Gift a Book
At a time of the year when the holidays bring magic to your child’s world, the gift of a special book can take them on a trip of magical fantasy. “Books stimulate a child’s sense of curiosity, creativity and imagination and validate their feelings,” said Dr. Donna Housman, founder of Beginnings School in Weston, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston. Choose just the right book as a gift to stir your child’s imagination this holiday season.
'Five Little Turkeys'
During an exciting countdown to Thanksgiving, William Boniface’s book "Five Little Turkeys" will take your child on a journey with the five turkeys as they run away to join in on the fun on Thanksgiving Day. “Children are engaged by the ideas presented through both words and illustrations,” Housman said. “Books are a treasure chest offering knowledge, fun and connections.”
'Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade'
Meghan Kelly, director of curriculum with The Learning Experience, recommends a holiday and geographic lesson in one. "Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade" by Melissa Sweet. This book allows both young and old to learn about the giant balloons that fill the sky during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Add in a puppeteer extraordinaire and bright illustrations and your child will not only learn more about New York, but also the iconic Macy’s parade.
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'If You Were at the First Thanksgiving'
“It is important for children to have the historical facts related to the friendship among the Pilgrims and Indians,” says Deb Watson, early childhood educator at Post University in Waterbury, Connecticut. She recommends "If You Were at the First Thanksgiving" by Anne Kamma for a history lesson the entire family can enjoy.
'Gobble, Gobble'
Inspire an outdoor family activity during the holidays with Cathryn Falwell’s "Gobble, Gobble." This illustration holiday book follows animal tracks through the great outdoors as the critters make their way through North America. “It is a delightful book for younger children that describes the forest animals in different seasons,” Watson said.
'Jingle Bugs'
A perfect treat for the toddler in your life, "Jingle Bugs" by David Carter offers an entertaining story complete with pop-ups, flaps and pull tabs to delight your little one. Housman said this book offers hands-on learning. “'Jingle Bugs' helps toddlers learn about the holidays through repetition and simple language.”
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'The Spirit of Christmas'
Complete with heartwarming images, trees topped with sparkling stars and jingling bells, "The Spirit of Christmas" by Nancy Tillman offers a life lesson for all ages about the magic of the Christmas season. “It is a tender book about Christmas and family,” said Watson. “Without family, Christmas is not the same.”
'My Two Holidays: A Hanukkah and Christmas Story'
If a holiday book for the preschool and pre-K child is what you’re looking for, "My Two Holidays: A Hanukkah and Christmas Story" by Danielle Novack offers double the pleasure for your little one. This classic holiday book chronicles Sammy’s journey of sharing with his classmates how he celebrates both holidays each year.
'The Seven Days of Kwanzaa'
The special time of Kwanzaa is explored in "The Seven Days of Kwanzaa" by Angela Shelf Medearis. This informative book, perfect for elementary school-age children, offers typical recipes, directions for making masks and puppets and information about the seven candles. “It provides the history of this African-American-created festival based on ancient African traditions, using words from the Swahili language,” Watson said.
