Ada, Alma, The Christmas Tree , El arbol de Navidad (New York: Hyperion Books, 1997).
Painted illustrations featuring people of color complement the simple text which describes a family tree decorating, written in both English and Spanish. Suitable for children ages four through seven.
Barth, Edna, Shamrocks, Harps, and Shillelaghs (New York: Seabury Press, 1977).
An interesting mix of facts, legends, and folklore associated with the celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Shamrocks, leprechauns, shillelaghs, and the music and poetry of Ireland are topics of interest. The illustrations are nicely executed pen and ink drawings, highlighted with areas of green. Suitable for ages seven through twelve.
Brown, Tricia, Chinese New Year (New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1987).
Each page of this book contains photographs of real Chinese people getting ready for and celebrating the Chinese New Year. The accompanying text is straightforward and informative. Suitable for grades three through six.
Cheng, Hou-tien, The Chinese New Year (New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1976).
Cleverly illustrated with black and white scissors cuts, it describes the family preparation for the five-day celebration which begins on New Year's Day. Good for grades one through five.
Chocolate, Deborah Newton, My First Kwanzaa Book (New York: Scholastic, 1992).
This book is presented from a very young child's point of view. He tells how his Mama and Daddy get ready for Kwanzaa, and about the good things his Grandma brings to eat. Full page colored drawings illustrate each page, along with a simple text. Suitable for children preschool through third grade.
Drucker, Malka, A Jewish Holiday A B C (San Diego: Gulliver Books, 1992).
An alphabet book designed for young children, featuring simple text and cut-paper illustrations. An example: "H Minnie's hands are sticky on Rosh Hashanah from eating apples dipped in honey for a sweet new year." Included is a glossary of Jewish holiday terms and brief explanation of eleven Hebrew holidays Suitable for children ages six through nine.
Ford, Juwanda, K is for Kwanzaa ( New York: Scholastic Inc., 1997).
Each letter of this alphabet book represents some aspect of Kwanzaa. The full page illustrations are colorful and childlike. They depict people of color engaged in the rituals of Kwanzaa. Children from preschool through fourth grade should enjoy this book.
Freeman, Dorothy, Kwanzaa (New Jersey: Enslow publishers, 1992).
This informative, easily read book would be suitable for children in grades four through six. It tells the history of Kwanzaa and explains the seven days of rituals. Interspersed throughout the text are relevant illustrations and photographs.
Gibbons, Gail, St. Patrick's Day (New York: Holiday House, 1994).
Full page pictures, done mostly in shades of green with accents of color, illustrate the informative text. The story of Saint Patrick's life and six legends are depicted in words and pictures. Suitable for young readers, aged seven through eleven.
Greenfield, Monica, Waiting for Christmas (New York: Scholastic Press, 1996).
Full color painterly illustrations depict a family's preparation for the Christmas holiday. African American parents, grandparents, and children are illustrated in warm family scenes. The text is very simple. "We decorate and wait for Christmas". Suitable for grades preschool through second.
Johnson, Dolores, The Children's Book of Kwanzaa (New York: Atheneum Books, 1996).
A comprehensive, two hundred and fifty page book suitable for children in grades six through high school. Teachers may find the craft suggestions useful for projects involving students of all ages. Included are chapters on the history of Africans, the seven principles of Kwanzaa, and an explanation of the symbols used to celebrate the holiday. Chapter six is titled "Recipes for a Well-Fed Kwanzaa".
Kessel, Joyce, St. Patrick's Day (Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books, 1982).
A detailed account of Saint Patrick's life told in simple language, easily read by young children. Included are sections on Irish legends, and modern day celebrations. Suitable for grades one through four.
Krythe, Maymie, All About American Holidays (New York: Harper and Brothers, 1962).
Covers more than fifty holidays, their origins and how they are observed today. A useful reference book for both teachers and students. Suitable for grades six through twelve.
Kunnas, Mauri, Santa Claus (New York: Harmony Books, 1982).
Full page cartoon-like illustrations of Santa, his elves, and reindeer preparing for the Christmas delivery are truly fascinating to look at. Amusing details abound in the hidden workshop in the North Pole. An original text describes the preparations, delivery of gifts, and the aftermath of these efforts. Suitable for children and adults of all ages.
Liestman, Vicki, Columbus Day (Minnesota: Carolrhoda Books, 1991). Written with a young reader in mind, it tells the story of the voyage of Columbus in simple sentences and short phrases, yet it does not "talk down" to the reader. Suitable for ages seven through twelve.
MacMillan, Dianne, Chinese New Year (New Jersey: Enslow Publishers, 1994).
An informative book written for young children, it not only tells the facts, but captures the spirit of the Chinese New Year story. The writing is both clear and expressive. Children ages seven to eleven would enjoy this book.
Peet, Bill, Countdown to Christmas (California: Golden Gate junior Books, 1972).
In typical Bill Peet style the amusing and detailed illustrations accompany a cleverly rhyming text which describes Santa's hectic days prior to Christmas Eve. Suitable for grade school age children (and their parents).
Perl, Lila, Pinatas and Paper Flowers Holidays of the Americas in English and Spanish (New York: Clarion Books, 1983).
This wonderful book tells the stories of eight holidays celebrated in the Americas. The tales are related in both English and Spanish. Children in grades two through six would enjoy having these stories read to them.
Pien'kowski, Jan, Christmas (New York: Dragonfly Books, 1984).
The text tells the traditional Nativity story of the birth of Christ. The illustrations are truly a work of art. They appear in the book as black silhouettes highlighted with gold, over softly colored luminous backgrounds. Children and adults of all ages would appreciate this book.
Pinkney, Andrea, Seven Candles for Kwanzaa (New York: Dial Books, 1993).
This story of Kwanzaa emphasizes the family unit and describes the holiday as a family day in the park and Thanksgiving and a birthday, all rolled into one. The history and meaning of Kwanzaa is written along side especially interesting illustrations which are done using a scratch board technique. It would appeal to children of most ages.
Porter, A.P., Kwanzaa (Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books, 1991).
An informative text which explains the history and meaning of Kwanzaa in a clear and simple manner, suitable for grades two through five. The subtly colored, realistic drawings on each page of the book show African Americans experiencing life and celebrating Kwanzaa. Included at the beginning of the story is a list of words and their meanings, taken from Swahili, which are used throughout the text to explain the celebration of Kwanzaa.
Presilla, Maricel, Feliz Nochebuena, Feliz Navidad (New York: Henry Holt, 1994).
A journey through the history of Christmas in the Hispanic islands. Food, people, and customs are described in text, along with beautiful, watercolor illustrations. Included are several Spanish recipes. Suitable for children of most ages - eight and up.
Purdy, Susan, Festivals for you to Celebrate (New York: J. B. Lippincott, 1969).
Full of well illustrated art and craft ideas relating to the seasonal holidays. There are directions for Three Kings' costumes and cupcake stencils, with many more suggestions in between. Suitable for grades two through eight. Some sections could be used in high school as well.
Purdy, Susan, Jewish Holidays (New York: J. B. Lippincott, 1969).
A text which explains the history of sixteen major Jewish holidays. Included are craft ideas and activities directly related to the significance of each holiday. Suitable to be used selectively by all grades.
Renberg, Dalia, The Complete Family Guide to Jewish Holidays (New York: Adama Books, 1985).
Students in grades five and up will find this text a useful guide to research information. All the major Jewish holidays are presented in an easy to read format laced with details and important facts concerning Jewish heritage. Included are songs, stories, games, foods, and arts and craft ideas.
Schulz, Phillip, Celebrating America , A Cookbook (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1994).
More than a cookbook, this interesting guide describes celebrations, festivals, and holidays through twelve months of fact and feasting suggestions. Inspired recipes follow each holiday explanation. Useful to adults of all ages, and children with supervision.
Scott, Geoffrey, Labor Day (Minnesota: Carolrhoda Books, 1982).
The history of Labor Day presented in large print, suitable for grades one through four. Realist drawings clearly illustrate the simple, yet interesting text.
Ziefert, Harriet, Eight Days of Hanukkah (New York: Penguin Books, 1997).
A unique book with "step pages" and lovely colored illustrations of family groups. The very simple text explains the lighting of the Hanukkah candles. Suitable for ages four through seven.