4 Books to Read This December

After the past two years of uncertainty, the coming holiday season is a welcome relief to once again celebrate familial traditions and reflect on the highs and lows of the past year. With the shorter days and cooler nights, it's the perfect time for children to find a cozy reading nook and unwind with a good book. We've picked out four books that touch on the holiday season as well as the importance of being community-minded and thinking of others.

Great Joy (2007)

Written by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

"It is just before Christmas when an organ grinder and monkey appear on the street corner outside Frances’s apartment. Frances can see them from her window and, sometimes, when it’s quiet, she can hear their music. In fact, Frances can’t stop thinking about them, especially after she sees the man and his monkey sleeping outside on the cold street at midnight. When the day of the Christmas pageant arrives, and it’s Frances’s turn to speak, everyone waits silently. But all Frances can think about is the organ grinder’s sad eyes — until, just in time, she finds the perfect words to share. Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo pairs once again with acclaimed artist Bagram Ibatoulline as she presents a timeless story of compassion and joy." —Goodreads

Calgary Public Library Link: https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C501260

Construction Site on Christmas Night (2018)

Written by Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrated by A.G. Ford

"The trucks are gearing up for Christmas by building a special gift! But, there's a surprise waiting for each of them, too! Presents await for Excavator, Bulldozer, Crane, Dump Truck, and Cement Mixer as each finishes their part of this big, important job and rolls off to a sweet and sleepy goodnight." —Goodreads

Calgary Public Library Link: https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C1232415

Kevin's Kwanzaa (2012)

Written by Lisa Bullard and illustrated by Constanza Basaluzzo

"Kevin's family is celebrating the seven days of Kwanzaa! Kevin helps his mom decorate the Kwanzaa table. They light candles with Grandma and Grandpa and learn a special word each day. They talk about working together and solving problems. On the sixth day, everyone eats and dances at a big feast!" —Goodreads

Calgary Public Library Link: https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C1339581

Hanukkah Bear (2013)

Written by Eric A. Kimmel and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

"Bubba Brayna makes the best latkes in the village, and on the first night of Hanukkah, the scent of her cooking wakes a hungry, adorable bear from his hibernation. He lumbers into town to investigate, and Bubba Brayna--who does not see or hear very well--mistakes him for her rabbi. She welcomes the bear inside to play the dreidel game, light the menorah, and enjoy a scrumptious meal." —Goodreads