Whether you borrow books, buy books or both, children will appreciate snuggling up to read during the holidays and all year long. Check out these books; guaranteed winners!
Books to borrow
The following book is available at many public libraries.
“Elijah’s Angel: A Story for Chanukah and Christmas” by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson, Harcourt, 32 pages
Read aloud: age 6 – 9.
Read yourself: age 7 – 9.
Michael is a 9-year-old Jewish boy. His friend is Elijah, who is a barber, woodcarver and Christian man in his 80s. Unlikely as the pair may seem, they are friends and enjoy spending time together.
Their differences don’t matter to either friend until the day Elijah gives Michael a carved angel for Christmas. It isn’t that Michael doesn’t like the angel; he loves all of Elijah’s carvings. But Michael is afraid to bring the angel into his home, fearful that he is disobeying God with a “graven image.”
Through Michael’s courage and the warm support of his parents, Michael comes to realize that Elijah’s angel is an angel of friendship. On Christmas morning, Michael presents a special gift to Elijah, establishing a bond between the two and an important understanding of each person’s faith.
Based on real events about the friendship both the author and illustrator shared with Elijah, this book is an exceptional addition to holiday selections.
Librarian’s choice
Library: Reading Public Library, 100 S. Fifth St., Reading
Executive library director: Melissa Adams
Assistant director: Emily McNulty
Youth services supervisor: Caitlin Johnson
Choices this week: “Goin’ Someplace Special” by Patricia McKissack; “Magic Tree House” series by Mary Pope Osborne; “Winter’s Tale” by Robert Sabuda
Books to buy
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.
“Where to Hide a Star,” written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers, Philomel, 2024, 48 pages, $22.99 hardcover
Read aloud: age 4 – 8.
Read yourself: age 6 – 8.
A boy and his two good friends, the star and the penguin, would often play hide-and-seek together. The star was usually easy to find, but one day after the boy helped the penguin out of a tight spot, the star went missing and couldn’t be found.
The boy and the penguin looked everywhere for the star, then began to worry it was lost. The boy decided to radio for help from the Martian who knew more about stars than the boy did. The Martian came immediately, used the star-finder on the spaceship, and located the star at the North Pole.
So, the three set off in the spaceship to rescue the star. As it turned out, the star wasn’t in need of rescue, having found another friend. What to do now? Another game of hide-and-seek?
A delightful story of friendship and sharing, once again Jeffers charms his audience with his whimsical illustrations and fun story in “Where to Hide a Star.”
“Salvatore and the Goats of Mount Etna” by Uschi Müller, illustrated by Brittany Lane, Greystone Kids, 2024, 40 pages, $18.95 hardcover
Read aloud: age 4 – 8.
Read yourself: age 7 – 8.
It was Salvatore’s first time herding the goats near the foot of the active volcano, Mount Etna. Salvatore’s father advised him to make sure he herded the goats and not to let them herd Salvatore. Confident he could do the job well, Salvatore, his herding dog and the goats set off, climbing higher and higher toward the top to graze.
Suddenly, the lead goat, Bianca, began kicking, jumping and tossing her head, and soon the other goats were doing the same. Within moments, the goats took off, back down the mountain, with Salvatore running behind. Something was terribly wrong, and the goats had sensed it. What could it be?
Inspired by true events and scientific research, “Salvatore and the Goats of Mount Etna” is exciting, educational and a fascinating first look at the sixth sense animals have that enables them to detect natural disasters before they happen.
“Little Hare Finds a Gift” written and illustrated by Oleksandr Shatokhin, translated by Ali Kinsella, Red Comet Press, 2024, 40 pages, $18.99 hardcover
Read aloud: age 3 – 7.
Read yourself: age 6 – 7.
Little Hare was awakened one winter evening by a loud thump. Quickly putting on her snowsuit, she dashed outside her home and discovered a very large box tied with a bow on the roof of her house. Wondering who it belonged to, she put it on her sled and set off to find its owner.
Checking with one neighbor after another, no one seemed to know who the gift was for. Pressing forward, she came across another present, and then several more, until she bumped into something very big — Santa Claus! Santa explained how he had lost all the presents in a terrible snowstorm, and was afraid Christmas would be ruined. But Little Hare was determined to help Santa, and a successful team and friendship was born.
Magical in every way, “Little Hare Finds a Gift” will enchant readers all year long.
Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children’s literature. She can be reached at kendal.rautzhan27@gmail.com.
Source: Berkshire mont