SEASONS OF SHARING*CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (1964). Every day the boy comes to the tree to eat apples, swing from branches, or slide down the trunk; the tree is happy to give. As time passes, he wants more; the tree continues to give more. A touching story of giving and love. Ages: 1-8 years , DEC. 3

A Chair for My Mother by Vera Williams (1982) After their home is destroyed by a fire, Rosa, her mother and grandmother save their coins to buy a really comfortable chair for all to enjoy. A beautiful story of family, love and giving. Ages: 4-8 years GIVING TUESDAY, DEC. 3

The Legend of St. Nicholas: A Story of Giving by Dandi Daley Mackall (2014) Mackall introduces St. Nicholas to tell why we give gifts and share joy of giving in remembrance of the greatest of all gifts. St. Nick may have inspired the legend of Santa. Ages: 4+years ST. NICHOLAS DAY, DEC. 5

The Beautiful Lady: by Pat Mora (2012) As they make paper flowers to put around her statue, Grandma Lupita tells Rose the story of our Lady of Guadalupe, Juan Diego and the shining image on his cloak. Ages: 5-8 years FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE , DEC. 12

Winter Solstice by Jenna Lee Gleisner (2018) Readers are introduced to the concepts of how Earth’s tilt creates the seasons and why there are less hours of daylight in winter. This book includes a table of contents, phonetic glossary, index, and sources for research. Ages: 4-8 years WINTER SOLSTICE, DEC. 21

The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer (2014) Winter’s beginning is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of a year. It has been observed throughout history and many holiday traditions evolved from solstice celebrations. Ages: 6-9 years WINTER SOLSTICE, DEC. 21

Latke, the Lucky Dog by Ellen Fischer (2014) Rescued from an animal shelter on the first night of , Latke has trouble learning the house rules. Despite a series of mishaps, he is one Lucky Dog! Ages: 2-7 years HANUKKAH, DEC. 22-30

Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel (2014) Bubba Brayna makes the best latkes. On the first night of Hanukkah, the scent of her cooking wakes a hungry bear who investigates. Bubba Brayna--who does not see or hear very well--mistakes him for her rabbi! Ages: 3-8 years HANUKKAH, DEC. 22-30

Where is Baby’s Dreidel? by Karen Katz (2007) It's Hanukkah, and Baby wants to spin the dreidel-- but where is it? Children can lift the flaps to find Hanukkah symbols while they join Baby in this fun-

filled, hide-and-seek adventure. Ages: 1-4 years HANUKKAH, DEC. 22-30

My First Book by Deborah Chocolate (1999) Kwanzaa is a time to dress up in African clothes and gather with relatives. Grandma brings special things to eat, Grandpa lights the candles, and everyone in the family celebrates their heritage. Ages: 4-8 years KWANZAA , DEC. 26- JAN. 1

12.2019. EPDravis SOURCES: www.goodreads.com (for pictures and descriptions) and www.amazon.com (for book synopsis.)

Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington (2010) Li’l Rabbit is not having a good Kwanzaa. His Granna is sick. He wants to give a gift to help her celebrate. A little help from friends captures the true meaning of Kwanzaa – coming together to help others. Ages: 4-8 years KWANZAA, DEC. 26- JAN. 1

The Night Before New Year’s by Natasha Wing. (2009). The whole family is determined to stay up until midnight. Everyone has streamers and festive hats, but a night of games and too much food, the little ones are getting sleepy. Can they make it until midnight? Ages: 3-5 years NEW YEARS EVE, DEC. 31

The Night of by Tomie dePaola (2001). Farolitos light the Plaza for the procession of Las Posadas, in which Mary and Joseph go from door to door seeking shelter on . A mysterious man and a woman take their place in the procession and then disappear before they can be thanked. Ages: 4-8 years LAS POSADAS, DEC. 16 – 24

Pedro: The Angel of Olvera Street by Leo Politi (2009). This book was first published in 1946, early in Leo Politi’s 50-year career in children’s books. His art and words recreate the Los Posadas Christmas tradition of Los Angeles, a tradition that continues today. Ages: 6-9 years LAS POSADAS, DEC. 16 - 24

Lots of Lights: Lots of Lights by Kavita Sahai (2013) This story explains each day of the celebration, and helps children understand Indian culture and to become better global citizens. Ages: 2-6 years DIWALI, OCT.27 - 31

Great Joy by Kate DiCamillo (2010). Just before Christmas an organ grinder and monkey appear on the street corner near Frances’s home. She hears their music and sees them sleep on the street. A timeless story of compassion and joy! Ages: 4-8 years CHRISTMAS, 25.

The by Susan Jeffers (2014). New York Times bestselling artist Susan Jeffers created this unique edition of the Nutcracker, with a lovely spare text based on the ballet. A perfect book for those who enjoys stories where love triumphs. Ages: 4-9 years CHRISTMAS, DECEMBER 25.

The Night Before Christmas by (1998). Originally written in 1823, this poem is a Christmas classic and is available in numerous editions. It is also known as “A Visit from St. Nicholas”. Ages: 2-8+ years CHRISTMAS, DECEMBER 25.

Christmas is Here illustrated by Lauren Castillo (2010) Using words from the King James Bible, second chapter of Luke, the book reminds us of the real meaning of Christmas and encourages us to celebrate family and friends, not material gifts. Ages: 3+ years CHRISTMAS, DECEMBER 25.

Lucia Morning in Sweden by Ewa Rydaker (2002) On St. Lucia Day, many Swedish people celebrate the legacy of Lucia and the coming of the light with coffee, saffron buns, ginger snaps, and songs. Lucia Day signifies the coming of Christmas. Ages:5-10 years ST. LUCIA DAY, .

The Legend of the retold by Tomie dePaola (1997) In Mexico, the poinsettia is called flor de la Nochebuena (flower of the Holy Night). It blooms at Christmastime, lighting up the countryside with red blossoms. This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl's unselfish gift to the Christ Child. Ages: 4+ years NOCHEBUENA, DECEMBER 24.

Under the Moon by Sylvia Whitman (2011) Ramadan is one of the most special months of the Islamic year, when Muslims pray, fast, and help those in need. It is a time for reflection and ritual with family and friends. Ages: 4+ years RAMADAN, May 5 – JUNE 3.

12.2019. EPDravis SOURCES: www.goodreads.com (for pictures and descriptions) and www.amazon.com (for book synopsis.)