Kids Picks
Happy holidays! I know it’s hard to believe that the holiday season is here again. Whether you are in school, virtual learning, or a little bit of both, this school year probably feels different than what you are used to. Hopefully your teachers have been sharing some wonderful books that are interesting and educational. Here are some fun holiday reads to help take your mind off school and the rest of the world right now!
Ages 3-5
“Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light” by Apryl Stott
Poor Bear is sad. All of the other animals think he’s mean because he’s so big. Coco, his human friend, offers to help him make friends. They set out into the wintry forest to spread joy to everyone they meet. But some of the woodland creatures aren’t so trusting. Bear and Coco have to find a way to win over the animals, and in the process, they learn that kindness is a gift that comes from the heart.
“Cozy” by Jan Brett
Jan Brett is back with one of her beautifully illustrated books. Cozy is the softest musk ox in all of Alaska. He is separated from his family during a storm and starts to feel quite lonely. Soon the other animals begin to realize just how warm and cozy he really is! When a lemming gives everyone the idea to spend the winter under Cozy’s fur, it sounds perfect until the animals start to fight. How long will the coziness last?
Ages 6-8
“Happy Narwhalidays” by Ben Clanton
In the fifth book of a graphic novel series, Narwhal and Jelly are out to spread some holiday cheer. Narwhal is looking forward to cozying up with a good book, singing holiday songs, and partying with his pod pals. Better yet, he can’t wait for the Merry Mermicorn to arrive. She’s part-mermaid, part-unicorn, and totally amazing! Jelly is a little skeptical about this mysterious creature even when he receives an anonymous gift. Now he needs to find something perfect for Narwhal, which is no easy task.
“ ’Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving” by Dav Pilkey
From the creator of the best-selling Dog Man and Captain Underpants series comes ‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving. It’s the day before Thanksgiving and a group of children visit Farmer Mack Nuggett’s turkey farm. The children share plenty of laughs with the turkeys and leave the farm with full hearts and stomachs! Whether you are a child or a turkey, there is always something to be thankful for.
Ages 9-12
“The Naughty List” by Michael Fry, Bradley Jackson
When Bobbie’s laughably clumsy efforts to save her brother’s Christmas actually land him on Santa’s Naughty List instead, she must travel to the North Pole to make things right again and save his Christmas. During her travels, Bobbie finds herself on an epic holiday adventure featuring rogue elves, dysfunctional reindeer, a lazy Santa, and more. Fans of the Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid series will love this hilarious Christmas adventure full of comic illustrations.
“A Child’s Christmas in Wales” by Dylan Thomas
This recollection of Christmas past by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas evokes the beauty and tradition of the season: the warmth of a family gathering; a mistletoe-decked home; the predictability of cats by the fire; the mischief and fun of children left to their own devices; and the pure delight of gifts. Brilliantly illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman with a combination of more than 40 full-color and sepia-toned images, this beautiful gift edition of Thomas’s beloved classic will enchant readers of all ages, year after year.
