Kids Corner!

As the holidays approach it becomes more obvious that this year we won't be able to partake in all our usual seasonal activities. One COVID friendly alternative you could consider is to snuggle up in some warm blankets with some hot cocoa and have story time. This time of the year it’s important to think about others, although Christmas and thanksgiving are widely celebrated in the United States there are many different cultures that celebrate a holiday during the fall/winter season. It’s important for kids to recognize that we live in a diverse and beautiful world, where we should celebrate each other’s differences. I have compiled a list of books that include stories from our most popular holidays to other not so popular ones.

A Plump and Perky Turkey, By Teresa Baleman and Illustrated by Jeff Shelby is a fun story about the people of Squawk Valley and their desperate search for a turkey. There are no turkeys to be found for thanksgiving, so instead of hunting for one the people of Squawk Valley decide to lure one in with an elaborate scheme. The villagers host a turkey based arts and crafts show, but they claim they need a turkey model to accurately judge the creations. They post signs for turkeys to apply all over the forest. Will their plan to catch a turkey work? Or will they have to settle for shredded wheat?

Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano and Illustrated by Lee Harper follows a silly turkey around the farm as he tries numerous disguises to try and trick the farmers into thinking there’s no turkey around for them to eat. This turkey might just be the one to start a new holiday tradition in which pizza is the main dish for Thanksgiving.

Sneezy the Snowman By Maureen Wright and Illustrated by Stephen Gilpin is about a sick snowman who has trouble staying warm. A snowman who doesn’t like the cold? Now that’s something I’ve never heard of. Will the snowman’s friend be able to keep him warm without him melting? You’ll just have to read to find out.

If You Take A Mouse To The Movies by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond. Some of you might be familiar with the If You Give A Mouse A Cookie series which now has its own show on Amazon Prime. This book from my childhood is a go to classic for holiday fun. Have fun with the mouse as he enjoys winter activities all around town.

Hanukkah Bear written by Eric A. Kimmel and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. Baba Brayna anxiously awaits for the Rabbi to come into her home. When he finally arrives, she happily lets him in. Only it’s not the Rabbi, It’s a bear! Baba Bryna doesn’t seem to notice she’s been hanging out with a bear and has dinner with him. This silly tale teaches children about popular Jewish traditions offering a heartwarming tale about an unlikely friendship.

Si los Reyes Magos No Tuvieran Sus Camellos by Gilberto Mariscal and Illustrated by Chuwy. This book written in Spanish poses an interesting question, what would happen if the three kings didn’t have their camels to travel on. How would they deliver their gifts? Lucía and María listen to their mom offer several answers to the question, some goofier than others. This book is a reminder that storytelling and literature in any language has universal value.

Seven Spools of Thread by Angela Shelf Medearis and Illustrated by Daniel Minter begins with a small informative section on the origins of Kwanzaa and a page that teaches you the pronunciation of important words in the story. This tale is about seven brothers who must learn to get along to get their father’s inheritance. They learn an important lesson on working together, problem solving and giving to those in need.