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.

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Painting for Peace in Ferguson

Painting for Peace in Ferguson By Carol Swartout Klein Treehouse Publishing Group, 2015. Nonfiction. When the city of Ferguson was overrun with so much hate and despair that homes and businesses had to be boarded up to protect property, citizens of the community decided to bring a message of hope by painting the boarded windows. Klein’s rhyming text supports the photographs of the hundreds of artists and volunteers and their artwork as they bring the messages of peace, hope, love, and that by being united they can make a difference. A great book to show children how a community rallied to make a positive change and that even a small gesture can make a huge difference. A great discussion opener on how we should treat each other.

Dragon Run

Dragon Run by Patrick Matthews Scholastic, 2013. 336 pgs. Fantasy Al Pilgrommor is excited for Testing Day, when he will receive his rank, a tattooed number on the back of his neck, and a path forward to his future occupation and life. He feels confident because his parents were fours on a scale of seven, but he is worried for his friend Wisp who doesn't have much of a chance of scoring above a two at best. But when Al is scored a zero, he not only has no prospects, he may lose his life as the dreaded Cullers are unleashed to kill him and his family to purify the land's bloodlines. Al's world is ruled by dragons--the lords and supposed creators of humankind--so he thinks that even if he survives, he will have to make his living as a beggar or thief. But when Al sticks up for his Earther friend in front of Magister Ludi, he is drawn into the struggle of a secret organization hoping to destroy the Cullers, and perhaps the dragons them...

From Story Time: Summer Week 5

Stories in the Park Mousterpiece: A Mouse-Sized Guide to Modern Art By Jane Breskin Zalben New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2012. Picture Book. Janson the mouse, who lives in a museum, becomes an acclaimed artist by copying the styles of paintings she sees there. Includes notes about the artists and works featured. --Editor Stories in the Park Gray Written by Laura Dockrill Illustrated by Lauren Child Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2024. Picture Book. Some days you may feel sunshine yellow or orange-balloon bright. Other days you're gray, or even night-sky black-like a dark scribble on a page, a storm in the clouds, or a puddle in the road. Gray is when you don't feel like yourself, or like you don't belong. But however you feel, there are big hugs (red) and loving lullabies (blue) waiting, and even the grayest sidewalk is a canvas for you to fill with the colors you choose. A tender narration from British spoken-word poet Laura Dockrill and subtle, spare artwork from fo...

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