Compiled by the Fairfield County Children’s Librarians Roundtable and the Litchfield Hills Children’s Librarians Roundtable of the Western Connecticut Library Council

Albert Whitman & Co., 1997, ISBN 0807508411

When extra relatives come for the last night of Hanukkah, it’s up to young Rachel to borrow ingredients from their neighbor, Mrs. Greenberg, and find a way to include her in their celebration.

Mulberry Books, 1996, ISBN 0688147313

Stunning, realistic pictures capture the feeling of winter and convey a genuine love and respect for the natural world.

Chronicle Books, 1998, ISBN 0811821064

Juliette and her toy friends decorate the tree, bake cookies, and hang stockings.

Henry Holt, 1998, ISBN 0805050760

President Theodore Roosevelt doesn't approve of cutting live trees for Christmas, but his two young sons try to sneak one in anyway.

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1999, ISBN 0689814909

When a blizzard hits on Christmas Eve, the minister wonders who, if anyone, will make it to the service.

Open Hand Pub., 1992, ISBN 090880303

Explanations of Kwanzaa and its seven guiding principles are expertly woven into the story, emphasizing that cooperation, community service, and family are important every day of the year, not only during Kwanzaa.

Harper Festival, 1999, ISBN 0694014370

Board book with clear colorful illustrations depicting the way one family celebrates Hanukkah.

Harvey Hare's Christmas by Bernadette Watts

North-South Books, 1999, ISBN 0735810583

Christmas is a busy time for a postman, but Harvey Hare's friends help him.

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1998, ISBN 0689806973

This very funny picture book will best be appreciated by kids who know their Santa Claus lore, and no longer think he’s real.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Random House, 1957, ISBN 0394800796

The Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, hates Who-ville’s holiday celebrations, and plans to steal all the presents to prevent Christmas from coming. To his amazement, Christmas comes anyway, and the Grinch discovers the true meaning of the holiday.

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson

Dutton Books, 1997, ISBN 0525456457

The old song gets a new holiday twist when the old lady swallows so many Thanksgiving ingredients that she becomes a balloon for the parade!

K Is For Kwanzaa: A Kwanzaa Alphabet Book by Juwanda Ford

Cartwheel Books, 1997, ISBN 0590922009

The book’s size and simple format makes it suitable for sharing with a group of children from ages 4 to 10, or for families preparing for Kwanzaa in their own homes.

Latkes, Latkes Good to Eat: A Chanukah Story by Naomi Howland

Clarion Books, 1999, ISBN 0395899036

Sadie gives firewood to a cold old woman, and she in turn gives Sadie a frying pan with miraculous powers.

Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg

Zondervan Pub., 1997, ISBN 0310212472

With the help of a little girl, a mysterious stranger tells the story of the candy cane to the people of a small prairie town during Christmas time at the turn of the century.

Little Tiger Press, 1998, ISBN 1888444401

After giving away all his warm vests to his cold animal friends at Christmas time, Little Robin receives a special gift from Santa.

Houghton Mifflin, 1998, ISBN 0395913047

At Christmas time, Lyle the Crocodile helps Mr. Grumps search for his missing cat.

Merry Christmas, Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola

Harcourt Brace, 1986, ISBN 0152531831; paperback 015253184x

It is Christmas time in Calabria. There’s no time for Strega Nona’s usual work of curing headaches, mixing love potions, and getting rid of warts, because she’s preparing her annual feast for the whole town. How will she ever be ready by Christmas Eve, when her only helper, Big Anthony, is so foolish? But Big Anthony secretly plans a surprise Christmas party for Strega Nona.

Children's Press, 1999, ISBN 0516208292; paperback 0516264761

Messy bakes cookies to celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Chanukah.

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1999, ISBN 0689823258

Mouse enjoys all the tastes, sights, and sounds of her first Christmas.

Cartwheel Books, 1999, ISBN 0590457624, paperback 0439129265

Kwanzaa is brought to the reader through beautiful and colorful illustrations of activities for each day of the festival, showing people in traditional African dress.

Mulberry Books, 1996, ISBN 0688161545

The oldest elf and Blitzen, a retired reindeer, help Santa for one last Christmas, shown in delightful illustrations in watercolor and black pen.

On Hanukkah by Cathy Fishman

Atheneum, 1998, ISBN 0689806434

When Father brings out the menorahs, a young girl knows it’s time for Hanukkah.

Dial Books for Young Readers, 1999, ISBN 0803719787

Leibush loves the hand-carved dreidels the peddler has in his cart, and decides to borrow one, sure that the peddler won't mind. Or will he?

HarperCollins Children’s Books, 1994, ISBN 0060235322, 0064434664 (pbk.)

Pussycat knows Christmas is coming, as she plays in the snow and watches the Christmas presentations.

Harcourt Brace, 1997, ISBN 0152015701

There was a time when Santa made his Christmas Eve journey on foot, but with more and more homes to visit, he had to find another way to make his annual trip. Find out how the reindeer were chosen for this important job in a delightful tale that will become a favorite with children.

Little Tiger Press, 1996, ISBN 188844407x

Although it’s his favorite night of the year, Santa Claus tries very hard not to wake the children of the world as he makes his deliveries on Christmas Eve.

Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1996, ISBN 0689808623; paperback 0689838573

Tells of a winter on the farm when most of the families in the village have come down with scarlet fever. As Trisha and her family prepare for the upcoming Hanukkah celebration, they realize that the other families will not be well enough to celebrate Christmas. Trisha’s family decides that they will take a special holiday dinner and decorations made from their Hanukkah presents to the other families to surprise them.

Ages 9 – 12

Celebrating Kwanzaa by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith

Holiday House, 1994, ISBN 082341048x; paperback 0823411303

This book is an excellent resource for those learning about this relatively new African-American holiday. It is chock full of clearly-written information and superb photographs.

Dial Books for Young Readers, 1998, ISBN 0803722419;

paperback: Puffin Books, ISBN 0141309822

Marla wishes she celebrated Christmas, until one year when she decides to learn about Hanukkah and to teach her family.

Joy to the World: A Family Christmas Treasury by Ann Keay Beneduce

Atheneum, 2000, ISBN 0689821131

Tells the history and symbolism behind many familiar Christmas symbols (the tree, the star, etc.). Includes stories, plays, poems, and carols, and has a section on Christmas celebrations around the world. An appropriate gift for the entire family – and everyone will appreciate the lovely old-fashioned watercolors that illustrate the book.

Little House Christmas, A: Holiday Stories from The Little House Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder

HarperCollins Children’s Books, 1997, ISBN 0060274891; paperback 0064406156

A collection of stories that describe the experiences of a pioneer girl and her family as they celebrate Christmases in the Big Woods in Wisconsin, on the prairie in Indian Territory, and on the banks of Plum Creek.

Chelsea House, 1998, ISBN 0791046788

This book describes the legend of Santa Claus and how cultures around the world see him.