Children’s Books
Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus! I have a small hard back copy of the book, by Frances Pharcellus Church which I love reading at Christmas time, no matter what else you believe, believe in Santa Claus, at least why you read this little story.
There are new children in our life, one of our nieces has an 18 month boy, and the other is about to deliver a baby girl! I am thrilled to once again have a reason to look through children’s books. Thus as the holiday season is upon us, here are a few of my favorite children’s books for both Christmas and Hanukkah.
For Christmas
Truman Capote, A Christmas Memory, illustrated by Beth Peck
This has been one of my favorite books for years. The copy I read, every holiday season, is not illustrated, but I found this beautiful volume with colorful and vibrant illustrations by Beth Peck. This is the kind of story you will want to read aloud, no matter your age. It is sweet, tender, and carries you away to a different world, where you will want to make a fruitcake!
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Memory-Truman-Capote/dp/0375837892
An Ellis Island Christmas by Maxinne Rhea Leighton, illustrated by Dennis Nolan
A nice book, especially for a little girl; it has dreamy illustrations and it written from the child’s prospective, addressing hopes and fear.
http://www.amazon.com/Ellis-Island-Christmas-Maxinne-Leighton/dp/014240506X
The Christmas Box by JoAnne Stewart Wetzel, Illustrated by Barry Root
This book is based on a true story, and they bake gingerbread men, Russian teacakes, and snicker doodles – three of our mandatory Christmas cookies too! It is a sweet story about how hard it can be to find ourselves away from loved ones during the holidays. The illustrations speak of another time, and anyone will enjoy the read.
A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M. Schultz
This is I think my favorite children’s Christmas book, no matter what your age, and yes, I also the love the television version. My version actually belonged to Kate when she was a little girl, which makes me love it even more; and I just noticed that it is a first edition of the book – oh my! It is a great yet simple telling of the Christmas story and what it means.
For Hanukkah
The Power of Light, Eight Stories for Hanukkah by Isaac Bashevis Siner, with illustrations by Irene Lieblich
If you would like to read a story each night of Hanukkah, you want this book! “Celebrate a world in which miracles abound, love triumphs, and faith prevails.” This is not an overly illustrated book, but it is so perfectly and powerfully written, it will nevertheless hold any listener or reader.
Festival of Lights, The Story of Hanukkah, retold by Maida Silverman and Illustrated by Carolyn S. Ewing
This illustrated book tells the story of the Maccabees and why Hanukkah is celebrated. The illustrations are magnificent, with great detail, while being sufficiently bright and detailed, keeping any child or adult interested in the story. It also has a section explaining the Legend of the Menorah and dreidle, with instructions for the dreidle game and directions to make a dreidle.
Melly’s Menorah by Amye Rosenberg
This is a cute little paper back, with stickers! I love the story of how Melly save’s Hanukkah with her very special, hand menorah. It is a nice book for young children to read or be read to, with a small glossary in the back.
http://www.amazon.com/Mellys-Menorah-Amye-Rosenberg/dp/067174495X
