Kids Picks
The festive holiday season brings a whirlwind of activities and events that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Amid the hustle and bustle, it’s essential to find some time to relax. A good book can be the perfect antidote to seasonal stress, offering a cozy escape and helping to rekindle your festive spirit. Here are a few enchanting titles that promise to wrap you in holiday cheer.
Ages 3-5
“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!” by Mo Willems
Mo Willems has once again brought joy to readers with his latest installment in the beloved Pigeon series. This time, our feathered friend is diving beak-first into the holiday spirit, but with a twist that only the Pigeon could conjure up. In this festive tale, the Pigeon is consumed by a singular holiday wish: to drive a sleigh. With his characteristic enthusiasm and persistence, he weaves this desire into every aspect of the season, turning traditional holiday phrases into opportunities to express his dream. Readers will find themselves chuckling at the Pigeon’s antics while wondering if his holiday wish will come true or if he’’ll be left out in the cold.
“Santa’s First Christmas” by Mac Barnett
This charming story flips the traditional Santa narrative on its head, exploring what the holiday season might mean for the jolly gift-giver himself. The tale begins after Santa’s annual Christmas Eve journey, when he returns to the North Pole exhausted from his global gift-giving expedition. Instead of allowing their boss to immediately resume his work, Santa’s thoughtful elves decide to create a special Christmas celebration just for him. They pull out all the stops, decorating a beautiful tree, preparing festive treats, and even wrapping presents for the man who usually does all the giving.
Ages 6-8
“Hanukkah Pajamakkahs” by Dara Henry
In this delightful new Hanukkah-themed picture book, Dara Henry brings a fresh and humorous twist to holiday traditions. The story centers around young Ruthie, who receives a special gift for Hanukkah – a pair of festive pajamas affectionately dubbed “pajamakkahs.” Ruthie’s enthusiasm for her new sleepwear is infectious, as she insists on wearing them throughout the entire eight-night celebration. Her determination to keep the pajamas on leads to a comical series of events, with Ruthie attempting to navigate daily activities while maintaining her beloved pajamakkahs in pristine condition.
“Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa” by Donna L. Washington
The spirit of Kwanzaa is brought to life through the adventures of a young rabbit in this charming children’s book by author Donna L. Washington and illustrator Shane W. Evans. The story centers around Li’l Rabbit, who is disappointed to learn that his family’s Kwanzaa celebration might be incomplete due to his grandmother’s illness. Determined to make the holiday special despite the setback, Li’l Rabbit embarks on a quest to find a treat for Granna Rabbit. His journey takes him through various landscapes, from woodpiles to fields and ponds, where he encounters a cast of woodland creatures including Groundhog, Momma Field Mouse, and a group of frogs. As Li’l Rabbit’s search proves fruitless, he begins to doubt his ability to contribute to the celebration. However, the story takes a heartwarming turn as it reveals the true essence of Kwanzaa: the importance of community and mutual support.
Ages 9-12
“Let It Glow” by Marissa Meyer, Joanne Levy
This is a heartwarming young adult novel in which readers are introduced to Aviva Davis and Holly Martin, two teenage girls whose lives take an unexpected turn when they cross paths at a holiday pageant audition. Unbeknownst to each other, these adopted girls discover they are not only biological siblings but identical twins. Despite their striking physical resemblance, Aviva and Holly couldn’t be more different in personality. Aviva exudes confidence and dreams of Broadway stardom, while Holly is a reserved aspiring author, drawing inspiration from her grandfather’s literary legacy. Their contrasting natures set the stage for an intriguing exploration of identity and family dynamics. Curiosity about each other’s holiday traditions sparks a daring plan: The girls decide to switch lives temporarily. This secret exchange promises a firsthand experience of different cultural celebrations and family customs. However, as they navigate unfamiliar territories – from new homes to age-old traditions – the girls soon realize that their well-intentioned scheme may lead to unforeseen complications.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson
This delightful reimagining of the classic Christmas pageant is the book that inspired the movie of the same name that was released in November. The story is about a group of unruly siblings known as the Herdman children who turn their small town’s holiday traditions upside down. Notorious for their mischievous behavior and complete lack of religious knowledge, these boisterous youngsters stumble into the local church’s annual nativity play, much to the community’s dismay. As the Herdmans encounter the Christmas story for the first time, their unique perspective and unconventional interpretations of biblical characters bring both chaos and unexpected charm to the production. Their fresh take on the nativity narrative initially shocks the townspeople. Throughout the pageant’s preparation, the Herdmans’ antics cause constant disruption and concern. However, as the performance unfolds, something remarkable happens. The family’s unfiltered approach to the story begins to reveal deeper truths about the holiday’s essence, catching everyone off guard – including the Herdmans themselves.
