Donatucci Library's Lights Around the World and Holiday Book Recommendations
By Sunita B. Thu, December 5, 2019Here at Donatucci Library, we are thrilled to welcome back Alycia Larson also known as "the Geography Lady" to present an inclusive holiday program called Lights Around the World today, Thursday, December 5 at 4:30 p.m. Alycia was previously an Afterschool Leader here and has since been offering geography-related programming at various neighborhood libraries. Lights Around the World will we take our young patrons around the world to learn how different countries and cultures use light to celebrate the holiday season, which includes Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas, and the Winter Solstice. Pictures, stories, sensory, crafts, snacks, and more await.
In the meantime, we have some wonderful holiday books to enjoy in preparation for the upcoming holiday season. Check them out!
Celebrations! by Anabel Kindersley
A calendar of celebrations which describes holidays and festivals of all major religions and cultures from around the world.
The Berenstain Bears' Christmas by Stan and Jan Berenstain
There's a whole lot to learn one Christmas morning in Bear Country when Papa Bear teaches his son a thing or two about skiing, skating, and sledding.
Christmas Cricket by Eve Bunting and Timothy Bush
On Christmas Eve, a little cricket finds its way into a house where its singing is thought to be the voice of an angel.
The Gingerbread Pirates by Kristin Kladstrup and Matt Tavares
When Jim's gingerbread pirate, Captain Cookie, comes alive, the tasty treat prepares to battle Santa Claus, who likes to eat cookies on Christmas Eve. What if a brave Captain Cookie stood up to Santa? A fresh, funny story that sparkles with all the excitement of a pirate adventure — and all the magic of Christmas morning.
The Best Hanukkah Ever by Barbara Diamond Goldin and Avi Katz
When the Knoodle family tries to follow their rabbi's advice about giving the perfect gift, everything goes wrong and their Hanukkah seems ruined until the rabbi comes to straighten things out.
Kwanzaa by Sheila Anderson
An introduction to the customs and meaning of Kwanzaa, teaching young readers about the background, traditions, foods, and celebrations of the African-American holiday. Easy-to-read text combines with colorful illustrations to provide entertainment and facts for even the youngest audience.
A Creature Was Stirring by Carter Goodrich
As a family lives out the famous poem by Clement Moore, a young boy is unable to sleep and, in his excitement, performs several deeds bound to place him on the naughty list, and one that just might save him.
'Twas Nochebuena by Roseanne Thong and Sara Palacios
Explores Latin American traditions for celebrating Christmas Eve in a text that combines English and Spanish words and follows the rhythm of Clement Moore's "The Night Before Christmas". Follow a family as they prepare to host a night filled with laughter, love, and Latino tradition. Make tasty tamales and hang colorful adornos (decorations) on the walls. Gather to sing festive canciones (songs) while sipping champurrado (hot chocolate). After the midnight feast has been served and the last gifts have been unwrapped, it’s time to cheer, "Feliz Navidad and to all a good night!"
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Brett Helquist, and Josh Greenhut
In this luminous picture book adaptation of Charles Dickens' immortal classic, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge leaps off the page to warm the soul of one and all. Be swept away in an unforgettable Christmas Eve, from Scrooge's first "Bah, humbug!" to the arrival of the Ghost of Christmas Past; from the courage of Tiny Tim to the glory of Christmas morning. Brett Helquist's art bursts with spirit, humor, and irresistible attention to detail. Here is a treasure for the whole family to share, year after year!
You can find these holiday titles and more in our catalog and your neighborhood library!
Please call us at 215-685-1755 to register or if you have any questions about this program.
Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.