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November-December 2004: Holidays Around the World

Throughout the year, in all corners of the world, countries and peoples celebrate holidays special to their religion or culture. This Showcase features books about various holidays—some that will be familiar to readers, and some that will be new to them—and how they are celebrated.

These books are available at your local bookstore. Check the ABA's directory of member bookstores for a bookseller near you. You may also purchase these books at BookSense.com.

Note: Showcase titles are selected by the books' publishers, who provide cover art, interior art, and descriptive information.


1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving by Catherine O'Neill Grace and Margaret M. Bruchac with Plimoth Plantation, photographs by Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson. Ages 8-12.
The true story behind the first Thanksgiving told through vibrant photos of a historic reenactments and informative text. 3 starred reviews. (National Geographic Society)
Birthdays Around the World by Mary D. Lankford, illustrated by Karen Dugan. Ages 5-8
Feliz cumpleaños! Maligayang kaarawan! Födelsedag! Happy birthday! Whether you're in Mexico, the Philippines, Sweden, or the United States, a birthday is reason to celebrate. (HarperCollins Children's Books)
The Christmas Alphabet: Deluxe Anniversary Edition written and illustrated by Robert Sabuda. All ages.
Celebrate Christmas with this beautiful pop-up alphabet book by award-winning author Robert Sabuda. (Orchard Books)
Christmas Around the World by Mary D. Lankford, illustrated by Karen Dugan. Ages 8-12
Visit Sweden, Ethiopia, the Philippines, and more to discover how Christmas is celebrated around the world! (HarperTrophy/HarperCollins Children's Paperbacks)
Christmas Morning by Cheryl Ryan, illustrated by Jenny Mattheson. Ages 3-5.
In the tradition of This Is the House That Jack Built comes a Christmas rhyme filled with reindeer, Saint Nick, toy-filled stockings, the Nutcracker, and more! (Cartwheel Books/Scholastic Inc.)
D.W.'s Perfect Present written and illustrated by Marc Brown. Ages 3-6.
Arthur's precocious little sister learns a lesson about sharing. (Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers)
How Many Miles to Bethlehem? by Kevin Crossley-Holland, illustrated by Peter Malone. Ages 4-8.
The innkeeper. The shepherds. The king. These figures and many others link together in the tale at the very heart of Christmas. (Arthur A. Levine Books)
Merry Christmas, Let's All Sing! written and illustrated by Grace Lin. Ages 0-5.
Jingle all the way with this board book and CD set! (Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers)
The Most Thankful Thing by Lisa McCourt, illustrated by Cyd Moore. Ages 3-5.
A heartwarming bedtime story from the creators of I Love You, Stinky Face. (Cartwheel Books/Scholastic Inc.)
My First Chinese New Year, written and illustrated by Karen Katz. Ages 2-5.
A fun and colorful way to introduce the Chinese New Year to young readers. (Henry Holt Books for Young Readers)
The Mystery Bear: A Purim Story by Leone Adelson, illustrated by Naomi Howland. Ages 4-7.
It's Purim and everyone is celebrating at a party full of people in funny costumes. But who is that stranger dressed as a bear? (Clarion Books)
One Night in a Stable by Guido Visconti, illustrated by Alessandra Cimatoribus. Ages 3-8.
This Christmas Eve story told by the ox in the stable is enhanced by unique illustrations from distinguished Italian artist Alessandra Cimatoribus. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)
One World Many Religions by Mary Pope Osborne. Ages 8-12
Religious understanding is as important today than any other time in history. In this highly acclaimed book, Mary Pope Osborne introduces readers to the six major religions of the world. (Random House Children's Books)
Pippin the Christmas Pig by Jean Little, illustrated by Werner Zimmermann. Ages 4-8.
Is Christmas only about what happened long ago, or is it about the love in our hearts today? (Scholastic Press)
Sam I Am by Ilene Cooper. Ages 9-12.
An insightful and often hilarious story of one family trying to celebrate two different holidays—Christmas and Hanakkah. (Scholastic Press)
santaKid by James Patterson, illustrated by Michael Garland. Ages 3-6.
#1 New York Times bestselling author James Patterson delivers the year's top holiday treat! (Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers)
Santa's Littlest Helper by Anu Stohner, illustrated by Henrike Wilson. Ages 4-8.
Santa's littlest helper wins big in this Christmas heart-warmer. (Bloomsbury Children's Books)
Silver Packages: An Appalachian Christmas Story by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet. Ages 4-8.
Cynthia Rylant has said, "Books alter our hearts." Her books are a testament to this promise. (Orchard Books)
The Story of Hanukkah by Norma Simon, illustrated by Leonid Gore. Ages 7-10
Packed with fascinating facts, hands-on activities, and jewellike illustrations, Norma Simon and Leonid Gore's book is a tribute to this joyous, deeply significant holiday. (HarperTrophy/HarperCollins Children's Paperbacks)
The Story of Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington, illustrated by Stephen Taylor. Ages 6-10
It's Kwanzaa-time! Light the candles on the kinara! Fly the bendera, and tell stories from Africa! (HarperTrophy/HarperCollins Children's Paperbacks)
Three Kings Day: A Celebration at Christmastime by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith. Ages 6-10.
A festive photo essay celebrating this unique Latino holiday. (Holiday House)

Showcase Archives

Black History Month 2005

Holidays Around the World 2004
Nonfiction Picture Books
Myth and Magic/Fantasy for Young Readers
Rites of Passage
In the Kitchen

Holidays Around the World 2003
Wonders of the Heavens/Books about Space
Summer Reading
Friends in the Animal Kingdom
Children's Poetry 2003
Learning about Families

Art, Artists and the Worlds They Create
Back to School
Exploring the Natural World: Ecology and the Environment
Spanish Cultural Heritage
Children's Poetry 2002
Historical Fiction for Young Readers

Holidays around the World 2001
Children's Creepshow
Worlds of Belief
Heroes, Dragons, and Wizards
Children's Poetry 2001
Helping Children Cope

Holidays Around the World 2000
Gothic Tales for Children
International Folktales
Summertime Reading
Children's Poetry 2000
Multicultural Books

Holiday Books 1999
Mysteries
Humorous Titles
Poetry Titles
Math and Counting
Folk and Fairytales
Biographies
Paranormal Phenomena
Summertime Reading 1998
Historical Fiction Titles
Holiday Titles (Christmas, Chanukkah, and Kwanza)

The African-American Experience
Books on Friendship
Nature and Science
My First Book
Fantasy/Science Fiction
Paper-Engineered Books

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