Sweet holiday books bring good cheer
So, you’re feeling like Scrooge because you’ve read “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” for the hundreth time to your kids? Truth be told, you actually hate the Whos in Whoville more than the Grinch ever did. It’s time to break out some new material this holiday season. Here’s a roundup of picture books with a fresh yuletide spirit.
‘Nutcracker in Harlem’ By T.E. McMorrow and illustrated by James Ransome HarperCollins, 32 pp., $17.99 Ages 4-8
classic, It’s hard but T.E. to improve McMorrow’s on a jazz-inspired theme adds an enchanting feeling to the beloved holiday story “The Nutcracker.” His version is set in New York during the Harlem Renaissance as a little girl discovers her talent as a musician and a wonderland of music with the help of a magical toy. James Ransome, an awardwinning illustrator of more than 50 children’s books, captures the color and mood of the time with his vibrant watercolor illustrations. This is a holiday must for all children.
‘Waltz of the Snowflakes’ By Elly MacKay Running Press, 32 pp., $16.99 Ages 4-8
Here’s another lovely tribute to “The Nutcracker.” Elly MacKay tells a story of a little girl’s first experience watching the classic ballet when her grandmother takes her to see it on a dreary, cold day. MacKay’s illustrations, which are done in her signature cut-paper technique, are gray and dark until the ballet performance begins, then dancers in bright, colorful costumes seem to come to life right on the pages.
‘Santa Calls’ By William Joyce Simon & Schuster, 40 pp., $18.99 Ages 4-8
What would it be like to venture to the North Pole? William Joyce’s crimefighting character Art Atchinson Aimesworth sets off with his sister and best friend for fun adventure told through Joyce’s delightful illustrations. You may know his work from his New Yorker magazine covers and art displayed in galleries and museums worldwide.
‘The Bear Who Didn’t Want to Miss Christmas’ By Marie Tibi and illustrated by Fabien Ockto Lambert Salariya Book Co., 40 pp., $16.95 Ages 4-8
animals, In author Little Marie Bear Tibi’s is the world only of one who can’t get excited about Christmas because he has to hibernate. His animal pals launch a plan to help get him out to celebrate. The illustrations by Fabien Ockto Lambert give the story a cheery, cartoon quality that will make your little ones chuckle.
‘Small Walt’ By Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marc Rosenthal Simon & Schuster, 40 pp., $17.99 Ages 4-8
Walt, the snowplow, is little but mighty, even when the bigger plows doubt his abilities. Elizabeth Verdick’s holiday story, which is set in a snowy town, gives every underdog a reason to cheer in the same tradition as the “The Little Engine that Could.”
‘Mice Skating’ By Annie Silvestro and illustrated by Teagan White Sterling Children’s Books, 32 pp., $16.95 Ages 4-8
This is a simple story: Lucy the Mouse loves the snow, the ice and ice skating and wants her friends to join in on the fun. (As an ice skater, I found this is a story after my own heart.)
‘Jingle Bells’ By Susan Jeffers HarperCollins, 40 pgs. $17.99 Ages 4-8
Sing along as New York Times best-selling illustrator Susan Jeffers celebrates the yuletide cheer with the favorite song “Jingle Bells.” Like her past books, “The Nutcracker” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” Jeffers carries young readers on an entertaining lyrical journey with her artistry.
‘The Little Reindeer’ By Nicola Killen Simon & Schuster, 32 pp., $15.99 Ages 4-8
If you’re looking for a good bedtime read, Nicola Killen has crafted a magical story about a little girl who meets a lost reindeer in the forest. The book is beautifully illustrated, with Killen’s gray-tone drawings accented with festive red-foil highlights and cut-outs.
‘Bear’s Merry Book of Hidden Things’ By Gergely Dudas HarperCollins, 32 pp., $14.99 Ages 4-8
this For hide-and-seek-themed the child who likes a puzzle, book is perfect. It’s about a bear who wants to have a holiday party and sends young readers on a search for the things he needs to make it festive through the illustrations.