Books might not be the first item on the your child’s wish list for the holidays. But they just might be a gift they turn to again and again, long after all those batteries need to be replaced or the toys no longer hold their luster. These books add joy to the holiday season and beyond.
• “The Great Spruce,” by John Duvall, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon. Alec loves climbing the giant spruce outside his house, and he loves hearing his grandfather explain how, many years ago, he replanted the then-tiny tree from a shady part of the forest to a sunny spot near their house. When townspeople see how beautiful the tree is, they ask if they can chop it down and place it in the town square during Christmas. Alec finds a way to save the tree while still allowing it to be enjoyed by the community — relaying a message of conservationism in a kid-friendly way.
• “Kwanzaa,” by Rebecca Pettiford. Kids eager to learn about Kwanzaa can find lots to look at in this book, from the upbeat photographs of families celebrating to the rich, bold colors on each page. The slim volume answers questions such as “What is Kwanzaa?” and “What does Kwanzaa mean?” followed by concise, easy-to-understand answers. Originally published in 2014 and now available in paperback, the book includes a short picture glossary.
• “A Hanukkah with Mazel,” by Joel Edward Stein, illustrated by Elisa Vavouri. Misha, a talented yet poor painter, lives alone in an Eastern European village and has no one to spend Hanukkah with. One day he finds a hungry cat in his barn. He shares what he has with the cat, whom he names Mazel. The two happily celebrate Hanukkah. A knock on the door the next day brings a friendly peddler with surprising news. The old-world charm of the drawings combines harmoniously with the holiday tale emphasizing the power of kindness and compassion.
