Holiday picture book, 40 pages. Published by Candlewick Press in 2017.
Wondering
Have you ever wondered how the tradition of a Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center began? Where does it come from? What kind of tree is it? How big is it and how many lights are used to decorate it? And what happens to such a big tree when the holiday season comes to an end? And, perhaps the most important question, have you wondered about the birds and other creatures living in the tree?
Tavares' sweet story of two cardinals - Red and Lulu - separated when their home is taken to the Rockefeller Center, becomes an ode to the miracles of Christmas when they are reunited through their song: Oh, Christmas Tree! This is the holiday picture book I'll give to my Little Guy this year - he will love the story as well as learning about the special Rockefeller Christmas Tree. Nonna's Recipe for Cultivating Wonder Ideas for Making It Real
I have two suggestions for bringing the beauty of Red and Lulu to life for your kiddos:
Holiday picture book, 32 pages. Published by Clarion Books in 2009.
Light and Joy
Say is one of my personal favorite author-illustrators - his work is the epitome of beauty in children's books. It's an unusual holiday story of disobedience and forgiveness, the melding of two cultures and of parents' love for their child, but it is perfect for the adventurer who wants to explore the idea of beauty on many levels. This books sinks deep into your heart with a steadfast light and calming joy.
If you read only one holiday picture book with your children, I hope you choose Tree of Cranes. Nonna's Recipe for Cultivating Wonder Ideas for Making It Real
Learn to create a origami crane - even little ones can accomplish it with hands-on help from Mom or Dad. Start of with eHow Arts and Crafts' YouTube video Origami for Children for a simply bunny. Graduate to Crafting Hours Youtube video Kids Origami Paper Crane Craft Tutorial. Add some thread to hang these ornaments on your tree - their beauty comes from your child's hands.
 Holiday picture book, 48 pages. Published by Puffin in 2013. Surprisingly, this book is not available through Bookshop.org! Check out your local library or bookstore - it is well worth the hunt. A Holiday Read in Our Home There is really only one question on Christmas Eve - are you on Santa's good or naughty list? Charlie's twin Sam is most likely on Santa's good list while Charlie know she's been especially naughty and won't get any presents. But Santa makes a mistake which Charlie must put right... Heartwarming, adorable and filled with Richard Curtis' wry humor - reading this book has become a holiday tradition in our home! Nonna's Recipe for Cultivating Wonder Ideas for Making It Real The heart of this story is Charlie's desire to make sure her twin, Sam, gets Santa's gifts even though she will end up without any of her own. A successful adventurer is a realist, as well as one who is willing to act on the needs of others - Charlie is both. Dreams give us purpose and build resilience, but caring for others fills our adventure with love and community. If it's not already part of your holiday traditions, introduce your kiddos to the idea of serving others - strangers, even - through your local food bank, a giving tree, or any number of other ways to help those in need. This book is currently unavailable through Bookshop.org.
Try your local library or bookstore. You can also find it at a number of the online used bookshops. |