Tag: holidays

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Spoopy Halloween is coming!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Spoops: The Little Spirits of Halloween, by A.J. Locascio/Illustrated by Laurie Conley, (Aug. 2025, Top Shelf Productions), $14.99, ISBN: 9781603095617

Ages 5-8

Halloween gets an adorable rhyming fantasy fable! Spoops is a charming tale in verse of a young girl named Holly Hollowell, a girl obsessed with Halloween. The only problem? Her parents are both dentists and won’t let her celebrate! Silly parents, they think Halloween is only about cavity-inducing candy and refuse to listen to Holly’s pleas, not even letting her wear a costume or carve a jack-o’-lantern. This Halloween, Holly’s parents head out to a dental tech convention, leaving Holly home alone to make a wish on the pumpkin she secretly purchased from a shop on the edge of town. Wishing to be part of Halloween and for her parents’ understanding, Holly’s wish is heard by Spoops, cheery little Halloween spirits hatched in the pumpkin patch. Representing all sorts of cute Halloween fare, there are candy corn ghost Spoops, owls and witch Spoops, leaf and bat Spoops, and even the cutest plague doctor Spoops you’ve ever seen. The Spoops all gather to Holly’s side and put on the most magical Halloween, with Holly front and center to enjoy the holiday she’s waited to celebrate! What happens when her parents come home, though? Not to worry: the Spoops have it all taken care of, and the family will celebrate Halloween in plenty of fun, non-tooth-decaying ways. The two-color orange and black illustration has a cozy, retro feel to it that will enchant moms, dads, and grands. The message about being free to express oneself and take part in things that make us happy is clearly communicated, and it’s nice to see parents that get on board with – and acknowledge that they were wrong! – their children’s interests. This is a fun Halloween read that kids will reach for every year when that first bit of crisp weather hits the air.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Zombees invade just in time for Halloween!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Zombees, by Justin Colón/Illustrated by Kaly Quarles, (July 2025, Simon & Schuster), $19.99, ISBN: 9781665922500

Ages 4-8

It’s Halloween, and something creepy is buzzing around the graveyard… can it be? Oh no! The ZOMBEES are here! This rhyming tale is sure to be a hit at Halloween read-alouds (or for good, old-fashioned spooky tales storytimes). The Zombees invade a quiet town on Halloween night, but what are they planning? “Are they hunting for a snack? Do they like the taste of veins? Have they come to eat your brains?” Nothing so gruesome: they want to share their special Halloween honey! But are the Zombees all they’re cracked up to be? Keep reading for a fun twist. The buzzing spooks sport colorful capes and goofy, tongue-askew expressions as they do their best midair shamble-flying; they decorate their antennae with eyeballs and spiders. Playful rhyme and adorable digital illustrations set off against bright white or murky green backgrounds set the tone for a Halloween read that kids will demand any time of the year. Download a free educator guide and activity sheets from author Colón’s webpage (and he’s got educator guides and activity sheets for his other books, too!)

Zombees has a starred review from School Library Journal.

Posted in Non-fiction, picture books

Next Year in the White House: a story about the first Presidential Seder

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Next Year in the White House: Barack Obama’s First Presidential Seder, by Richard Michelson/Illustrated by E.B. Lewis, (March 2025, Crown Books for Young Readers), $18.99, ISBN: 9780593711583

Age 5-9

The White House has celebrated Easter with an “Egg Roll” since the 1870s, but a Seder celebrating Passover? Barack Obama was the first U.S. President to introduce a Presidential Seder, and it all started in 2008, when three members of Obama’s staff gathered in the basement of a hotel while on the road, working to get him elected President. Just as homesick and tired as his staff, Obama was invited to join the group. As the men read from the Haggadah – the guidebook to the Passover meal – Obama reflected on how the Exodus story inspired his heroes of the civil rights movement. At the conclusion of the meal, the group promises to celebrate the next year’s Seder at the White House. The White House Seder frames the story of this first Seder, with appearances by Sasha and Malia and even Bo Obama. Building a bridge between, as Michelle Obama reflects, “two enslaved peoples… now free to share a meal together in the White House”, the story is at once warm and powerful, as is the message delivered by the original three staff members – Herbie Ziskend, Eric Lesser, and Arun Chaudhary – that Passover is “about the family you have and the family you make”. Back matter includes the Haggadah booklet from the White House Seder annotated by Eric Lesser, notes on Passover, Black History, and a recipe for Flourless Golden Apricot Cake from Arun Chaudhary.  Lewis’ warm watercolor illustrations bring the reader into the story through perspective. An important book.

Next Year in the White House has starred reviews from Booklist and Kirkus.

“Essential reading for all children—and adults—who hope for freedom for all.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred)
Richard Michelson is a poet, children’s book author, and art dealer whose children’s books have been listed among the 10 Best Books of the Year by The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and The New Yorker; and among the 12 Best Books of the Decade by Amazon.com. He has been a finalist for the Massachusetts Book Award, the Harlem Book Fest Wheatley Award, and the National Jewish Book Award, as well as receiving two Skipping Stones Multicultural Book Awards, a National Parenting Publication Gold Medal and an International Reading Association Teacher’s Choice Award. In 2009 Michelson received both a Sydney Taylor Gold and Silver Medal from the Association of Jewish Librarians, the only author so honored in AJL’s 50 year history. Michelson received his 2nd Silver Medal in 2017 and his 2nd Gold Medal in 2018. Additionally, Michelson won the 2017 National Jewish Book Award. Michelson is the owner of R. Michelson Galleries, the host of Northampton Poetry Radio, and the current Poet Laureate of Northampton Massachusetts. Visit his website: richardmichelson.com
E. B. Lewis has illustrated over seventy books for children, including the Caldecott Honor–winning Coming on Home Soon by Jacqueline Woodson. Lewis also illustrated Jabari Asim’s Peaching to the Chickens, which was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Book and a Kirkus Reviews Best Illustrated Book, and he’s a five-time Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner. Lewis teaches at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He is also a member of the Society of Illustrators in New York City, and an artist member of Salamagundi Club of New York. To learn more: eblewis.com
Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Books for your Lunar New Year storytime and collection

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Lunar New Year is coming! Are you ready? Here are some new books to add to your storytime!

I Love Lunar New Year, by Eva Wong Nava/Illustrated by Xin Li, (Nov. 2024, Scholastic Press), $7.99, ISBN: 9781546144649

Ages 4-6

A family comes together to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Narrated by Mai-Anne, a young girl who helps her family prepare their home for the New Year and serves as the readers’ guide to Chinese traditions, the story includes Nai Nai, Mai-Anne’s grandmother, who arrives in time for the festivities, and her Uncle Eric, who arrives from Canada to spend the holiday with the family. There are cultural traditions throughout the book, including decoration (red lanterns for happiness, green bamboo and cherry blossoms for health), food (noodles for long life, fish for good luck), and storytelling, as Nai Nai relates the story of the Great Race, the folktale that explains each animal’s representation in the Chinese Zodiac. Facts about Lunar New Year and the Dragon Dance make up the back matter. A great introduction to the holiday, this beautifully illustrates the folkloric with the familiar. I Love Lunar New Year has a starred review from School Library Journal.

Want to introduce a dragon craft like the one on the cover? Super Simple has a craft for you. My Creative Life has another fun one, geared toward a slightly older audience.

 

Let’s Celebrate Korean New Year!, by Michelle W. Park/Illustrated by Hyewon Yum, (Dec. 2024, Random House Books for Young Readers), $14.99, ISBN: 9780593567302

Ages 4-8

Sisters Madeleine and Eloise have so much to do before the family arrives for the Lunar New Year Party! Madeleine rushes around the house pulling Eloise behind her as they don their colorful hanboks make the tasty dumplings, also called mandoo, and set up the game they play, yutnori. It’s exhausting watching Eloise try to keep up with Madeleine, but the two sisters sit down together to write a poem to share with their family, and that’s when the magic happens: working together, the two girls are happy and able to celebrate family, the real heart of the holiday. Explanations and culture references run throughout the story and the pencil illustrations are cozy, inviting readers to stop and spend a while with Madeleine, Eloise, and their family. Back matter includes a Seollal – Korean New Year – activity, recipe, and a glossary of terms. Endpapers feature mandoo of different shapes across a field of blue, including ones that appear to have been made by Eloise, sharp-eyed readers will see. An interesting and playful story about Korean celebrations for Lunar New Year, this is another solid choice for collections. There are some fun crafts, including a make-your-own yutnori board, at this Chalk Academy webpage.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads, Toddler Reads

Books for Valentine’s Day snuggles

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Getting Ready for Valentine’s Day, by Vera Ahiyya/Illustrated by Debby Rahmalia, (Dec. 2024, Random House Books for Young Readers), $10.99, ISBN: 9780593810002

Ages 3-7

Kai and their family are busily preparing for Valentine’s Day! They make valentines and decorate; Mom makes cookies. The next morning, after a special Valentine’s Day breakfast and photos, Kai heads to school, where their teacher encourages students to contribute things they love to her list. Kai worries about not receiving any valentines, but the teacher has asked everyone to make cards for everyone so no one feels left out. Kai receives cards and best friend Chelsea loves hers. Getting Ready for Valentine’s Day is a cheerful book with family and friends showing love to one another. Author Ahiyya, also known as the “Tutu Teacher”, is a Kindergarten teacher who knows her audience and takes care to model positive, inclusive behavior and gives Kai the role of first-person narrator to give readers a child’s point of view; Ahiyya concentrates on enthusiastic wording to communicate Kai’s feelings: “I can’t wait to celebrate with my friends and family”; “My heart feels extra big, knowing how happy everyone is going to be when they open [the valentines]!” A fun and inclusive look at Valentine’s Day for younger readers.

 

I Lava You!, Illustrated by Liv Wan, (Dec. 2024, Cartwheel Books), $7.99, ISBN: 9781546138402

Ages Birth-3

The plush lava on this cartoony volcano welcomes little hands to this adorable ode unconditional love. Seven spreads filled with rhyming phrases make for a snuggle time every time: “I lava you, I really do! No one warms my heart like you”. From volcanoes to diamonds, sunshine and rain to rainbows, to the planets and stars, each spread is filled with bright colors and cheery faces. Readers will visit this book all year ’round.

Visit Liv Wan’s website to see more of her illustrations.

 

Be My Yummy ABC, by Joyce Wan, (Jan. 2025, Hippo Park), $14.99, ISBN: 9781662640766

Ages 2-5

The cutest ABCedary you’ll have in your hands this month! Joyce Wan is one of my favorite children’s illustrators because her artwork is just SO CUTE. She’s all about the bright colors and the bold outlines and her rhymes are the sweetest. With Be My Yummy ABC, Wan creates “a bite of love on every page”, highlighting tasty treats from all over the world: “The cutest GYOZA of my heart. My sticky HONEY BUTTER TART”. Wan’s wide-eyed, smiling food illustrations will delight every reader. Letters of the alphabet are large and puffy, looking like letter balloons and easy to read. Let this be the yummiest book on your shelf. Back matter includes pronunciation of each food, plus a note on each food’s country of origin; the book jacket unfolds into a poster. Endpapers show a variety of foods with heart shapes and rainbows. A feast for the eyes and a lovely look a foods of different cultures. Do not miss.

Visit Joyce Wan’s webpage for Be My Yummy downloadables (and downloadables from her other works)!

 

 

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Christmas? Hanukkah? We have books for that!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

In today’s “books for holiday storytimes”…

Gingerbread Dreidels, by Jane Breskin Zalben/Illustrated by Thai Phuong, (Aug. 2024, Charlesbridge), $17.99, ISBN: 9781623543655

Ages 4-7

Christmas and Hanukkah fall on the same day this year! Siblings Sophie and Max are confused: they normally celebrate both holidays, but let’s get to the big question: will this mean they get half the presents? This sweet holiday story is all about family, traditions, and yes, the kids get presents. Sophie and Max bake up a mess in the kitchen with their parents until both sets of grandparents arrive and take over: latkes and applesauce! Sweet potato pudding and turkey! It’s a holiday feast to remember, followed by the stories of both Hanukkah and Christmas, singing holiday songs, a few spins of the dreidel, and then it’s time for gifts. A warm story of family, tradition, and blending faiths, Zalben includes a history of the dreidel and a tasty gingerbread dreidel recipe in addition to an author’s note. Grandma Gold, an Ethiopian Jew as clarified in Zalben’s author note, is depicted as brown-skinned; Papa, her son, is darker-skinned. Cheerful illustrations and warm storytelling will have kids asking for this every holiday.

 

 

 

Luna Loves Christmas, by Joseph Coelho/Illustrated by Fiona Lumbers, (Dec. 2023, Kane Miller), $15.99, ISBN: 978168464641

Ages 4-8

A new Luna story is always a fun time! This time, it’s Christmas. Luna gets to decorate and celebrate at Mom’s, and then at Dad’s, but this year, she and Mom are doing something different: they are volunteering! Luna’s a little cold when she and Mom start out, but as she delivers food, plays with a friend, and joins in with a group of carolers, the warmth she feels inside at doing good deeds warms her up and she doesn’t notice the cold. After volunteering with Mom, it’s off to Dad’s, where the two make cookies and hang stockings. On Christmas Day, they eat dinner at town hall with other families – and where Mom is serving dinner! – including both sets of grandparents. When Santa arrives at the end of the day, it’s the best way to end an exciting Christmas. A sweet story about giving and community, Luna Loves Christmas also supports children of divorce by illustrating life between two households. Her parents seem to have a healthy relationship and co-parent their child in a respectful manner. Illustrations are soft and cheerful. Luna is bi-racial and portratyed with light brown skin and curly hair; her father is dark-skinned. There is diversity in all the families depicted in the story. Originally published in the UK in 2023, there are fun details in the illustrations that hint at British holiday traditions, like the wearing of paper crowns. An insert “Christmas Story” lets readers enjoy a story that Luna and a new friend share. A sweet additional holiday purchase.

Posted in picture books

Check out The Creative Company’s READ AND PLAY HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Hi all! I haven’t done a big holiday giveaway in a while, so we’re due, don’cha think? The kind and lovely folks over at The Creative Company have goodies for you: read on! There’s a little something for everyone!

The Creative Company is known for its high-quality, visually stunning books that inspire and educate young readers. To celebrate the holiday season, The Creative Company is giving away a festive bundle featuring two beautifully crafted picture books and a set of playful blocks. Perfect for cozy family moments, this set brings the magic of reading and hands-on fun to your home this Christmas. Read on to see how you can enter to win!

NUTCRACKER by E. T. A. Hoffmann, illustrated by Roberto Innocenti

Experience the magic of the Nutcracker like never before with this beautiful edition. Featuring the classic holiday tale paired with stunning illustrations by renowned Italian artist Roberto Innocenti, this enchanting book brings the story of a child and her loyal Nutcracker to life. Perfect for the season, it’s a timeless treasure for readers of all ages.

Nutcracker is 136 pages, recommended for ages 8 and up. Available at TheCreativeCompany.com, Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and independent bookstores.

 What’s Christmas without The Nutcracker? Innocenti’s beautiful illustration makes this a breathtaking gift for book lovers.

 

TOGETHER by Laura Manaresi, illustrated by Giovanni Manna

In a world often divided by perceived differences, this beautifully illustrated picture book serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder of the strength found in unity. Emphasizing our shared commonalities, it inspires readers with the message that collective action can overcome even the greatest challenges. Perfect for readers of all ages, this book is a call to come together to create a better future.

Together is 24 pages, recommended for ages 7-9. Available at TheCreativeCompany.com, Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and independent bookstores.

With a timely message, this is a lovely animal story paired with an easy-to-read narrative.

 

A NUMBER OF ANIMALS NESTING BLOCKS by Kate Greene, illustrated by Lester Wormell

This charming 10-piece wooden set offers hours of stacking fun. Following a little chick’s journey through the farmyard in search of its mother, each block features bold block prints and engaging text. The graduated blocks stack into a tower nearly three feet tall, making this set a wonderful combination of learning and play.

Recommended for ages 3 to 5. Available at TheCreativeCompany.com.

How adorable are these blocks? I have a set going under my tree for a special little one.

Enter this Rafflecopter Giveaway to Win!

** Open to U.S. Residents 18 and over only.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads, Toddler Reads

Season’s Readings: Pick a Perfect Egg

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Pick a Perfect Egg, by Patricia Toht/Illustrated by Jarvis, (Feb. 2023, Candlewick Press), $17.99, ISBN: 9781536228472

Ages 3-5

I really enjoy a good holiday story from Toht and Jarvis, who’ve created holiday stories like Pick a Pine Tree and Pick a Pumpkin. Pick a Perfect Easter Egg celebrates a child and mother getting ready for Easter, from their trip to a farm to choose eggs, going home to dye them using natural and store-bought coloring, and the big morning when their town comes together to celebrate the big day. Toht’s comforting rhyme is made for storytime and Jarvis’s digital illustrations have a soft watercolor feel, sprinkled with a bit of Easter magic. A wonderful story for Spring, filled with touches like budding trees, colorful clothing, and bright days, this is a lovely, non-religious selection for spring storytimes.

Crayola has coloring and activity sheets available for download, as does Monday Mandala. Teachers Pay Teachers has some good educational activities available, including Jelly Bean Math from Simply Kinder, a hatching chick activity from Mandy Porta, math coloring worksheets from First Thinkers, a Build a Bunny craft from Especially Smart, and Peeps Clip Art from Krista Wallden.

 

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Holiday Reads: Eight Nights, Eight Lights by Natalie Barnes & Andrea Stegmaier

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

How was everyone’s Thanksgiving? I hope all who celebrate had a wonderful gathering. Now, it’s time for the winter holiday to kick into high gear! Here’s my first pick for holiday books this season: Eight Nights, Eight Lights.

Eight Nights, Eight Lights, by Natalie Barnes/Illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier, (March 2023, Kane Miller), $14.99, ISBN: 9781684644414

Ages 4-8

A thriving community celebrates Chanukah and readers enjoy each night through a new set of eyes in this story that explores the feeling of community, history, and embracing differences. A young boy named Max rushes home with his grandfather to light his family’s heirloom menorah; a young girl named Lara, alongside her father, shares homemade jelly donuts with neighbors. Families welcome visitors, share food and play games, give gifts, and gather at the synagogue for the story of Chanukah. Children think upon the Biblical king’s determination to force the Jewish people into giving up their religion in mature pondrance: “People can be scared when they see differences in other that they don’t understand. But we are all different… that’s what makes everyone special”. Songs and fireworks close out the last night of the celebration. Sharp-eyed readers may notice Christmas trees in the street scenes, a nod to two dovetailing holidays. Note the London Eye in the background on the final spread – Eight Nights, Eight Lights was first published in Great Britain in 2022. A helpful guide to the menorah on the verso gives readers more context, and endpapers feature menorahs on a background of blue. A great introduction to the holiday for readers.

 

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Blog Tour: The Light Within You, by Namita Moolani Mehra and Kamala Nair

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

The Light Within You, by Namita Moolani Mehra/Illustrated by Kamala Nair, (Aug. 2023, Two Lions), $17.99, ISBN: 9781542039123

Ages 4-8

A young girl named Diya is looking forward to visiting her Nani during her family trip to India for the Diwali celebration. She doesn’t yet feel at home in her new country, but when she returns to India, it’s the most wonderful sort of homecoming: the community, the preparations, all of the joy of home wraps Diya in warmth as she spends time with her Nani, where she imparts loving wisdom about Diwali and embracing her inner light: “Your inner light is your special spark! It will bring you joy and brighten the world around you”. With Nani’s guidance, Diya thinks of ways she can share her light – and her culture – with her American friends. As Diwali concludes and Diya prepares to return back to the States, Nani shares loving moments with Diya one last time, and Diya returns, renewed and ready to share herself and make new friends. Warm digital illustrations show expressive, gentle characters whose body language speaks volumes with loving embraces, leaning toward one another, and sharing smiles and deep conversation. Spreads show colorful bazaars and cultural clothing that flows and displays gorgeous patterns; Indian treats, like jalebi and laddoos, decorate the tables and mentions in the story. New vocabulary is bolded in the text and explained in a glossary at the end of story, where readers will also discover an author’s note that explains the religious history of Diwali, and a poem. There is a beautiful glow to lights throughout the illustration, and Diya’s time in India is swathed in shades of warm violets and pinks. The glow stays with Diya when she returns to the states, letting readers share her inner light. A celebration of Diwali, family, and home that readers will turn to again and again, The Light Within You is a must-purchase for holiday collections.

The Light Within You has starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal.

 

★“Nair’s jewel-toned illustrations, sprinkled with dots of light, reinforce the text’s essential themes and its core bond between two family members who share a special connection and light each other up.” ―Publishers Weekly (starred review)

★“Mehra and Nair are exhaustive in creating the atmosphere. . . . There is a little something for all readers.” ―School Library Journal (starred review)

 

 

Namita Moolani Mehra is a children’s book author, cookbook author, and food and parenting writer. She wrote the picture book Anni Dreams of Biryani, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat, and the children’s cookbooks The Magic Spicebox and Superfoods for Superheroes. Namita also runs a social-impact business called Indian Spicebox that helps fund hot meals for underprivileged children in India. Namita was born in a remote village in Nigeria, grew up in the UK and India, studied in Chicago, and worked in New York for over a decade. She currently lives in Singapore with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.namitamehra.com, and follow her on Twitter @namstwit.

Kamala M. Nair grew up in Kerala, a small state on the southwestern coast of India surrounded by exotic wildlife, stunning beaches, lush green hills, and turquoise backwater. She is a professional architect and a children’s book author and illustrator. She recently illustrated The Way Champs Play, written by tennis champion Naomi Osaka. Kamala loves to travel and be immersed in the beauty of culture, architecture, and people around the world. She currently lives in Kerala. Follow her on Instagram @kamala_nair.