There’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book to get kids into festive spirits, and this year
there are some wonderful new additions to your family’s collection of holiday classics. Check out
some of our new favorites below.
“Little Library” by Jan Brett
This boxed set of Brett’s beautifully illustrated board books includes the winter-themed stories,
“Gingerbread Baby,” “The Hat” and “The Mitten.” —
“Old Bear and His Cub” by Olivier Dunrea
This is a charming bedtime story for the wintery months. In a relatable tale of role-reversal, Little
Bear has to take care of Old Bear when Old Bear comes down with a cold.
“Jackie’s Gift: A True Story of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Jackie Robinson” by Sharon Robinson
Written by Jackie Robinson’s daughter, the book tells the true story of a Jewish boy named Steve
who got a world-famous baseball player as his neighbor in Brooklyn. When Jackie Robinson
gives Steve a Christmas tree, his family doesn’t know what to do. This holiday book explores, in a
lighthearted and often humorous way, the fact that not everyone’s traditions are the same.
“12 Days of Christmas” by Rachel Isadora
Filled with vibrant and colorful illustrations, “12 Days of Christmas” is an African-inspired retelling of
the classic Christmas carol. This must-have picture book is unique and visually stunning.
“Joy to the World” by Tomie Paola
“Joy to the World: Christmas Stories and Songs” is a wonderful holiday addition to any family’s
collection. Written by award-winning author Tomie dePaola (who has penned over 200 children’s
books, including the Newbery Award-winning “26 Fairmount Avenue”) the beautifully illustrated
book features three of dePaola’s best-loved Christmas stories and four beloved songs. Kids will
marvel at the illustrations of stories like “The Legend of the Poinsettia” and love singing along to
the sweetly depicted “Silent Night.” “
— Rachael Horowitz
