Before the holidays, bookstore shelves overflow with children's books about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Holiday children's book displays fill the exhibit space at libraries. It's a little overwhelming to wade through all of the available children's books about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Here are some tips.
Children's Books About Christmas
Children's Christmas books are everywhere starting in early November. There are three basic types: books about the Nativity, some based on the Bible, others on folktales/legends; books about Santa Claus, gift giving, and the like; and books that relate to one or both of the above but don't quite fit into either. In order to decide what type of book you want, take the time to read through books that interest you or read reviews before you buy children's Christmas books.
More Children's Books About Christmas
Here are more recommended children's Christmas books, both picture books and pop-up books. I think that 2004 was one of the best years for excellent children's Christmas picture books.
Children's Books About Hanukkah
Like other holiday books, children's books about Hanukkah are not available in bookstores for very long. Quite a variety of children's books about Hanukkah are available, including some that the entire family will enjoy. Books for younger children tend to emphasize family Hanukkah activities while books for older children tend to emphasize the history and meaning of Hanukkah. In choosing children's books about Hanukkah, look for ones your family can enjoy year after year.
Children's Books About Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a newer holiday so there are not great numbers of available books about Kwanzaa yet, although there are more each year. Many authors cram so many facts about Kwanzaa into their stories that the story itself is lost. Fortunately, there are some wonderful exceptions, such as Seven Spools of Thread by Angela Shelf Medearis. When you are reviewing children's books about Kwanzaa, look for both fiction and non-fiction that will capture your child's interest as well as teach about Kwanzaa.
More Holiday and Seasonal Books
Read Winter Lights: A Season in Poems & Quilts for poetry about the lights of the following events: the Feast of St. Lucia, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Chinese New Year, and the winter solstice. Enjoy children's picture books about winter and snow. Learn about new editions of Christmas classics. Celebrate the season with children's books.
