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The holidays are here, and with them comes the opportunity to read a whole new offering of good books. They are perfect for gift-giving, or for curling up with the children during family time. This time of year is a wonderful time to make the connection through the printed word, to let the young ones know that they are important, and by extension, so is their world. For ages 2-4 Little Bunny's Christmas Tree Written by Jeanne Modesitt; illustrated by Robin Spowart (Simon & Schuster, 26 pages, hardcover, $12.95) It's nearly Christmas and Little Bunny is excited about picking out a tree. She, her little brother and parents go to the holiday lot to find just the right one. She finally spots the perfect tree - small and live, in a pot, that everyone else has overlooked. The simple story is one that children can relate to, and the illustrations, done in colored pencil, are soft and soothing. The Snowball Fight Written by Else Holmelund Minarik; illustrated by David T. Wenzel (HarperCollins, 16 pages, board book, $5.99) Little Bear just can't resist playing outside during the snowfall and he talks his busy father into coming outside to help him make a snowman. Of course, he just can't resist throwing a snowball - right at his dad. The characters, based on Maurice Sendak's Little Bear, are charmingly rendered. Kids will love Little Bear's enthusiasm - and his curling up with his mom at the end of a busy day with a cup of hot cocoa. O Come, All Ye Faithful Illustrated by David Christiana (Simon & Schuster, 30 pages, hardcover, $16.95) The beloved Christmas carol is given a wonderful, whimsical treatment with David Christiana's illustrations. Each stanza of the carol is illustrated page by page as various farm animals come to see the baby Jesus, shown in beautiful simplicity at the end. The text is hand-drawn, and the terrific illustrations are rendered in watercolor and gouache. For ages 4-7 The Forgetful Bears Help Santa Written by Larry Weinberg, illustrated by Jason Wolff (Random House, 34 pages, hardcover, $12.95) It's the big night, and Santa Claus has the misfortune of getting stuck in the chimney of the Forgetful Bears' house. The loveable but memory-impaired family thinks Santa's a burglar. When he explains who he is, they are more than happy to help him make his deliveries, but not while Father Bear can't even remember the reindeers' names or fathom who is to get what gift. The story is funny, and the illustrations, done in acrylic, are bright and lively. Henry Bear's Christmas Written and illustrated by David McPhail (Atheneum, 40 pages, hardcover, $16.95) Henry Bear loves everything about Christmas, but mostly he loves Christmas trees. He and his best friend, Stanley, set off to find the perfect tree. There is a scrawny tree at the schoolyard that catches Stanley's eye, but Henry decides he must have the beautiful tree that is being raffled off by the vicar. Will Henry get the tree? And will he discover that sometimes the best things can be overlooked? The story can help children see the value of friendship and the simple things in life. The illustrations are finely detailed, rendered in crow-quill pen, ink and watercolor. A Small Miracle By Peter Collington (Random House, 32 pages, hardcover, $15.95) This beautiful tale, rendered in 96 illustrations without a single word of text, is back in print by popular demand - and it's easy to see why. The story tells of a modern-day miracle, in which a poor old woman witnesses the vandalizing of a church. She uses her last ounce of strength in reassembling the church's nativity scene. She trudges back home afterward, exhausted, then faints in the snow. The miracle is in who saves her and provides a warm Christmas breakfast for her the next day. The paintings are amazingly detailed and full of expression. Gaspard and Lisa's Christmas Surprise Written and illustrated by Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben (Alfred A. Knopf, 32 pages, hardcover, $9.95) The charming French dogs, created by Parisian husband-and-wife team Gutman and Hallensleben, are trying to decide what to give their teacher for Christmas. They decide they will make her a raincoat - out of a shower curtain. Their misadventures as they glue the coat together, dye it and wash and dry it, are expected, but it's the thought that counts, right? The illustrations are charmingly vivid and childlike. It's a Miracle: A Hanukkah Storybook Written by Stephanie Spinner; illustrated by Jill McElmurry (Antheneum, 40 pages, hardcover, $16.95) Every night of Hanukkah, after a young boy named Owen lights the candles, his grandmother tells him a bedtime story. On the first night, she tells of a girl who dreams of becoming a rabbi. On the seventh night, there's a story about a boy who wants to be a baby again. The stories, about faith and family, become a celebration of Owen's heritage. The quirky illustrations are rendered in gouache. The book ends with the legend of Hanukkah and a glossary of terms. For ages 6-12 My Grandmother's Stories: A Collection of Jewish Folktales Written by Adele Geras, illustrated by Anita Lobel (Alfred A. Knopf, 96 pages, hardcover, $19.95) Any day with Grandmother is special for a child. Best of all is hearing her stories, inspired by ordinary treasures in her apartment. There's the story of a rabbi, of a ghost bride, of a kvetch who meets an angel. Each is instructive it its own way and each is a reflection of her Russian Jewish heritage. The paintings are bold and colorful. The book is a reissue and is sure to be treasured by a new generation of children. The Very Best Hanukkah Gift Written by Joanne Rocklin, illustrated by Catharine O'Neill (Random House, 114 pages, paperback, $4.50) David is excited that Hanukkah is here at last. It's time for candle lighting and gifts and good food. But there is a challenge - a dog that has just moved down the hall. And since David was bitten by a dog last summer, he has been frightened of dogs. It would take a miracle for him to get over his fear - maybe a Hanukkah miracle. The book is written with humor and a warm eye for reality, and is a celebration of family and tradition. |
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