"A library book, I imagine, is a happy book." Cornelia Funke

"Everything puts me in mind of a story." Ben Franklin

Friday, November 2, 2012

Two Holiday Treats



Christmas Parade by Sandra Boynton.

 I have loved Sandra Boynton's illustrations since she made gift cards in the 1980s. Surely you are familiar with her fantastic Board Books such as Moo, Baa, La La, La! or Barnyard Dance! Christmas Parade is just as fun, but it is a small hardcover picture book geared to 3-6 year olds. Boynton's incomparable animals march across the pages lead by a serious looking elephant and concluding with the "tiniest bird with the loudest tuba you ever have heard." After the parade, a bunny slipper shod piglet gets the merriest surprise. This is another bouncy winner from Boynton!




Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama by Selina Alko

This sweet picture book fills a gap for families who celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah and want to see their traditions reflected in their holiday reading.When they began their family, author Alko and her husband shared traditions from their different religious backgrounds and in this book, young Sadie happily tells readers all the special things that her family does together during the winter holidays. From leaving out latkes and milk for Santa, to hanging candy canes on the menorah, to sharing both Jewish and Christian stories at the extended family gathering, this family wastes no opportunity for joyous celebration. The illustrations are a pleasant mix of collage and colored pencil and well convey the energetic holiday spirit. A recipe for Cranberry Kugel Dressing follows the story.