Book Finder

“Early one December morning, Bear woke …” and saw a “new star, barely visible …” Bear began his search for an evergreen tree that would stand tall and strong. Then people gathered from around the world as the “tree [grew] stronger and taller … because it was time for peace.” Rich, snow-filled illustrations complement the lyrical, semi-abstract narration. Though not obviously a holiday story, it may be perceived as one.

Several generations of a family prepare for a meal together. Told in the cadence of a familiar rhyme, each member — from the youngest to the oldest — contributes to the celebratory occasion. Bright, childlike illustrations capture the fun and food for a festive meal shared “around the table that Grandad built.”

In spite of a storm and with a bit of human help, a struggling but tenacious robin returns home to its mate. There it finds its Christmas bird cake and a watchful, caring young person to celebrate the reunion. Realistic illustrations chronicle the bird’s intense journey, appropriate for any time of the year.

Join the celebration from morning until evening. It’s presented in rhyming English with Spanish seamlessly incorporated. “No one’s working, closed tiendas./ Bright balloons and meriendas.” Unfamiliar words can be found in the cheerful illustrations (but there’s a glossary just in case!).

A festive and colorful celebration of the Mexican and Latin American holiday. The rhyming narrative introduces the traditions practiced during El Día de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead, from the sugary, skull-shaped candies (calaveras) and altars built in remembrance of the dearly departed to decorating tombstones and picnics at the cemetery. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout.

A new year starts every month somewhere in the world. Join the celebrations from Russia to Spain, from Jordan to Chile (plus many more) in lively poems and textured, colorful collage illustrations. Additional information about the celebrations and different calendars concludes this lush, unique fête.

What other than a frilly Valentine shows a friend that they’re cared for? Maybe it’s as simple as a good-luck hopscotch rock or a dandelion that has been used to make a wish. Join this diverse group of friends as they show they care in simple, non-fussy ways that are definitely NOT Valentines!   

A cast of characters associated with Halloween look on as Fran (as in Frankenstein) cuts out a paper heart. Much to their horror, it is explained that Fran may be in love! Dully hued cartoons highlight Fran’s pink heart (seen as anything but a Valentine) and the object of his affection (perhaps the Bride of Frankenstein) in this funny riff on a traditional Valentine’s celebration.

Moose and the other animals really want Groundhog to join them for their Valentine’s party. But when Groundhog sees his shadow he returns quickly to his cozy home. Could Groundhog be afraid of his shadow? Might shadow games help? Readers will enjoy the humor in lush illustrations and the warm relationship between animal friends in this celebratory book.

This vibrant counting book introduces children to the rich traditions of the Vietnamese New Year. A playful village of mice lead young readers through the joyful celebration, as embroidered illustrations recreate ten scenes of preparation, gift giving, feasting, and firework displays.

When does eavesdropping become espionage? When it’s being done by Olivia the pig, of course! Olivia misinterprets what she overhears her parents discussing providing readers with another engaging, humorous romp. Signature illustrations capture Olivia’s antics and expressions.

Jasmine is only 8 years old but wants to do what the boys do. It’s her family Japanese tradition for the boys to pound the rice for mocha at her family’s New Year’s celebration. But can she really handle it? Readers of all backgrounds will empathize with Jasmine’s dilemma and see themselves in her. 

Since little is known about the real Amelia Simmons, the author invites readers to imagine what became of her after her father’s death. Amelia would become a “bound girl,” to work for others. She may have made an Independence Cake perhaps tasted by General George Washington! The colonial period is clearly imagined here in illustration and lively text, complete with a cake recipe.

Only the green egg remains unchanged after the pink, blue and yellow eggs hatch; three small birds wait and wait and wait for the fourth egg. After the long wait, a distinctly un-avian creature emerges and a unique friendship begins. Strong lines, soft colors with rounded shapes and repeated images with minimal language tell this distinctive tale of an egg.

Every day holds something for which children and adults can be grateful. This becomes clear in this small book which features dePaola’s signature illustrations in a light colors combined with straightforward, simple language.

From 10 to one, guinea pigs celebrating a birthday are eliminated one-by-one through recognizable (but minor) disasters. With a wish, however, the 10 are reunited to continue the playful celebration.

In the cadence of Clement Moore’s holiday poem, a Latino family celebrates Christmas Eve. They make tamales with masa, play games (including a piñata) and more until the children are in bed and everyone is wished Feliz Navidad! A glossary of Spanish words concludes this cheerfully illustrated fiesta.

Charlie, a young British soldier, tells of an experience he had on a battlefield in France in 1914. Based on an actual event during World War I — framed by the fictional soldier’s letter to his mother and illustrated by evocative illustrations — a touching bit of history is brought to light for younger but sophisticated readers.

Originally read at the 2005 White House tree-lighting ceremony and published as a Christmas book for adults, Angelou’s stirring poem is presented alongside convivial winter scenes in a picture book intended for young readers, but whose message and splendid artwork will appeal to all ages. Angelou celebrates the spirit of the season — a time to learn to look beyond complexion and see community — with a resonating call for hope, unity, and, above all, peace. [Booklist]

Marisol is truly a nonconformist. She doesn’t like things that match, doesn’t want just one theme for her birthday, and the only gift Marisol really wants is a visit from her abuelita. The surprise at her “Clash Bash” party is a virtual visit from her grandmother. Joyful illustrations accompany this second fun-filled, bilingual Marisol story.

Ling and Ting, (first introduced in Ling and Ting, Not Exactly the Same (opens in a new window)), share many things including their birthday. After all, they’re twins! Their special day — from gifts to wishes — is celebrated in six short chapters in which they help each other in many ways.

The narrator awakens early on the most exciting day of the year. It is Basant, a day to celebrate a new season with kite-flying and kite-fighting from the rooftops of Lahore. Rich mixed media illustrations add texture to the vivid and discussable story of the kite-flyer who is in a wheelchair but not limited as he becomes king from his rooftop.

Don Pedro and his family make skeletons for el Día de los Muertos celebration in Mexico City. When the papier-mache Calaveras go to market on fiesta day, each skeleton acts out a letter of the alphabet. Richly toned illustrations in an appealing folk art style introduce the alphabet — from ángel to zapatero. This handsome book concludes with an alphabet glossary and a brief explanation of the Spanish alphabet.