Librarian Prep Post: Season’s Readings for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa
It’s never too early to start planning for December. Stock up now with engaging, age-appropriate titles that celebrate the holidays and the spirit of community, all while supporting literacy and inclusion in your classroom or library.
Celebration around the World
From the Series Welcome to My World
Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 5
Filled with beautiful photographs, join children as they celebrate the Viking festival of Up Helly Aa, the Hindu festival of Holi, the great Cattle Crossing in Mali, Thanksgiving, Chinese New Year, and many other celebrations!
One Wise Sheep
Interest Level: Grade 1 – Grade 4
This retelling of the nativity story from the point of view of the sheep is laugh-out-loud funny and full of the warmth of Christmas—a cheeky illustrated chapter book by a bestselling author/illustrator pair.
Happy HanukKAT
Interest Level: Preschool
The cat family is getting ready for their favorite time of year—Hanukkah! It’s the purr-fect holiday celebration as they light the menorah, make latkes, and listen to the story of the Maccabees.
The Mouse Who Loved Latkes
Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 2
When the Katz family moves in, C.J. the mouse is scared. “Don’t go,” says the littlest cat. “I could use a friend.” C.J. joins the Katz family for dinner and helps them celebrate Hanukkah.
Golem Loves Latkes
Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 4
In Schmoozeville, a town passionately divided over whether latkes should be eaten with apple sauce or sour cream, the young main character brings a golem to life, and fun and zany chaos ensues.
Sammy Spider’s Big Book of Jewish Holidays
Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 2
Sammy Spider watches the Shapiros hang the calendar that will show them all the Jewish holidays of the year. From Rosh Hashanah to Shavuot, Sammy watches―and asks Mrs. Spider lots of questions.
Jaheem’s First Kwanzaa
Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 2
Jaheem learns the importance of honoring his cultural roots. He is introduced to Kwanzaa as a family tradition, when African American families gather together to celebrate their culture and heritage.
Kwanza Candles
From the Series My World (Pull Ahead Readers — Fiction)
Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 1
See what role candles play during Kwanzaa. Young readers will learn about the holiday in this fictional story, which pairs with the nonfiction title Holiday Fun.
Want even more books to celebrate the season? Explore more stories to make your library displays shine.
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