult to find diverse family make-up represented in children’s books. Three cheers for these two titles!
Over the River and Through the Wood: A Holiday Adventure written by Linda Ashman and illustrated by Kim Smith follows the old song to grandmother’s house, but with lots of fun along the way, and families that give windows and mirrors to all our children. This sing-song book will be fun for everyone at home.
The Christmas Truck, written by JB Blankenship and illustrated by Cassandre Bolan. Can Papa, Dad, and retired Fire Chief Grandma save Christmas for a family they’ve never even met? Find out in this fun holiday romp for ages 4 to 6.
