Book picks similar to
Zetta the Poinsettia by Alma Hammond


christmas
picture-books
children
childrens

I See a Bear, but...


K.A. Morgan - 2015
    A crafty bear, a timid bunny, a curious raccoon, and a few other forest animals--all peeking out from the pages of this book. Children will get caught up in the beautiful digital illustrations and laugh at the humorous text as they respond eagerly to the clues that keep them turning the pages as they try to figure out what the animals are doing out on in the woods.

We're All Wonders


R.J. Palacio - 2017
    Now parents and educators can introduce the importance of choosing kind to younger readers with this gorgeous picture book, featuring Auggie and Daisy on an original adventure, written and illustrated by R. J. Palacio. Over 5 million people have fallen in love with Wonder and have joined the movement to Choose Kind. Now younger readers can meet Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face, and his beloved dog, Daisy. Countless fans have asked R. J. Palacio to write a book for younger readers. With We’re All Wonders, she makes her picture-book debut as both author and artist, with a spare, powerful text and striking, richly imagined illustrations. Palacio shows readers what it’s like to live in Auggie’s world—a world in which he feels like any other kid, but he’s not always seen that way. We’re All Wonders may be Auggie’s story, but it taps into every child’s longing to belong, and to be seen for who they truly are. It’s the perfect way for families and educators to talk about empathy and kindness with young children.

Jade's Life Skills Series - Learning Manners or To Fart Or Not To Fart (Children's Life Skills Series)


Asaf Shani - 2013
    However, this is not yet the case.Join Jade and her father as they visit Aunt Cora’s house, where Jade cracks one. See how Jade's father helps her understand, in a fun and creative way, what can be done inside the home and what can be done outside the home.Asaf Shani is the father of three girls. In the last 15 years, he has worked with thousands of people worldwide to help them improve their conflict management skills. Asaf's clients often tell him, "If only I would have known these life skills 30 years ago …" and "Why wasn't I taught this stuff when I was a kid?" These remarks, usually accompanied with a sigh, were the motivation for Asaf to write “Jade’s Life Skills Series”—a series of books intended to facilitate a discussion between parents and their children about all those latent and vitally important life skills. Learning Manners is the first book in “Jade's Life Skills Series.” In this book, through the international subject of … farting, the importance of context is brought to light.

The Witch's Cat


Sonica Ellis - 2019
    Catitude is everything!Greatness never comes from inside your comfort zone.The Witch’s Cat is a touching children’s picture book about the power of friendship and how the smallest drop of confidence can inspire and motivate others in tremendous ways.Little Pepper was no ordinary cat but the blackest cat you’d ever meet.  Pepper finds it really hard to make friends.  Is it because of how she looks, the black cat curse?  Or is it because she’s a witch’s cat? Read along to find out more.

The Twelve Days of Christmas


Laurel Long - 2011
    Set against a lush countryside, each day brings a new gift elegantly rendered. And like in the verses of the song, the previous gifts are repeated in every illustration, giving this striking artwork a hidden aspect, culminating in a staggering spread featuring them all. Readers will pore over every page, searching for golden rings, turtledoves, and all the rest, secretly tucked into each stunning painting. Laurel Long's unparalleled style makes this exquisite volume a treasure that will be cherished for years to come.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street


Karina Yan Glaser - 2017
    It's practically another member of the family. So when their reclusive, curmudgeonly landlord decides not to renew their lease, the five siblings have eleven days to do whatever it takes to stay in their beloved home and convince the dreaded Beiderman just how wonderful they are. And all is fair in love and war when it comes to keeping their home.

My Penguin Osbert


Elizabeth Cody Kimmel - 2004
    B. Lewis, Elizabeth Cody Kimmel's hilarious romp through the land of be-careful-what-you-wish-for offers a whole year's worth of holiday fun magic.This year, I was very specific in my letter to Santa Claus.Each year at Christmas, Joe writes a letter to Santa. But they've had a few misunderstandings in the past. Last year, for example, Joe wanted a fire-engine-red racecar with retracting headlights, and he did get one — but it was only three inches long. So this year Joe is really, really careful. He describes exactly what he wants — and on Christmas morning, guess what's waiting for him under the tree! Santa has brought him a living, breathing, black-and-white penguin named Osbert. Will anything in Joe's life ever be the same?

Bedtime Little Bear


John Lancer - 2012
    He wants to keep playing. When Mother Bear and the forest animals call to him, he pretends he can’t hear. But the sun is sinking and soon it will be dark. Will Little Bear find his way home before night time comes? Find out in this magical, moonlit, bedtime story.

Tovi the Penguin Goes Camping


Janina Rossiter - 2014
     Tovi books are designed in a simple animated way to give young readers the impression of watching a short film where Tovi and his friends play out their adventures. The books are aimed at children aged 2-6 (picturebooks), who hopefully will join Tovi in his mini-adventures, and learn something about life and the world around them. As the lovable characters in these books share a whole range of experiences, they learn about sharing, about helping each other, and most important, they learn the value of friendship. You'll be surprised what an exciting time little penguins can have! Tovi the Penguin is a children's book series also available to buy on Amazon: Tovi the Penguin - goes away for Christmas (Volume 2) and Tovi the Penguin - goes to London (Volume 3). A great book for toddlers or children up to 6 years old. www.tovithepenguin.com

The Nutcracker in Harlem


T.E. McMorrow - 2017
    E. McMorrow and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator James Ransome. An author’s note at the end provides additional information about the history of the Harlem Renaissance, and about the author’s inspiration for this musical retelling.

Oskar and the Eight Blessings


T.R. Simon - 2015
    It is both the seventh day of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve, 1938. As Oskar walks the length of Manhattan, from the Battery to his new home in the north of the city, he passes experiences the city's many holiday sights, and encounters it various residents. Each offers Oskar a small act of kindness, welcoming him to the city and helping him on his way to a new life in the new world.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas?


Jane Yolen - 2012
    With ornaments on the branches and carolers singing at the door, the spirit of Christmas is finally here and filling the hearts of families everywhere. But when the stockings are hung on the chimney, and the cookies are left out for Santa, how can little dinosaurs go to sleep? It's so exciting! How can they possibly calm down and behave?Children will laugh out loud as dinosaurs secretly lick candy canes, take sneaky peeks at gifts, and disrupt the traditional family feast.With holiday surprises around every corner, the award-winning team of Jane Yolen and Mark Teague create an engaging, fun gift sure to be read again and again, year after year. How do dinosaurs say Merry Christmas? The same way they say Happy Chanukah: With an abundance of love, joy, memory, and gratitude.

The Fox and the Star


Coralie Bickford-Smith - 2015
    Illuminated by Star’s rays, Fox forages for food, runs with the rabbits, and dances in the rain—until Star suddenly goes out and life changes, leaving Fox huddling for warmth in the unfamiliar dark. To find his missing Star, Fox must embark on a wondrous journey beyond the world he knows—a journey lit by courage, newfound friends, and just maybe, a star-filled new sky. Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and the art of William Blake, The Fox and the Star is a heartwarming, hopeful tale which comes alive through Bickford-Smith’s beloved illustrations, guiding readers both young and grown to “look up beyond your ears.”

Santa Retires


David Biedrzycki - 2012
    Claus head for sunny Mistletoe Island, where they surf, golf, and learn the hula. They even start eating healthy. (No more cookies and milk!) Vacation is so much fun that Santa decides to retire, much to the reindeer and elves’ dismay. Can there be a Christmas without Santa—and can Santa be jolly without Christmas?

Miracle on 133rd Street


Sonia Manzano - 2015
    But, oh no! It’s too big to fit in the oven. Jose and Papa need to find an oven big enough to cook Mami’s roast. As they walk from door to door through their apartment building, no one seems to be in the Christmas spirit. So they head down the street to find someone willing to help, and only when they do, lo and behold, the scent—the itself magical smell—of dinner begins to spread, and holiday cheer manifests in ways most unexpected. Sonia Manzano from Sesame Street and two-time Caldecott Honor-recipient Marjorie Priceman have cooked up a Christmas tale about how the simplest things—like the tantalizing smell of Christmas dinner and the sharing of it—can become a holiday miracle.