Jolabokaflod also known as Christmas Book Day began in Iceland during WWII when paper was not rationed. Many Icelanders give books as gifts and spend Christmas Eve reading and eating chocolate or drinking hot chocolate. Books are also a wonderful Hanukkah gift.
Books for children are the perfect gift. Favorite books can be read and reread, handed down, or donated. A library card is a wonderful gift, especially if money is tight. A visit to the library is a visit to every conceivable adventure, and many libraries sell gently used books at great discounts.
Every year while my boys were growing up, there were books under the tree. I’m hunting for a few for my grandson this holiday season.
We have a few great suggestions for kids and YA this month. Enjoy!
My First Chanukah by Tomie dePaola – Babies and young children will love this book about Chanukah and it’s meaning. For ages 1-3
Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger – All her life the little red sleigh has had only one wish – to become Santa’s big red sleigh. She was always too young, too small, and she couldn’t fly, but with the help of some friends her wish might come true. For ages 2-6
Jan Brett’s The Nutcracker by Jan Brett – Brett sets her story in snowy Russia with her brilliant illustrations and the story of the nutcracker will delight young children and introduce them to this classic ballet about Marie’s and Fritz’s adventures with the Nutcracker. For ages 3-7
The Trouble with Children (According to Dog) by Katie Weaver – Dog has had enough of playing dress-up, being hugged too tightly, and having dirty kid’s toys in his water dish. He’s ready to revolt, but as he lists his grievances all the wonderful things about being loved by a child keep popping up. Will he discover the joys outweigh the annoyances? For ages 4-7
What is Hanukkah? By Shari Last – Learn the fun traditions of the Jewish Festival of Lights. For ages 4-10
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – Children of all ages will enjoy the story of Scrooge and his transformation from grumpy to great! For ages 6 and up
Holidays Around the World : Celebrate Kwanzaa by Carolyn Otto – Learn about African culture and this seven-day festival created to help African Americans celebrate their heritage and culture. For ages 6-8
Iconic Jewish Women: 59 Inspiring, Courageous, and Revolutionary Role Models for Young Girls by Aliza Lavie – Stories about courageous Jewish women who are strong role models such as Golda Meir, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and Queen Esther. For ages 6-18
The Twelve Ravens : A Lithuanian Folktale by Diana Kizlauskas - This is a charming retelling of the classic folktale about a girl’s bravery and determination to save her twelve brothers who have been turned into ravens by a curse. For ages 9-11
This Winter by Alice Oseman – A short novella based on the characters from Oseman’s novella, “Solitaire” and graphic novel series, Heartstopper – now a Netflix series. For ages 13 and up