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2008 HOLIDAY ROUNDUP
Celebrate “the most wonderful time of the year” with Kidsreads.com! In our annual roundup of outstanding winter reads, we’ve compiled a number of titles that promise to put a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. The holidays are a great time to reconnect with the ones we love. And what better way to do so than through the pages of a book? Fill this season with adventure, mystery, laughs and kind lessons that will stay with you for a lifetime.
 AMAZING PEACE: A Christmas Poem
written by Maya Angelou
illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
Schwartz & Wade/Random House
ISBN: 9780375841507
All ages
40 pages
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Maya Angelou’s moving poem is a radiant affirmation of the goodness of humanity. First read at the 2005 White House tree-lighting ceremony, it comes alive again as a fully illustrated children’s book, celebrating the promise of peace in the holiday season. In this simple story, a family joins with their community --- rich and poor, black and white, Muslim and Jew --- to celebrate the holidays.
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 CELEBRATE KWANZAA: With Candles, Community, and the Fruits of the Harvest
Carolyn B. Otto
National Geographic Children's Books
ISBN: 9781426303197
Ages 4-8
32 pages
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Over the course of seven days, African Americans, families and friends come together to light the candles that symbolize their past and future --- and their unity. They gather as a community to make music and to dance; to feast on harvest foods and the good things of the earth; and to exchange simple, often homemade, gifts. In CELEBRATE KWANZAA readers are introduced to the symbols of the holiday, such as the mkeka (a special placemat), kinara (candleholder) and kikombe cha umoja (unity cup). Important concepts, like the seven principles, are explained. In addition, a note from the book's consultant, aimed at parents and teachers, puts the holiday in its full cultural and historical perspective.
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 CHRISTMAS CHEER: A Collection of Holiday Tales
Sally Grindley
Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
ISBN: 9781599901886
Ages 3-8
80 pages
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Both original stories and reinventions of the classics --- featuring everything from an under-the-weather Rudolph to a boy who can’t make up his mind when writing to Santa Claus --- are brought to life with illustrations by some of the most beloved artists in children’s books. CHRISTMAS CHEER captures the warmth and excitement of the Christmas season, inviting the family to cozy up around the fire and take time to enjoy the holiday spirit.
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 CHRISTMAS COOKIES: Bite-Size Holiday Lessons
written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
illustrated by Jane Dyer
HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780060580247
Ages 5-10
40 pages
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This scrumptious follow-up to the bestselling COOKIES: BITE-SIZE LIFE LESSONS captures the spirit of the holiday season. From making the same kind of cookies at the same time each year (tradition) to decorating them with lots of sprinkles (celebrate), youngsters will gobble up vocabulary words and holiday lessons in this charming dictionary of sorts.
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 CHRISTMAS FARM
written by Mary Lyn Ray
illustrated by Barry Root
Harcourt Children’s Books
ISBN: 9780152162900
Ages 3-7
40 pages
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When Wilma decides that her garden needs a new beginning, she gathers string, scissors, shovels, 62-dozen balsam seedlings, and Parker, her five-year old neighbor. Year after year, Wilma and Parker nurture their trees, keeping careful count of how many perish and how many grow to become Christmas trees.
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 THE CHRISTMAS GIFT: El regalo de Navidad
written by Francisco Jiménez
illustrated by Claire B. Cotts
Sandpiper/Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
ISBN: 9780547133645
Ages 4-8
32 pages
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As Christmas approaches, Panchito can't wait to see what present he gets. But on Christmas Day, he’s disappointed when all he gets is a bag of candy --- until he sees the gift his father gives his mother. Panchito then realizes that gifts of the heart are the most precious of all.
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 CONFESSIONS OF A BITTER SECRET SANTA: A Candy Apple Book
Lara Bergen
Scholastic
ISBN: 9780545046688
Ages 9-12
176 pages
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Noel thought Christmas couldn't get any worse. First her parents announce that she wouldn't be taking a cool vacation. Then the teacher announces a class secret Santa drawing. And who does Noel get? A stuck-up new girl she barely knows. And who does her BFF get? Noel's secret crush. Can it get any worse? Yes it can! Because Noel's own secret Santa is the lamest one ever. Now Noel has visions of Scrooge, not sugar plums in her head. But Christmas is a time for surprises, especially for one bitter, secret Santa.
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 THE GIFT OF THE MAGI
written by O. Henry
illustrated by P.J. Lynch
Candlewick Press
ISBN: 9780763635305
Ages 10-14
40 pages
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Della sobs as she counts the few coins she has saved to buy a Christmas present for her husband, Jim. A gift worthy of her devotion will require a great sacrifice: selling her long, beautiful hair. Meanwhile, Jim has made a sacrifice for Della that is no less difficult. As they exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, the discovery of what each has done fills them with despair, until they realize that the true gifts of Christmas can be found more readily in their humble apartment than in any fine store.
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 MARY MARGARET MARY CHRISTMAS
Christine Kole MacLean
Dutton Juvenile
ISBN: 9780525479734
Ages 9-11
160 pages
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Mary Margaret thinks that presents are the true meaning of Christmas, and she’s ready for her best Christmas yet. She has an ever-growing wish list and a tree with enough room at the bottom for lots of gifts. But when her teacher’s snow globe disappears from his desk and Mary Margaret becomes the prime suspect, all she really wants for Christmas is her good name back (although she wouldn’t say no to a present or two).
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 THE NUTCRACKER
written by Stephanie Spinner
illustrated by Peter Malone
Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780375844645
Ages 4-8
40 pages
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“The Nutcracker” is a Christmas tradition, and for most children it is their introduction to ballet. Here, in one beautifully illustrated book, is the story of the ballet and a 78-minute CD of Tchaikovsky’s music performed by the Utah Symphony Orchestra. Stephanie Spinner has written a brief, lyrical text about the little girl, Maria, and her Christmas gift of a wooden nutcracker doll who is transformed into a young prince. Together they fly to the Land of Sweets where the Sugar Plum Fairy entertains them with lively and exotic dances from around the world.
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 THE NUTCRACKER: A Pop-Up Book
adapted from the Classic Tale by E. T. A. Hoffman
illustrated by Patricia Fry
HarperFestival
ISBN: 9780061170607
Ages 5-up
14 pages
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In this glorious edition of E. T. A. Hoffmann's beloved Christmas story, Clara and her Nutcracker spring to life in a sparkling three-dimensional creation. Watch the Christmas tree soar to new heights, travel with Clara to the Kingdom of Toyland on the glittering swan boat, and see the fairies twirl and dance. This stunning pop-up book is the perfect way to relive the favorite holiday ballet and share the classic story.
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 PENINA LEVINE IS A POTATO PANCAKE
written by Rebecca O’Connell
illustrated by Majella Lue Sue
Roaring Brook Press
ISBN: 9781596432130
Ages 9-12
144 pages
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Penina Levine is the only member of her family who isn’t looking forward to Hanukkah. Not only is it another chance for her annoying sister to steal the spotlight, but her favorite teacher is taking a mysterious leave of absence, and her best friend is deserting her to go on a dream vacation to Aruba. Then Penina discovers why Mrs. Brown must go away and hears that a snowstorm may ruin Zozo’s trip. Penina knows she’s the one who must bring some holiday spirit to her friends.
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 PIRATE SCHOOL: YO-HO-HO!
written by Brian James
illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin
Grosset & Dunlap/Penguin Young Readers Group
ISBN: 9780448448879
Ages 6-8
64 pages
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The pirate kids make lists for Santa and prepare presents for the entire crew --- a fresh batch of sea slug cookies for everyone! But Rotten Tooth is acting like a Scrooge, and convinces the kids that Santa won’t deliver the presents because he won’t be able to find the ship. Pete has a great idea: sail the ship to the North Pole! Before they know it, the Sea Rat is stuck in a sheet of ice and snow is pounding down. How will the pirate kids get out of this Christmas mess?
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 A PRESENT FOR SANTA CLAUS
written by David Wood
illustrated by Dana Kubick
Candlewick Press
ISBN: 9780763638580
Ages 4-8
24 pages
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One Christmas morning, Sam wakes up to find that Santa has brought him just what he asked for. But that night, he can’t help but wonder: Does anyone ever give Santa a gift? After saving up all year to buy Santa the perfect present, Sam still can’t decide what the jolly old fellow might want. Sprinkled with pop-ups, this holiday tale leads to a final surprise: an amazing rendition of Santa’s cottage, with 3-D windows revealing the bustling activity inside.
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 REINDEER CHRISTMAS
written by Mark Kimball Moulton
illustrated by Karen Hillard Good
Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781416961086
Ages 4-8
40 pages
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Late one snowy winter evening, two young children and their grandmother happen upon a weak and weary deer while feeding the animals in the forest. Together the children care for the deer and warm him by the fire until he is back to health, completely unaware of the surprise that awaits them on Christmas morning.
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 SAM THE SNOWMAN
written and illustrated by Susan Winget
HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780061144752
Ages 3-8
40 pages
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The littlest snowman, Sam, is trying as hard as he can, but he can't quite get the hang of making snow. Down in Countryville, Sarah and Tommy and their animal friends are counting on him to bring frosty flakes and fun to their chilly, gray forest. Sam is worried. Will he be able to do it?
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 SANTA’S SNOW KITTEN
written by Sue Stainton
illustrated by Anne Mortimer
Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780060827144
Ages 4-7
32 pages
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Where is Santa? It’s Christmas Eve and Snow Kitten has looked everywhere for him, but Santa is nowhere to be found. So Snow Kitten heads out to the shed to look for him in one more place. After his journey in the cold, the familiar big red bag looks too inviting, and Snow Kitten settles down for a catnap, only to awaken in the middle of a wondrous Christmas Eve journey --- delivering presents with Santa!
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 ’TWAS THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS: The Story of Clement Clark Moore’s Beloved Poem
written by Brenda Seabrooke
illustrated by Delana Bettoli
Dutton Children’s Books
ISBN: 9780525478164
Ages 6-8
32 pages
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On Christmas Eve day in 1822, Clement Clarke Moore struggled to write a surprise for his children. While traveling to lower Manhattan from his farm, Chelsea, many thoughts ran through his head. What would his kids enjoy more --- a poem or a story? The final result has become a beloved classic of the holiday season, “The Night Before Christmas.” This telling of how the poem came to be --- along with the poem itself --- is illustrated in charming detail by Delana Bettoli.
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 A VERY MARLEY CHRISTMAS
written by John Grogan
illustrated by Richard Cowdrey
HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780061372926
Ages 3-8
40 pages
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Anticipating his very first snowfall and Santa's arrival, a lovable pup named Marley jumps in to help his family every way he can. But Marley, being Marley, always ends up on the wrong side of right. It's not long before he tears down the twinkle lights, attacks a chain of paper snowflakes, and mistakes the Christmas tree for…well…his very own indoor bathroom. Will Marley's good intentions ruin everything before Christmas begins? Or will he manage to share some Christmas magic with his family after all?
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 WHEN SANTA LOST HIS HO! HO! HO!
written and illustrated by Laura Rader
HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780061141393
Ages 4-8
40 pages
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It's almost Christmas, and everyone --- from Mrs. Claus right down to the littlest elf --- is getting ready for the big day. But there's something wrong at the North Pole. It's just a bit too…quiet. Oh no! Santa has lost his laugh! Where could it be? And how can there be Christmas without Santa's Ho! Ho! Ho!
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--- Compiled and written by Devon Canterbury
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