Book picks similar to
Gifts of the Heart by Patricia Polacco
christmas
picture-books
picture-book
children-s-books
The Light of Christmas
Richard Paul Evans - 2002
Every year Alexander and his mother walk the long distance to Noel to watch the lighting of the village Christmas tree. This year Alexander learns that the Keeper of the Flame will choose the person who has given the truest gift of Christmas to light the flame. On his way to Noel, Alexander helps a poor old man he finds lying in the snow. His act of charity is rewarded when he is chosen to light the Christmas flame. Alexander learns that it isn't what you have to give, but how you give of yourself that matters most. Master storyteller Richard Paul Evans weaves a heartwarming tale of the true meaning of Christmas spirit.
Oscar's Half Birthday
Bob Graham - 2005
So there's nothing else for Mom and Dad to do but pack some sandwiches, park Oscar in his stroller, and take older sister Millie — handmade fairy wings attached — to the "half country" of their urban park for a half-birthday party. As always in the warm, quirky world of Bob Graham, the joy is in the details — a stop in a graffitied tunnel as the train rushes overhead; the expressions on Oscar's face as he watches a single leaf fall; the little half candle on his cake; and the impromptu gathering of admiring park visitors who join, one by one, in the hearty birthday song. With his jaunty watercolors full of charming surprises and a gently humorous text, Bob Graham creates an endearing, unconventional family readers will be happy to meet, and they'll be tickled to join in their celebration.
Silent Night
Lara Hawthorne - 2018
Rediscover the Nativity Story in all its glory—from quaking shepherds to heaven-sent angels—as the song lyrics are brought to life on every spread. The world’s diversity is reflected in a cast of characters with a range of skin tones. A gorgeous book for all the family to share during the festive season. Part of 'The Christmas Choir', a series of festive, lovingly illustrated lyric books. See also The Twelve Days of Christmas.
How to Catch Santa
Jean Reagan - 2015
And that’s when you can try to catch Santa. . . . From Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish, creators of the bestselling HOW TO... series, comes a delightful new offering, written again in a hilarious instructional style. Two sibling narrators give clever tips for “catching” Santa (be crafty! be clever! be gentle!) on Christmas Eve. Filled with humor and holiday warmth, this is a jolly read-aloud for the whole family to enjoy!
The 12 Days of Christmas: A Pop-Up Celebration
Robert Sabuda - 1996
Combining colourful backgrounds with white pop-ups, this is a pop-up version of the classic Christmas carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas.
The Bear and the Star
Lola M. Schaefer - 2019
Acclaimed author Lola M. Schaefer’s and award-winning artist Bethanne Andersen’s breathtaking picture book explores themes of understanding, empathy, and peace, and will bring joy to any family’s holiday celebration.On a cold winter morning, Bear welcomes a new star to the sky and searches for the perfect tree—a majestic evergreen—under which to host a holiday celebration for everyone to enjoy. Bear roars to the East, the West, the North, and the South; his invitation echoing around the world. Guests start to arrive. They are feathered, furry, scaled—on the wing, on four paws, on two feet. They are young and old. They bring gifts. They bring love. They bring hope for peace.The Bear and the Star is a stunning picture book from acclaimed author Lola M. Schaefer and award-winning artist Bethanne Andersen. With a focus on understanding, empathy, and community, it’s the ideal choice for family sharing during the holiday season.
Duck for Turkey Day
Jacqueline Jules - 2009
There's just one problem: her Vietnamese American family is having duck for Thanksgiving dinner - not turkey! Nobody has duck for Thanksgiving - what will her teacher and the other kids think? To her surprise, Tuyet enjoys her yummy thanksgiving dinner anyhow - and an even bigger surprise is waiting for her at school on Monday. Dinners from roast beef to lamb to enchiladas adorned the Thanksgiving tables of her classmates, but they all had something in common - family! Kids from families with different traditions will enjoy this warm story about "the right way" to celebrate an American holiday.
The Matchbox Diary
Paul Fleischman - 2013
Then I’ll tell you its story." When a little girl visits her great-grandfather at his curio-filled home, she chooses an unusual object to learn about: an old cigar box. What she finds inside surprises her: a collection of matchboxes making up her great-grandfather’s diary, harboring objects she can hold in her hand, each one evoking a memory. Together they tell of his journey from Italy to a new country, before he could read and write — the olive pit his mother gave him to suck on when there wasn’t enough food; a bottle cap he saw on his way to the boat; a ticket still retaining the thrill of his first baseball game.
Cold Snap
Eileen Spinelli - 2012
The thermometer is sinking toward zero, and the icicle hanging from the nose of General Toby’s statue is growing closer to the ground. The newspaper headline reads “COLD SNAP!” The people of the town are losing hope—and the feeling in their toes—until the mayor’s wife saves the day with a toasty treat.From the Hardcover edition.
Ten Ways to Hear Snow
Cathy Camper - 2020
It's the sound of snow -- the kind that looks soft and glows bright in the winter sun. But as she walks to her grandmother's house to help make the family recipe for warak enab, she continues to listen. As Lina walks past snowmen and across icy sidewalks, she discovers ten ways to pay attention to what might have otherwise gone unnoticed. With stunning illustrations by Kenard Pak and thoughtful representation of a modern Arab American family from Cathy Camper, Ten Ways to Hear Snow is a layered exploration of mindfulness, empathy, and what we realize when the world gets quiet.
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies
Laura Joffe Numeroff - 2000
series!If you take a mouse to the movies, he'll ask you for some popcorn. If you give him the popcorn, he'll want to string it all together. Then he'll want to hang it on a Christmas tree.The famous little mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie that has delighted millions of readers is back in an irresistible tale full of holiday antics.Collect all the books in this giggle-inspiring classic series!
It's Christmas!
Jack Prelutsky - 1981
"The poems cover subjects of interest to children--making a Christmas list, performing in the school assembly, cutting a Christmas tree. Children enjoy Prelutsky's poetry, and`this book should prove no exception."--School Library Journal.
Good King Wenceslas
John Mason Neale - 1853
This carol, based on actual events that occurred in the tenth century, tells of a kind-hearted king and his page who set out to help a poor man on a cold winter's night and experience a miracle along the way.
Christmas for Greta and Gracie
Yasmeen Ismail - 2015
It’s nearly Christmas and together the sisters decorate the tree, shop for presents and even try a spot of ice-skating! But Greta, of course, always knows best – poor Gracie can’t get a word in edgeways.Then on Christmas Eve, while Greta is quietly sleeping, Gracie hears a funny noise . . . whatever could it be? She creeps downstairs to investigate, and the next morning her very special revelation leaves chitty chatty Greta lost for words!
Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas
Russell Hoban - 1971
Both Ma Otter and her son, Emmet, hope to win the $50 talent show prize and surprise each other with a special Christmas present.