When the cornucopia of celebratory holiday books pour into the market place, I look for those that show diversity of backgrounds, feelings, and occasions. This year there was a particularly wide array...here's a sampling.
Where , Oh Where, Is Santa Claus? by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Ivan Bates (Harcourt, $16.00; ages 3-6)
Rhymer Wheeler fills her story of the animals' search for Santa with perfect rhythms, sounds to make and surprises.
On Angel Wings by Michael Morpurgo, illustrations by Quentin Blake (Candlewick, $8.99; ages 7 and up)
The story of the first Christmas is conversational told from the point of view of a young shepherd boy. A tiny longer that packs a big emotional wallop!
We Three Kings illustrated by Gennady Spirin (Atheneum, $16.99, all ages)
Gold-highlights accent the kingly advent and singing angels in this glorious rendition of the traditional carol.
Letter on the Wind: A Chanukah Tale retold by Sarah Lamstein, illustrations by Neil Waldman (Boyds Mill, $16.95, ages 7 and up) Hayim, the poorest man in his destitute village writes the Almighty looking for a little help. The wind carries his letter directly to a wealthy merchant who is happy to be an instrument of God and provide for a happy Chanukah. When Hayim is accused of theft, the merchant joins in the celebration, substantiates Hayim's story, and sleeps "more sweetly than he'd ever slept before". Soft blues and purples give the backgrounds a dreamy effect while brightly-clothed villagers lend a festive feeling.
The All-I'll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll (Random, $16.99, ages 5-9) Patricia McKissak and Jerry Pinkney,
Based on a story of a gifted Alabama quilter, the author zooms in on one of the true meanings of Christmas- family love. In the economic hardship of the Great Depression, three close sisters hope that Santy Claus will visit. When he brings the baby doll Nella wants more than anything, she has a brief bout of selfishness until she misses sharing with her sisters.
Great Joy (Candlewick, $16.99, ages 6-10) Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
Frances is excited about her performance in the Christmas pageant until her attention is captured by a homeless organ grinder and his monkey. Not until she sees him enter the hall can she recite her lines, "Behold I bring you tidings of Great Joy!" A final double page spread shows the organ grinder and his monkey included pointing up the obliviousness of busy adults and a child who sees truly.
The Best Eid Ever by Asma Mobin-Uddin, illustrated by Laura Jacoben (Boyds Mill, $16.95, ages 5-8)
Aneesa is missing her parents, away on pilgrimage, especially when it's Eid, the biggest holiday of the Muslim year. When her grandmother presents her with new dresses, favorite foods, she's a bit happier, but turning her energy to bringing the joy of the holiday to others results in true happiness.
The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming by Lemony Snicket, illustrations by Lisa Brown (McSweeny's, $9.95)
The main character, a crispy running, screaming Latke, blends Christmas and Hanukah stories, seasoned with a gingerbread boy theme. The mix explains how the holidays central focus means "everything should be welcomed somewhere".
Christmas at Stony Creek by Stephanie Greene (Greenwillow, $14.99, 6 and up)
This short novella makes for a fabulous read-aloud. Nervous Pipsqueak worries about her missing father, her injured brother, and how hungry her family is. She's a bit of a scardy-mouse, but she's got to muster the courage to go out in the dangerous winter to bring Christmas to her family.
Two favorite heroines make a holiday appearance. Ian Falconer's Olivia Helps with Christmas (Atheneum, $18.99, ages 3-7) by feeding her brother treats until he throws up, tangling herself in lights, cutting off the top of the tree and making the season full of eccentric spirit. In Eloise's Christmas Trinkles (Simon and Schuster, $9.99, ages 5-8) Eloise dashes around the Plaza giving presents, singing carols, making up holiday words and spreading her exuberance everywhere!
The Barnyard Night Before Christmas by Beth Terrill (Random, $14.00, ages 3-6) The classic has a setting of feuding barnyard animals who are transformed when they help a needy Santa draw his sleigh. Rhythms are close to the original and so is the peaceful ending.
Hanukkah Moon by Deborah Da Costa (Kar-Ben, $17.95; ages 5-8) Isobel's aunt has just moved from Mexico and Isobel's completely curious about the invitation to celebrate the Hanukkah Moon. Not only do we have a Hispanic holiday twist, but we learn much about Rosh Hodesh, the new moon tradition linked to Hanukkah.
The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Pinata for the Pinon Tree by Philemon Sturges (Little Brown, $16.99, ages 0 and up)
The traditional carol reveals a New Mexican setting where amigos decorate the pinon tree with everything from seven skinks a-sulking to eleven mariachis. Throught the book we see the serape-cloaked arms of our protagonist who is forming Bizcochitos (and there's even a recipe in the back.
Two bilingual books show the joys of Navidad. Susan Elya and Merry Banks' N is for Navidad (Chronicle, $14.95) interweaves languages to show custom and fun. Alma Flor Ada's Merry Navidad! (HarperCollins, $16.99) is a collection of Christmas carols in Spanish and English.