Books for Kids about Holidays
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Books for Kids about Holidays
Jan 2009
I'm looking for good books about chinese new year - either to be read
aloud or just to be read. Ideally they would be picture books for
4-8yo.
andy
I just bought a book called ''Lucky New Year!'' for my 4 year old
son. It is written by Mary Man-Kong and I bought it at Barnes &
Noble. It talks about some new year's traditions and illustrates
with fun pop-ups.
Dec 2003
Does anyone know of a book for young (two-3 years old) kids that
talks about the holiday seaoson in a general, agnosticy, pagany,
hope-in-the-dark-of-wintery, all-about-giving, sort of way?
Okay, so we're a bit confilicted! Looking for a way to
celebrate with our children that is not religious without
turning to the God of Consurmerism.
How about ''How the Grinch Stole Christmas'' by Dr. Seuss? I
loved that book myself as a child. As you may know, the Grinch
tries to spoil Christmas by stealing all the presents, but the
critters (I forget what they're called) in whatever-ville have
a happy Christmas anyway. Makes the point that Christmas is
not about gifts, without any overt religious messages (at least
that I remember -- it's been years since I read it). Adults
might find it more than a little saccharine, but I think it
gets across the point you're looking for.
-- a Dr. Seuss fan
Try The Story of the Root-Children by Sibylle Von Olfers.
Nancy
I'm not sure it is exactly what you are looking for, but my
favorite christmas book (and movie too) is ''How the Grinch Stole
Christmas''.
Ellen
Look into Christmas Witch by Steven Kellog. Plot involves a
good witch who gets two feuding factions to reconcile - -
'peace on earth, good will toward men', etc. While the story
may be a little complicated for a 3-yr-old, the illustrations
are great and the message endures.
Lisa McL
Well, this book has a few pictures in it that focus on a star and
a nativity scene, and then some of presents christmas morning,
but for the most part, it's one of the nicest I've seen. My boy
and I loved it last year when he was 18 mos, and again this year.
It's Peter Speier's ''Christmas'', published in the 80's, and
completely without words - just pages and pages of drawings,
kind of a beautiful comic book style. It has so much of
everything - the family time, the giving to others, the
different ways of celebrating, the anticipation and preparation -
and then it has a bit of religious/consumer stuff. One or two
pages are devoted to the family at church and the nativity under
the tree, and then a few to the family's morning excitement.
I think I've gone on too long. We really really like the
peacefulness of this book.
-Jean
My aunt gave my daughter a wonderful holiday book called ''Night Tree''
by Eve Bunting. It's a really lovely story about a family holiday tradition.
It's a non-commericial, non-religious book about decorating a Christmas
tree in the woods. It's our favorite holiday book. Just makes you feel
good!
heidi
I hate to break the news to you, but Christmas is a religious
holiday. There is no way around that one...That being said,
there are plenty of religious holidays celebrated during
December. Perhaps you could buy a seperate book dedicated to
each holiday to show the diversity of the celebrations and the
common theme of each...
My husband and I are also struggling with the whole consumerism
bent. We are leaning toward celbrating a Sinter Klaas Day or
some other European Santa Clause equivalent earlier in the month
(Dec 6th) where kids put out there shoes to be filled with fun
small gifts. That gets you out of the BIG UGLY consumer gig,
but still lets your kids be somewhat normal.
anon
This query prompted me to dig through my son's bookshelf to find
''While the Bear Sleeps-Winter Tales and Traditions''. While not
really ''non-relgious'' it is nondenominational, with stories with
winter themes from many traditions: the Arctic; Russian and other
Christian traditions, stories about Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Solstice
customs, New Years traditions, and others. The stories and
illustrations are charming for kids and adults. The book is by
Caitlin Matthews, illustrated by Judith Christine Mills, and
published by Barefoot Books, Inc, New York, in 1999. They list a
website, www.barefoot-books.com, but I haven't checked it. Thanks
for reminding me to get out this book for some fireside reading
this winter!
anon
Polar Express
The Polar Express is a great Xmas book. I also just saw a
preview in the movie theater that they have made it into a
holiday movie, featuring Tom Hanks. But the book is lovely and
illustrated beautifully.
Melissa
I am also a pagan-y type person who celebrates the solstice more
than anything else. I just got an interesting little book called
''Star Mother's Youngest Child'' by Louise Moeri. Its out of print
I believe because I bought it used online. Its a funky little
story about an old woman alone who really wants a Christmas and
has no one, and then Star Mother's youngest kid shows up. There
are several books about the winter solstice (check Amazon). Also
the Tomten by Astid Lindgren. That's all I know of. Will look
forward to other ideas!
Hilary
One of my favourite Christmas books as a child was 'The Olden
Days Coat' by Margaret Laurence a well loved Canadian author. It
may be be a little too old for 2 - 3 year olds but it is a must
have for when they are a little older. Even when i read the
story today i get a thrill down my spine and tears in my eyes.
It is the story of a young girl who 'travels' into a Christmas
past...celebrating Christmas like they did in her Grandparents
time. Highly recommended
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