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Books for the Holidays

Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa stories your kids will love

By Sharon Rosenthal December 4, 2013
Reading is a great way to educate your kids on the many holidays that our friends and family celebrates. Here are some great books to read with the kids or give as gifts this holiday season.

THANKSGIVING
What Is Thanksgiving? board book by Michelle Medlock Adams
Here's a fun and lively introduction to the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson
I know an old lady who swallowed a pie, a Thanksgiving pie, which was really too dry. And with that the feast begins!

Happy Thanksgiving Day! (Touch-And-Feel Book) board book by Jill Roman Lord
A touch-and-feel book that celebrates Thanksgiving and encourages gratitude for blessings in a child's life. In this new touch-and-feel board book, textures and bright artwork bring to life the things children experience at Thanksgiving.

CHANUKAH 
How do Dinosaurs say Happy Chanukah? by Jane Yolen
Another “how do Dinosaurs say..” title in which well-behaved dinosaur can celebrate the eight days and nights of Chanukah.

Hanukkah: A Counting Book by Emily Sper
A simple story about Hanukkah which include a short history of the holiday.

Harvest of Light by Allison Ofansky
An Israeli family raises olives and uses some of the oil to light their Hanukkah menorah.

CHRISTMAS 
How do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas? by Jane Yolen
Illustrations and rhyming text present some of the different ways a well-behaved dinosaur can celebrate Christmas. Just one in the enjoyable series of Dinosaur books.

Home for Christmas by Jan Brett
Rollo the Troll is tired of chores, but after spending time on the tundra with various animal families, he realizes that he wants to be home for Christmas even if that means behaving himself.

Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
This holiday favorite was appeared in 1823. Since then the poem has been printed by a variety of illustrators and is always a classic Christmas-time tale.

The Spirit of Christmas
by Nancy Tillman
During the sometimes hectic Christmas season, we need to remember that the best gift of all is spending time with those we love.

KWANZAA 
Seven Spools of Thread by Angela Medearis and illustrated with woodcuts by Daniel Minter
The history of Kwanzaa is included in this beautifully illustrated story.

A Kwanzaa Holiday Cookbook by Emily Raabe
A history of Kwanzaa and favorite recipes are included.

A Very Special Kwanzaa by Deborah Chocolate
Remembering how the kids made fun of his dashiki, beads, and sandals the previous year, Charlie is reluctant to participate in the present year's Kwanzaa Festival at school, until he remembers the deeper meaning of Kwanzaa.