This small picture book with colorful mixed-media illustrations explains and celebrates the seven-day festival of Kwanzaa. A double-page spread for each of the Seven Principles, such as Unity ("Umoja"), Faith, and Purpose describes the significance of each day.
The Three Bears' Christmas by Kathy Duval; illustrated by Paul Meisel
It's Christmas Eve, and the Three Bears go out for a walk. While they're away, someone has rumpled their beds, sat in the chairs (breaking Baby's), and eaten the freshly made gingerbread. But the stockings are stuffed and presents are under the tree! There are plenty of clues to help little ones figure out the bears' uninvited guest.
The Mouse Before Christmas by Michael Garland
Set to the cadence and rhythm of Clement Moore's timeless holiday poem "The Night Before Christmas," this lighthearted story poem follows a mischievous mouse who wants to stay up all night to spy on Santa. His plan goes awry when he takes a peek in Santa's gift bag, gets trapped, and is taken on whirlwind ride round the world. Meticulously rendered photorealistic illustrations capture the vibrant colors of the pair's wild ride.
Celebrate with Blue! A Book of Winter Holidays by Sarah Albee; illustrated by Victoria Miller
The winter holidays are coming, and Blue and friends are celebrating in their own special way. Your young ones can learn about and explore the traditions of Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa by tapping into this board book from their special friend. Foil decorations and 45 lift-flaps make this learning expedition a festive one for your youngsters.
It's Hanukkah Time! by Latifa Berry Kropf; photographs by Tod Cohen
In this book aimed at the preschool crowd, kids get to follow the preparations for the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah. Featuring lots of photos but not much text, a group of children sets up the menorah, makes invitations, wraps gifts, makes donuts, lights the candles, says the blessing, and dances the horah. This is a fine multicultural introduction to those unfamiliar with the traditions of Hanukkah.
