New Holiday Books
Need some new winter holiday books? Try some of these recently published books for children.
Emmett, Jonathan. Christmas Street. Illus. by Ingela P. Arrhenius. Nosy Crow, 10/2022. [24p.] $17.99. 978-1-5362-2752-9.
Several buildings on the same street are featured in this accordian-fold book with window and door flaps that open to reveal what is inside each store or house. This rhyming alphabet book displays both upper and lower case letters. Often there are several items demonstrating the letter – in B is for Bow, bears are shown wrapping gifts. The residents are all animals in human clothing. The full color graphic artwork is eye-catching, although this format may not hold up to library circulation. It would work best as a gift book.
Heim, Alastair. No Peeking at Presents. Illus. by Sara Not. Clarion, 12/2022. $18.99. 978-1-32-880959-9.
The eldest of three siblings reminds the younger ones that there is “no peeking at presents!” in this delightful story that is perfect for storytime due to its repetition. The story involves a repeated squeaking noise that keeps waking the kids – it turns out to be the new pet chihuahua! The family is depicted in the full color cartoon artwork as biracial with a Black mother and white father.
Lyons, Kelly Starling. Ty’s Travels: Winter Wonderland. Illus. by Nina Mata. Harper, 09/2022. 32p. $16.99. 978-0-06-308363-9.
In this cheery easy reader, Ty is excited about the recent snowfall, and asks to visit the North Pole. His mom takes him to the park and eventually sees the town’s Santa attraction, featuring a Black Santa. The text is very easy and brief, just right for emergent readers. The full color cartoonish artwork features a Black family, helping to make up for the lack of diversity in most easy reader collections.
Manushkin, Fran. Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story. Illus. by Kris Easler. Charlesbridge, 09/2022. [32p.] $17.99. 978-1-62354-156-9.
A blizzard prevents a family from obtaining the apples and potatoes needed for their Hanukkah celebration because the crops are outside under a blanket of snow. A cat and dog come by and are taken in by the family; the dog digs up the potatoes and the cat climbs the apple tree. The digital graphite and gouache artwork depicts a small town of an indefinite time period, but is likely the later 1900’s. Originally published in 1989, this new edition is revised and contains new illustrations. The book ends with some facts on the holiday, dreidels, and latkes and applesauce (but no recipes).
Penny Peck, San Jose State University iSchool
Leave a Reply