New Holiday Titles at the Library!
Reviews by Melissa Oxborrow

[December 20, 2014]    The weather outside is frightful---read a book! It’s so delightful…

Here Comes Santa Cat
by Deborah Underwood
illustrated by Claudia Rueda

Cat is in trouble. It’s almost Christmas and he hasn’t been a very good kitty this year. Desperate to convince Santa that he deserves a present this year, Cat embarks on a streak of do-gooding that goes horribly awry. Who knew that children don’t want presents of raw fish? And Christmas caroling would be a great idea, if Cat didn’t have such a terrible singing voice. Poor Cat. Will he be able to redeem himself in time for Christmas Eve? Will Santa appreciate his efforts and bring a special gift---just for him? Soft ink and colored-pencil illustrations combine with simple text and gentle humor that will make you and your child smile in this delightful Christmas tale. This is a perfect pick for children, ages 3 – 7. Love this title? Be sure to check out Here Comes the Easter Cat for more fun with Cat.
 

Manger
(poems selected) by Lee Bennett Hopkins illustrated by Helen Cann

What would the animals have said had they been able to speak the night that the Christ child was born? This collection of 15 simple poems by various poets allows us to imagine. The spider speaks of the cobweb crown he will weave as a gift, cow moos a lullaby, owl gives the gift of wisdom, and the littlest goat jumps over donkey’s back to make the baby laugh. Hopkins has selected free verse and rhyming poetry in different styles paired with richly colorful illustrations by Helen Cann to create a very special Christmas story. Read a poem at a time with children or the whole book at once, just be sure to start with the introduction. Preschool and school age children alike will be drawn in by this unusual tale.

Here is the World: a Year of Jewish Holidays
by Leslea Newman,
illustrated by Susan Gal

Looking for a fun and simple way to introduce your child to the holidays on the Jewish calendar? Try this beautiful book! With smaller children, read it like a picture book. Enjoy the simple rhyming language and the brightly colorful illustrations as Shabbat, Purim, Rosh Hashanah and other Jewish holidays are introduced with a few basic sentences. If your child is older they will love the additional information they can get about these holiday celebrations in the notes provided at the back of the book. These notes include more detail about the story behind each holiday and other traditions observed during the celebration. Fun craft ideas and yummy recipes are also included. Enjoy a reading experience that is both beautiful and informative.


The First Christmas
by Jan Pienkowski

Lovely paper cut artwork featuring silhouettes set against vibrant jewel tones are paired with language from the King James Bible to make this story of the Nativity truly unique. Pienkowski’s trademark art brings to mind the beauty of stained glass, giving an added reverence to the story of the first Chrismas. Whether you are introducing your child to the story of the Christ child for the first time or looking for a fresh way to present it to older children, this gorgeous book is a wonderful choice. Some language may be difficult for preschool age children to understand, but with simple explanation this book can be enjoyed by children of all ages.


To check out these books or any of our other new holiday titles, please come see us at the Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin Street.

[By MELISSA OXBORROW, Lincoln Public Library District]