2 weeks Ago
Alexis Motley, center, a nutritionist and educator, reads a book about healthy foods to Naija Powers, Logan Green, Braelyn Jackson and McKynzie Ezeff at the YWCA Wyandotte Early Head Start Center. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Put on Christmas pajamas, whip up some hot chocolate and gather around the Christmas tree glow to read aloud together. Make a December to remember by creating a new tradition of family reading time.
The following books offer a wide selection of holiday cheer — and a few sweet lessons sneak in there as well. An advent-style option is "A Return to Christmas" by Chris Heimerdinger An advent kind of read "A Return to Christmas" by Chris Heimerdinger This retelling of "The Prince and the Pauper" has 25 chapters, making it possible to read aloud a chapter a night, creating new holiday traditions and memories for multiple generations. The chapter-a-day idea might be a theoretical one because few can hold out.
The heartwarming story of two 11-year-old boys is just that good. Silver Packages: An Appalachian Christmas Story by Cynthia Rylant A classic "Silver Packages: An Appalachian Christmas Story" by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet Readers can visit the mountains in this 1997 classic about a boy named Frankie who longs for a doctor set in one of the silver packages delivered every Christmas.
A wealthy gentleman brings good tidings to the coal towns and hollows by sending packages to children via the Christmas train. The story highlights the true meaning of giving and sharing during the holiday season. Santa Is Coming to Louisiana by Steve Smallman Louisiana flair "Santa Is Coming to Louisiana" by Steve Smallman, illustrated by Robert Dunn This Louisiana Christmas tale is a favorite in my house.
In fact, our copy has been read so much that the spine is coming apart. The bright and colorful illustrations capture the spirit of Louisiana, and the author's use of French names, popular places, local landmarks and Louisiana charm make for a fun read-aloud moment for the family. Tamales for Christmas by Stephen Briseño A bilingual option "Tamales for Christmas" by Stephen Briseño, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez Inspired by the author's grandmother, this warm story highlights a grandmother's love.
To earn money to buy Christmas gifts for her family, Grandma makes and sells as many tamales as she can. A nice addition to this story is the use of counting and math as Grandma increases her tamale production. Grandma makes so many, in fact, that her generosity spreads beyond her family to those in need.
Eight Sweet Nights, A Festival of Lights by Charlotte Offsay Traditions of Hanukkah "Eight Sweet Nights, A Festival of Lights" by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt Set in a cozy home full of family, this book celebrates the yummy treats and traditions of Hanukkah. The children come together to create their own dessert to be included in the family meals, emphasizing the value of developing new traditions. Informative side notes explain the background and meanings of frequently used Hanukkah words.
The playful illustrations will cultivate conversations among families as well. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson is a longer family read that captures the holiday spirit. A movie adaptation is in theaters now.
Something a little longer "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson This book is a great choice for both humor and heart. What appears to be a wild disaster when the Herdman family gets involved in the church play turns out to be a beautiful story of the true meaning of Christmas. Full of hijinks and hilarious dialogue, this longer read will be sure to keep the family's attention over the span of a few days.
A new film adaptation is in the theaters now, which could be a fun way to celebrate finishing the book together. Jan Risher contributed to this report..
