Five Faves: December Holidays

December has a magical quality about it. The abundance of holidays celebrated this month have much to do with the enchanting ambience of the season. I would love to visit Japan in December to experience the celebrations behind the Buddhist holiday, Bodhi Day. Or visit a Jewish home to participate in the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah. Going to the UK to shop until I drop on Boxing Day would be a dream! And I'd love to witness the joy of friends and family at a Karamu Feast at the tail end of Kwanzaa. There are so many holidays, meaningful traditions, and joyful celebrations that occur all over the world in December and I wish I could be a part of them all. Luckily, we have a wealth of knowledge and vicarious experience at our fingertips through the library! Below are books about three December holidays, but you can find more books in our catalog and information about other December holidays in Provo Library's databases.

Christmas

Santa in the City
Written by Tiffany D. Jackson
Illustrated by Reggie Brown
Dial Books, 2021. Picture Book.

As a city kid, Deja is worried that Santa might not be able to visit her. Her apartment doesn't have a chimney for him to come down and none of the parking spots on her block could fit a sleigh, let alone eight reindeer. But with a little help from her family, community, and Santa himself, Deja discovers that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in her city.

Joy to the World!: Christmas Around the Globe
Written by Kate DePalma
Illustrated by Sophi Fatus
Barefoot Books, 2021. Informational.

Learn about Christmas traditions from thirteen different countries!

Hanukkah

Ava's Homemade Hanukkah
Written by Geraldine Woberg
Illustrated by Julia Seal
Albert Whitman & Company, 2022. Picture Book.

Ava is old enough to make a personalized menorah to bring to her family's celebration on the eighth night, but she's not sure what represents her. Will she find inspiration as she learns about her family's history?

Light The Menorah
Written by Jacqueline Jules
Illustrated by Kristina Swarner
Kar-Ben Publishing, 2018. Informational.

In this Hanukkah handbook, holiday history, rituals, activities, songs, and recipes provide tools for creating meaningful family moments in the light of the menorah.

Kwanzaa

My First Kwanzaa
By Karen Katz
Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, 2003. Picture Book.

A girl describes how she and her family celebrate the seven days of Kwanzaa.

The People Remember
Written by Ibi Zoboi
Illustrated by Loveis Wise
Balzer & Bray, 2021. Informational.

Recounts the journey of African descendants in America by connecting their history to the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Comments

Review: Faker

Faker By Gordon Korman New York: Scholastic Press, 2024. Fiction. 214 pages. 12-year-old Trey is used to starting over at a new school -- he has the routine perfectly memorized: make new friends, introduce his dad to the wealthy parents of his new friends, and "Houdini" themselves out of there before they get caught running their latest scam. Trey's dad is a master con artist, and Trey has just been promoted to full-partner. Their new scheme for the next big score brings them to the affluent suburb of Boxelder, TN where Trey's dad has cooked up a fake electric car company for investors to buy into. The only problem is that Trey is starting to grow tired of moving around and never putting down roots, especially after forming a fast friendship with Logan and developing a crush on Kaylee, a socially conscious girl in his class. As Trey longs for a normal life, is there any way he can convince his dad to get out of the family business? Gordon Korman is a perennial favorit...

You Need to Read: Percy Jackson

I was a kid myself when The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan was published, and it didn't take long for the Percy Jackson series to take the world by storm. Being the son of a Poseidon, Percy Jackson has some unique challenges as a half-blood. Here's some books that I think could've helped Percy when he was on his adventures trying to save the world: Greeking Out: Heroes and Olympians Written by Kenny Curtis and Jillian Hughes Illustrated by Javier Espila Washington D.C.: National Geographic, 2024. Informational. 191 pages. Percy, I know Chiron did a good job teaching you about mythology in Latin class, but this book is sure to be good to have on hand while you're traveling across the United States. Greeking Out is written in a kid-friendly voice with vivid illustrations and a sometimes-snarky tone (much like Percy himself). It also presents real-life creatures and places along with the information about Greek mythology. The Homework Squad's ADHD Guide to School S...

If You Like...Ladybugs

Spring is almost upon us! We'll have more rain instead of snow, flowers will start blooming, and more bugs will be out. Ladybugs are some of the prettiest insects--and the least intimidating for those more wary of bugs. If you like ladybugs, check out these books! Ladybugs Do Not Go to Preschool Written by Ali Rutstein Illustrated by Nin̋a Nill Richmond, VA: Bright Light, 2024. Picture Book. Ravi loves ladybugs--he eats aphids instead of cornflakes for breakfast, brushes his mandibles instead of teeth, and has a ladybug costume complete with wings and antennae. He is certain that ladybugs don't have to go to preschool, and when Mom says that Ravi still has to go to school, he is nervous. However, thanks to Mom's patience and gentle encouragement, Ravi makes some new friends and realizes that preschool might be a good place for ladybugs after all. A Perfect Spot By Isabelle Simler Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2022. Picture Book. A ladybug is ready to ...

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