We have two picture books coming out today:
Chinese New Year’s Day is January 28 this year, ushering in a new Year of the Rooster. Perhaps the most important traditional Chinese celebration, Chinese New Year festivities are celebrated for days and often feature family reunions, provide peaceful rest prior to the new farming year, and recognize the start of spring. The celebration is also a time to wish for luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. The New Year festival is centuries old and is celebrated by Chinese communities across the globe (some estimate 1 in 6 people worldwide celebrate Chinese New Year).
This year December 24th marks the first day of the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. Many will gather to celebrate this miraculous holiday with family and friends. Hanukkah is a very important holiday in the Jewish tradition; it is the 8 day “festival of lights” that commemorates the triumph of a group of Jewish Rebels known as the Maccabees against their oppressors, the Greek-Syrians. In the 2nd century B.C., the Greek-Syrians ruined the Jewish Temple by constructing an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs within the walls of the temple. In order to rededicate their temple, the Maccabees had to keep a menorah lit at all times, however, they only had enough pure olive oil remaining to keep the menorah lit for one day. Despite this, the miracle of Hanukkah was that this menorah burned for eight days.
This Thursday is Thanksgiving and many will gather with loved ones to reflect on all of the good in their lives (and eat way too much!). In a sometimes chaotic world, it is nice to have a day to feel the love of those around us and have the uncomfortably wonderful privilege of rolling around on the floor as full as can be. 
Happy Friday! Congratulations to Marty C., who’s won The Atlas of Cursed Places series. Marty, please send your address to publicity@lernerbooks.com so we can get your books in the mail.
What are you doing next Tuesday? We’ll be hitting the polls! Election day is looming, and we have several titles and series that are perfect for teaching young readers and future voters about presidents, elections, and government:
Happy Halloween from Lerner Publishing Group! Treat yourself to a spooky read today!
In the “Monster Buddies” books, authors Shannon Knudsen and Lisa Bullard create a world where monsters aren’t so scary. Each creature begins their story by ensuring the reader knows there is no such thing as ghosts, zombies, witches, aliens, mummies, dragons, vampires, or werewolves. Readers given the chance to learn all about the monster telling the tale as well as the different variations and origins of the monsters that exist throughout the world.
Titles in this exciting series include:
Welcome to October, everybody! It’s always been my favorite month. I love the gorgeous changing leaves; the crisp, cool weather; and those cozy early nights that start with orangey, autumny sunsets and that unmistakable scent of fall-turning-to-winter in the air.
There are lots of other things to celebrate in October too. And Lerner has a book for them all! Here’s a look at October holidays and special days, and a book to help you celebrate each one:
October 1 was World Vegetarian Day. Yes, we’ve passed it, but as a vegetarian myself, I just couldn’t let this one slip by without a mention. (Smiles!)
October 3 (today!) brings Rosh Hashanah. Sending out wishes for a very Happy New Year to all those who celebrate.
October 7 is World Smile Day!
October 10 is Canadian Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to all our neighbors to the north.
October 12 is Yom Kippur.
October 15 is Teacher’s Day. To all you teachers, librarians, and others who do the noble work of educating children: Thank you so much for everything you do.
October 16 has a Full Moon.
October 17 is the first full day of Sukkot. Wishing a joyous Sukkot to everyone observing it!
October 22 is Make a Difference Day.
October 30 is National Candy Corn Day. Set out a bowl and offer some to any passers by as a pre-Halloween treat.
October 31 is Halloween!
Wishing all of you a happy, healthy, and very fun October!
Happy Saturday and happy October! It’s time to wander hay bale mazes, drink hot cider, and pick up these reads at your local library or bookstore:
