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Holiday!

Natalie Nelson

A funny, offbeat story about how disruptive change can be -- even if it's a holiday!

Early one morning, a strange visitor arrives -- a visitor whose name is Holiday. "I'll be taking over for you today!" Holiday tells Monday. And before long, Holiday has met the other days, even Saturday and Sunday, who usually sleep all week.

With each introduction, Monday becomes more and more upset. She is used to starting the week, and she'd like to keep it that way. When Holiday announces how much fun he's having, and that he'd like to stay, Wednesday and Friday admit that they are a little worried, too. Meanwhile, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday are completely smitten by this exciting new day.

Finally, Monday (with Wednesday and Friday in tow), asks Holiday to kindly pack his things and go. Then just in time, Tuesday comes up with a solution that will work for everyone.

Natalie Nelson's ingenious characterizations of the days of the week will delight readers young and old, as will her story that pokes fun at how set in our ways we can be and how we might instead choose to be open to change and embrace the unexpected.

Key Text Features
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Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.6
Acknowledge differences in the points of view of characters, including by speaking in a different voice for each character when reading dialogue aloud.

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30,000 Stitches

Amanda Davis

An MASL Dogwood Reader's Award Title

Discover the inspiring story of the American flag that flew over Ground Zero, traveled across all fifty states as it was repaired, and returned to New York as a restored symbol of unity.

In the days following September 11th, a 30-foot American flag hung torn and tattered at 90 West Street, across from Ground Zero. A few weeks later, the flag was taken down by a construction crew and tucked away in storage, where it stayed for nearly seven years.

The flag was brought out of storage in 2008 when the New York Says Thank You Foundation headed to Greensburg, Kansas, a town nearly destroyed by a tornado. NYSTY brought the flag with them, sparking a grassroots restoration effort that traveled over 120,000 miles across all fifty states, bringing together thousands of people, and helping America heal and rebuild . . . hand by hand, thread by thread, one stitch at a time.

This book is the story of that journey, a journey that ended at the opening of the National September 11 Museum, where the flag remains today. Along the way, the flag was restored using pieces of retired flags from every state--including a piece of the flag that Abraham Lincoln was laid on after he was shot at Ford's Theater and threads from the original Star-Spangled Banner flag, which flew at Fort McHenry in the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem. The pieces and threads were stitched in by military veterans, first responders, educators, students, community-service heroes, and family members of 9/11 victims, among others. At each stop, communities came together to remember, to heal, and to unite.

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This Very Tree

Sean Rubin

A deeply moving story about community and resilience, from the point-of-view of the Callery pear tree that survived the attacks on September 11, from Eisner Award-nominated author-illustrator Sean Rubin.

* "A resonant, beautifully rendered testament to life and renewal." —Kirkus, starred review

In the 1970s, nestled between the newly completed Twin Towers in New York City, a Callery pear tree was planted. Over the years, the tree provided shade for people looking for a place to rest and a home for birds, along with the first blooms of spring.

On September 11, 2001, everything changed. The tree’s home was destroyed, and it was buried under the rubble. But a month after tragedy struck, a shocking discovery was made at Ground Zero: the tree had survived.

Dubbed the “Survivor Tree,” it was moved to the Bronx to recover. And in the thoughtful care of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the Callery pear was nursed back to health. Almost a decade later, the Survivor Tree returned home and was planted in the 9/11 Memorial to provide beauty and comfort...and also hope.

This is the story of that tree—and of a nation in recovery. Told from the tree’s perspective, This Very Tree is a touching tribute to first responders, the resilience of America, and the restorative power of community.

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Come Juneteenth

Ann Rinaldi

Sis Goose is a beloved member of Luli's family, despite the fact that she was born a slave. But the family is harboring a terrible secret. And when Union soldiers arrive on their Texas plantation to announce that slaves have been declared free for nearly two years, Sis Goose is horrified to learn that the people she called family have lied to her for so long. She runs away--but her newly found freedom has tragic consequences.

How could the state of Texas keep the news of the Emancipation Proclamation from reaching slaves? In this riveting Great Episodes historical drama, Ann Rinaldi sheds light on the events that led to the creation of Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom that continues today.
Includes an author's note.

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Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free

Alice Faye Duncan

Booklist starred review

Black activist Opal Lee had a vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone. This true story celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday. Join Opal on her historic journey to recognize and celebrate freedom for all.

Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic--a drumming, dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak's stories that Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865--over two years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn't always see freedom in her Texas town. Then one Juneteenth day when Opal was twelve years old, an angry crowd burned down her brand-new home. This wasn't freedom at all. She had to do something! But could one person's voice make a difference? Could Opal bring about national recognition of Juneteenth? Follow Opal Lee as she fights to improve the future by honoring the past.

Through the story of Opal Lee's determination and persistence, children ages 4 to 8 will learn:

  • all people are created equal
  • the power of bravery and using your voice for change
  • the history of Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, and what it means today
  • no one is free unless everyone is free
  • fighting for a dream is worth the difficulty experienced along the way

Featuring the illustrations of New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo (I am Enough), Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan celebrates the life and legacy of a modern-day Black leader while sharing a message of hope, unity, joy, and strength.

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Juneteenth: Our Day of Freedom

Sharon Dennis Wyeth

Some call it Freedom Day; some call it Emancipation Day; some call it Juneteenth. Learn more about this important holiday that celebrates the end of chattel slavery in the United States in this Step 3 History Reader.

On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, a group of enslaved men, women, and children in Texas gathered. Order Number 3 was read, proclaiming that they were no longer enslaved--they were free. People danced, wept tears of joy, and began to plan their new lives. Juneteenth became an annual celebration that is observed by more and more Americans with parades, picnics, family gatherings, and reflection on the words of historical figures, to mark the day when freedom truly rang for all.

Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots and popular topics--for children who are ready to read on their own.

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The Berenstain Bears Mother's Day Blessings

Mike Berenstain

Mama Bear is the best mama in all of Bear Country and Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear know just what to do for her on Mother's Day. In this newest title in the Berenstain Bears Living Lights, The Berenstain Bears Mother's Day Blessings, join the Bear family and all of Bear Country as they spend Mother's Day together remembering just why our mothers are so special to all of us!

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Love, Mama

Jeanette Bradley

With a heartwarming story and tender illustrations, Jeanette Bradley's debut picture book Love, Mama is perfect for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and any day when a child needs a reminder of the strength of a mother's love.

When Mama leaves her young penguin Kipling, he knows she'll return home soon—yet he still can't help but miss her. After all, Pillow Mama won't read, Picture Mama won't laugh, and Snow Mama is too cold to cuddle.

But then Kipling receives a special delivery from Mama, including a note that reads:

My love for you stretches across the wide ocean,
through day and night,
from earth to sky

and back again.

And Kipling knows that no matter where Mama is, he is loved. Soon, Mama comes home, and Kipling ends the day where he belongs—right in her arms.

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My Mommy Medicine

Edwidge Danticat

My Mommy Medicine is a picture book about the comfort and love a mama offers when her child isn't feeling well, from renowned author Edwidge Danticat.

Whenever I am sick,
Or just feel kind of gloomy or sad,
I can always count on my Mommy Medicine.

When a child wakes up not feeling well, it’s mommy to the rescue! Her remedy includes a yummy cup of hot chocolate, a cozy bubble bath, unlimited snuggles and cuddles, fun sing-alongs, and all the extra special love and attention a kid could ask for.

Mommy Medicine can heal all woes and make any day the best day!

Award-winning memoirist Edwidge Danticat's rich and lyrical text envelops the reader in the security of a mother's love, and debut artist Shannon Wright's vibrant art infuses the story with even more warmth.

A Parent's Choice Recommended Award Winner 2019
2020 Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year List

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Mommy, Carry Me Please!

Jane Cabrera

From tiny 'roos to penguin chicks - and humans too! - babies love to be picked up.

Animal mothers of all kinds carry their babies in different ways. Mommy Hippo's baby is on her back. Mommy Lemur's baby is on her tummy. Mommy Monkey's baby is on her tail. And Human Mommy's baby is in her arms. With vibrantly-colored illustrations, this simple tale is a warm celebration of motherhood in its many forms.

Jane Cabrera's picture books have received worldwide attention and two Oppenheim Toy Portfolio awards. Her unique style has made her books a must-have for parents, teachers, and librarians for over a decade.

A Bank Street Best Childrens Book of the Year!

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Llama Llama Mother's Day Present

Anna Dewdney

It's Mother's Day in this 8x8 based on an episode of the animated LLama LLama Netflix series.

Look out, world--Llama Llama is a TV star! The beloved character, made famous by Anna Dewdney's best-selling picture books, is the star of his own original series, now airing on Netflix. In this episode-based 8x8, Llama Llama is determined to make Mother's Day as special as possible for his mama. Your little llamas will love relating to their favorite picture book character as he faces new and challenging situations.

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Love, Sophia on the Moon

Anica Mrose Rissi

Life on Earth isn't always fair, so Sophia runs off to the moon, where there are no bedtimes, no time-outs, and no Mom.
But as Sophia and her mom send letters to each other, Mom has a clever comeback for all of Sophia's angry notes. Home starts to sound not-quite-so-bad, especially when Mom reports that someone from the moon has moved in to Sophia's old room, they're having spaghetti for dinner, and they're reading Sophia's favorite story at bedtime.
A through line of unconditional love underscored with lots of humor and imagination makes this picture book a stellar pick for storytime.

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That's My Mommy!

Ann Hodgman

A celebration of the many things that mothers can do notes such examples as helping little ones feel brave, tucking their youngsters in at night and loving their children just the way they are, in a sturdy board book that features a soft padded cover and rounded corners.

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The Story of Passover

David A. Adler

On Passover, Jewish people all over the world celebrate their freedom from slavery and their beginnings as a great nation. 

This simple introduction to the Passover story pairs an engaging retelling with bold illustrations, perfect for young readers.

One of the most significant holidays in Jewish tradition, Passover commemorates Moses leading his people out of slavery in Egypt.  The Story of Passover recounts the major events of the story in dramatic but accessible language, from Jacob settling in Egypt to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. 

The text and images have been vetted for accuracy by a rabbinical authority, and the book includes an author's note about the modern Passover celebration, the seder, and how the different parts of the meal symbolize elements of the story.

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A Party in Ramadan

Asma Mobin-Uddin

Here is a perfect story to introduce young readers to the holy month of Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.

Ramadan is coming, and Leena is excited. Although she is too young to fast every day during the Muslim religious festival, Leena decides to fast each Friday instead. When Leena receives an invitation to a party which happens to fall on Friday, she has a dilemma. She doesn't want to miss the party, but she doesn't want to miss fasting either. So Leena decides to go to the party, but not eat or drink anything at all. Later, she will join her family for the meal known as iftar, when the daily fast is broken. But when Leena, the only Muslim at the party, sees her friends enjoying fresh lemonade and chocolate cake, her stomach starts to growl and her head begins to hurt. Will she keep her Ramadan fast?

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Under the Ramadan Moon

Sylvia Whitman

"We wait for the moon. We watch for the moon. We watch for the Ramadan moon. We give to the poor, and read Qur'an, under the moon. We live our faith, until next year under the moon, under the moon, under the Ramadan moon."

Ramadan is one of the most special months of the Islamic year, when Muslims pray, fast, and help those in need. The lyrical story, with luminous illustrations, serves as an introduction to Ramadan—a time for reflection and ritual with family and friends. A detailed note about Ramadan is included.

 

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The Gift of Ramadan

Rabiah York Lumbard

Sophia wants to fast for Ramadan this year. Her grandma tells her that fasting helps make a person sparkly—and Sophia loves sparkles. But when her attempt at fasting fails, Sophia must find another way to participate. This lovely multigenerational family story explores the many ways to take part in the Ramadan holiday.

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Welcoming Elijah

Leslea Newman

Winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award and the National Jewish Book Award, Welcoming Elijah by celebrated author Lesléa Newman, unites a young boy and a stray kitten in a warm, lyrical story about Passover, family, and friendship.

Inside, a boy and his family sit around the dinner table to embrace the many traditions of their Passover Seder around the dinner table. Outside, a cat wonders, hungry and alone. When it's time for the symbolic Passover custom of opening the family's front door for the prophet Elijah, both the boy and the cat are in for a remarkable surprise.

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The Passover Mouse

Joy Nelkin Wieder

In this charming and witty Passover story about kindness, community, tradition, and forgiveness, a little mouse disrupts a town's preparations for the holiday when it steals a piece of leavened bread—or chometz—just as all the houses have been swept clean in time for the holiday.

It's the morning before the start of Passover, and all the villagers have swept their homes clean of leavened bread, in keeping with the traditions of the holiday. Suddenly, a small mouse steals a piece of bread and tears through the town, spoiling everyone's hard work. But just when it seems as if the townsfolk will never be ready for their Seder, the little mouse's actions unwittingly bring everyone together, to work as a group to save the holiday.

Jewish families at Passover will embrace this rollicking, funny, and ultimately inspiring story—based on an original tale from the Talmud—that weaves together the themes of community, kindness, charity, and forgiveness. It's sure to become a modern holiday classic that's shared year after year among the generations.

An afterword discusses the story from the Talmud that the author used as her inspiration and includes a glossary of terms that will be useful to young readers.

★ "An excellent addition to the Jewish tradition."—Kirkusstarred review

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The Passover Guest

Susan Kusel

 

Sydney Taylor Award Winner

A girl's kindness to a mysterious magician leads to a Passover miracle.


Beautifully illustrated and deftly told, this story full of hope, tradition-- and just a touch of magic-- is a new Passover classic in the making.

It's the Spring of 1933 in Washington D.C., and the Great Depression is hitting young Muriel's family hard. Her father has lost his job and her family barely has enough food most days-- let alone for a Passover Seder. They don't even have any wine to leave out for the prophet Elijah's ceremonial cup.

With no feast to rush home to, Muriel wanders by the Lincoln Memorial, where she encounters a mysterious magician in whose hands juggled eggs become lit candles. After she makes a kind gesture, he encourages her to run home for her Seder, and when she does, she encounters a holiday miracle: a bountiful feast of brisket, soup, and matzah, enough for their whole community to share.

But who was this mysterious benefactor? When Muriel sees Elijah's cup is empty, she has a good idea.

Sean Rubin's finely-detailed, historically-accurate illustrations, with a color pallete inspired by Marc Chagall, bring a strong sense of setting to this fresh retelling of the I.L. Peretz story best known through Uri Shulevitz's 1973 adaptation The Magician.

A perfect gift for those celebrating Passover, or to introduce the holiday traditions to young readers, The Passover Guest is sure to enchant readers of all ages.

Brief essays at the end of the story detail author Susan Kusel's inspiration for this retelling, artist Sean Rubin's influences and research, and introduce the traditions associated with Passover celebrations.

An Association of Jewish Libraries Spring Holiday Highlight
A CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
A Booklist Editors' Choice
A CCBC Choice
A CSMCL Best Multicultural Children's Book of the Year

 

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Meet the Latkes

Alan Silberberg

Imagine James Marshall's The Stupids celebrating Hanukkah, and you'd get the Latke family!

Lucy Latke's family is just like yours or mine. Except that they're potato pancakes. And also, they are completely clueless. After lighting the menorah and gobbling the gelt, Grandpa Latke tells everyone the Hanukkah story, complete with mighty Mega Bees who use a giant dreidel to fight against the evil alien potatoes from Planet Chhh. It's up to the Latke family dog to set the record straight. (To start with, they were Maccabees, not Mega Bees...) But he'll have to get the rest of the Latkes to listen to him first!

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Pout-Pout Fish: Passover Treasure

Deborah Diesen

Pout-Pout Fish is spending Passover with his friend Miss Shimmer and her family, and he’s bubbling with excitement to learn all about the seder tradition! Surrounded by friends old and new, he’ll learn that on this special holiday, there’s always room at the table for wonderful things to happen.

Turn little pouts into big smiles with this paperback series based on the New York Times–bestselling books.

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Raquela's Seder

Joel Edward Stein

Kar-Ben Read-Aloud eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and text highlighting to bring eBooks to life!

Raquela yearns to celebrate a Passover seder, but Inquisition-era Spain is a time when Jews must hide their religion. Under the rising moon, her clever papa, the best fisherman in town, creates a unique celebration for his family. In his fishing boat on the sea, far from prying eyes, they celebrate Raquela’s first seder with matzah and the Passover story.

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The Night Before St. Patrick's Day

Natasha Wing

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in this installment of Natasha Wing's best-selling series, a fun read-aloud sure to keep kids engaged and laughing out loud!

It's the night before St. Patrick's Day, and Tim and Maureen are wide awake setting traps to catch a leprechaun! When they wake the next morning to the sound of their dad playing the bagpipes and the smell of their mom cooking green eggs, they're shocked to find that they've actually caught a leprechaun. But will they be able to find his pot of gold? Natasha Wing's sweet story is once again told in verse to the same meter of Clement Moore's classic.

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St. Patrick's Day

Anne Rockwell

On St. Parick's Day, come dance a jig with the students in the classroom ALA Booklist calls "a lively place."

Today in Mrs. Madoff's class we all wore something green to school. Kate played the fiddle and we danced to Irish music. Then we learned about St. Patrick and many Irish tales and traditions. Now we know why there are no snakes in Ireland. Not every-one in school is all Irish like me, but we all can celebrate St. Patrick's Day together!

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Ten Lucky Leprechauns

Kathryn Heling

Fiddle-de-fizz, 'tis magic, it is! When leprechauns find each other. Count from one to ten as one little leprechaun looking for treasure magically becomes ten silly leprechaun friends at the end of the rainbow! A humorous, rhyming celebration of St. Patrick's Day!

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What Is St. Patrick's Day?

Elaine Landau

How do people celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Who was St. Patrick? Why do people wear green? Readers learn all about this holiday in this easy-to-read book. Readers enjoy a hands-on activity, too.

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Happy St. Patrick's Day, Curious George

Hans Augusto Rey

Today is George's lucky day--St. Patrick's Day is here! George loves a celebration, and St. Patrick's Day means plenty o' music, dancing, and feasting fun! He dresses up in his festive finest, looks for leprechauns, and learns some Irish dance steps. But can George make it to the parade without causing any trouble? See if his lucky four-leaf clover will come through . . .

Fun tabbed pages are ideal for little fingers, and jaunty poems make for a fun read-aloud celebration! A fine holiday gift for fans of Curious George. For more monkey fun, investigate www.curiousgeorge.com and discover the latest books, promotions, games, activities, and more!

The animated series Curious George is available to watch on Peacock, NBC Universal's streaming platform.

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You're My Little Lucky Charm

This rhyming board book for toddlers is a stroke of luck! You’re My Little Lucky Charm is a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day with touch-and-feel pictures of rainbows, leprechauns, and pots of gold.

National Bestselling Series
Four-leaf clovers and adorable leprechauns are on the run in You’re My Little Lucky Charm, a rhyming story about the magic and fun of St. Patrick’s Day that celebrates the special bond between a parent and child. Each spread of this board book includes a sweet and rhyming proclamation along with a textured object that jumps off the page and makes the story come alive for little hands and growing minds. It’s a springtime successor in Natalie Marshall’s You’re My Little series of early reader titles, including You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie and You’re My Little Honey Bunny.

Get to know the You're My Little series from Silver Dolphin Books!
From Valentine’s Day to Christmas Day and every day in between, the bestselling You’re My Little series is cute as can be—and festive too! Each spread of these chunky board books shows a child and parent pair with adorable illustrations by Natalie Marshall, as well as shaped cut-outs and raised elements. Perfect for cuddling up with your little one, these sweet rhyming stories celebrate a parent’s love for their child.

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The Berenstain Bears' St. Patrick's Day

Mike Berenstain

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the Berenstain Bears! This 8x8 storybook is the latest holiday adventure for the bestselling Bear family.

Join Papa, Mama, and the cubs as Gramps introduces them to some of the traditions most associated with the holiday, from gathering to enjoy a parade down Main Street to leprechauns and pots of gold.

The silly fun starts with Gramps leading the family to dress all in green, with green cloverleaves to wear. After he introduces the legend of the leprechaun, the cubs dream of traveling to a green and pleasant land... When they wake, they're sitting in their folding chairs on Main Street in Bear Town. and there's a parade to cheer! The parade includes marching bands and dancers; pipers piping and harpers harping; and the whole Bear Town police and fire departments..

The parade winds up with a troupe of bears dressed as leprechauns, each carrying a pot of gold. Young Berenstain Bears fans will enjoy giggling along as the cubs learn about St. Patrick's Day.

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We're Red, Weird, and Blue! What Can We Do?

Dan Gutman

In honor of Presidents' Day, A.J. and Andrea are going to represent Ella Mentry in the ultimate Presidents' Day Challenge against Dirk School. The winning school will get bragging rights, a free trip to an amusement park, and one top secret prize. Th

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Presidents' Day

Richard Tan

Introduces Presidents' Day and the two presidents it chiefly honors, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and describes monuments to the presidents.

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Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Bonnie Bader

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was only 25 when he helped organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott and was soon organizing black people across the country in support of the right to vote, desegregation, and other basic civil rights. Maintaining nonviolent and peaceful tactics even when his life was threatened, King was also an advocate for the poor and spoke out against racial and economic injustice until his death?from an assassin?s bullet?in 1968. With clearly written text that explains this tumultuous time in history and 80 black-and-white illustrations, this Who Was?? celebrates the vision and the legacy of a remarkable man.
 

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I Have a Dream

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King: “My father’s dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing "I Have a Dream" speech brings his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to the youngest among us—those who will one day carry his dream forward for everyone.”

On August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, Martin Luther King gave one of the most powerful and memorable speeches in our nation's history. His words, paired with Caldecott Honor winner Kadir Nelson's magificent paintings, make for a picture book certain to be treasured by children and adults alike. The themes of equality and freedom for all are not only relevant today, 50 years later, but also provide young readers with an important introduction to our nation's past.

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I Am Martin Luther King, Jr

Brad Meltzer

Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. is the 8th hero in the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series for ages 5 to 8.

As a child, Martin Luther King, Jr. was shocked by the terrible and unfair way African American people were treated. When he grew up, he decided to do something about it--peacefully, with powerful words. He helped gather people together for nonviolent protests and marches, and he always spoke up about loving other human beings and doing what's right. He spoke about the dream of a kinder future, and bravely led the way toward racial equality in America.

This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big. Included in each book are:

- A timeline of key events in the hero's history
- Photos that bring the story more fully to life
- Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable
- Childhood moments that influenced the hero
- Facts that make great conversation-starters
- A character trait that made the person heroic and that readers can aspire to

You'll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!

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A Place to Land

Barry Wittenstein

As a new generation of activists demands an end to racism, A Place to Land reflects on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech and the movement that it galvanized.

Winner of the Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
Selected for the Texas Bluebonnet Master List


Much has been written about Martin Luther King, Jr. and the 1963 March on Washington. But there's little on his legendary speech and how he came to write it.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was once asked if the hardest part of preaching was knowing where to begin. No, he said. The hardest part is knowing where to end. "It's terrible to be circling up there without a place to land."

Finding this place to land was what Martin Luther King, Jr. struggled with, alongside advisors and fellow speech writers, in the Willard Hotel the night before the March on Washington, where he gave his historic "I Have a Dream" speech. But those famous words were never intended to be heard on that day, not even written down for that day, not even once.

Barry Wittenstein teams up with legendary illustrator Jerry Pinkney to tell the story of how, against all odds, Martin found his place to land.

An ALA Notable Children's Book
A Capitol Choices Noteworthy Title
Nominated for an NAACP Image Award
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year
A Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
A Booklist Editors' Choice
Named a Best Book of the Year by Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and School Library Journal
Selected for the CBC Champions of Change Showcase

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Great Lives in Graphics Martin Luther King

Books Button

"Great lives in graphics reimagines the lives of extraordinary people in vivid technicolor, presenting 250+ fascinating facts. You may already know that Marin Luther King Jr. gave an important speech, but did you know he loved to play pranks on his sister? Or that he was once called Michael? This graphic retelling of Martin's story gives children a visual snapshot of his life and the world he grew up in, while educating them on everything from the civil rights movements to the power of words"

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My First Kwanzaa

Karen Katz

A simple way to get acquainted with Kwanzaa.

"Hooray! Hooray!
It's time to get ready for Kwanzaa."

During the seven days of Kwanzaa, we celebrate the importance of family, friends, and community. This warm and lively introduction to a very special holiday will help even the youngest children join in!

Author and illustrator Karen Katz's wonderful series of picture books for the very young offer a simple and fun way to get familiar with the traditions of holiday celebrations from different cultures.

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Seven Candles for Kwanzaa

Andrea Davis Pinkney

In this spirited introduction to Kwanzaa, Andrea Davis Pinkney explains the meaning of the week-long African-American winter holiday and the special way each day is celebrated. The text is simple and straightforward, and pronunciation guides are provided for the Swahili words sprinkled throughout. Filled with facts about the festival, this is a perfect selection for anyone interested in learning more about this unique holiday.

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Pick a Pine Tree

Patricia Toht

A festive read-aloud brimming with all the joy and excitement of Christmastime -- beginning, of course, with picking out a tree!

Part of the magic of the Christmas season stems from the traditions that families and friends take part in every year: hanging up stockings; putting lights in the windows; and, one of the most important of all, picking out and taking home the Christmas tree. With style and warmth, debut author Patricia Toht and Jarvis, the author-illustrator of Alan's Big, Scary Teeth, evoke all the rituals of decorating the tree -- digging out boxes jam-packed with ornaments and tree trimmings, stringing tinsel, and, at long last, turning on those twinkling lights. Joyously drawn and rhythmically written, this celebration of family, friends, and the holiday season is as merry as the tradition it depicts.

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Red and Green and Blue and White

Lee Wind

On a block dressed up in Red and Green
one house shone Blue and White.


It's a holiday season that both Isaac, whose family is Jewish, and Teresa, whose family is Christian, have looked forward to for months! They've been counting the days, playing in the snow, making cookies, drawing (Teresa) and writing poems (Isaac). They enjoy all the things they share, as well as the things that make them different.

But when Isaac's window is smashed in the middle of the night, it seems like maybe not everyone appreciates "difference."

Inspired by a true story, this is a tale of a community that banded together to spread light.

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Merry Christmas, Gus

Chris Chatterton

A hilarious Christmas picture book, starring the wonderfully grumpy Gus!

Gus the dog doesn't like Christmas. He doesn't like carols, or cake, or Christmas jumpers. And he certainly doesn't like mistletoe. To Gus, a tree is only good for one thing, and it's not for hanging baubles on. But can everyone's favourite grump learn to love the season of goodwill?

Brilliantly funny, Merry Christmas, Gus will appeal to everyone who loves Christmas . . . and to all those Scrooges who don't!

From Chris Chatterton, the artist behind the bestselling Ten Minutes to Bed series.

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Carla and the Christmas Cornbread

Carla Hall

In this heartwarming tale inspired by her childhood, superstar chef and TV host Carla Hall shares the story of young Carla, who eats a sugar cookie meant for Santa on the night before Christmas and tries to make things right.

Christmas is Carla’s favorite holiday of the year. She goes to her grandparents’ house and eats grandma’s special recipe—a perfectly delicious cornbread. She listens to her grandpa Doc’s marvelous stories about traveling the world. And, best of all, she spends lots of time with her family.

But when Carla accidentally takes a bite out of Santa’s sugar cookie, she thinks she’s ruined Christmas. How will Santa know to stop at their house if they don’t leave him a midnight snack? With her grandmother’s help, Carla comes up with a plan, but will it be enough to save Christmas?

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The Christmas Owl

Ellen Kalish

A New York Times bestseller! Experience the beautiful story that captivated the country about a little owl found in the world's most famous Christmas tree.

When Little Owl's home is cut down by people saying it will make a beautiful Christmas tree, she's not sure she wants anything to do with Christmas, whatever that means. But then she is saved by a woman named Ellen, whose house is merrily decorated for the holiday, and filled with birds who need someone to care for them. Surrounded by kindness and helpful new friends, Little Owl begins to wonder if Christmas might not be such a bad thing after all....

Co-written by Ellen Kalish, caretaker of the real owl found inside the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, The Christmas Owl is a charming story of friendship, compassion, and the true meaning of this special time of year.

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Where Is Baby's Dreidel?

Karen Katz

It's Chanukah, and Baby wants to spin the dreidel--but where is it? Children can lift the flaps to find Chanukah symbols while they join Baby in this fun-filled, hide-and-seek adventure. A wonderful Chanukah treat for babies!

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Hoppy Hanukkah!

Linda Glaser

Violet and Simon, two small bunnies, are excited about Hanukkah. Simon is ready to light all the candles and then blow them right out! But Mama and Papa explain how to celebrate Hanukkah by lighting one candle each night at sunset and placing the menorah in the window for all to see. Grandma and Grandpa come over, too, and there are latkes and presents and a dreidel game. Linda Glaser's simple, cozy story is just right for children first learning about this holiday. Daniel Howarth's charming paintings show a happy family passing on their tradition.

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Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama

Selina Alko

I am a mix of two traditions.
From Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama.
How lucky am I?


Holiday time at Sadie's house means golden gelt sparkling under the Christmas tree, candy canes hanging on eight menorah branches, voices uniting to sing carols about Macabees and the manger, and latkes on the mantel awaiting Santa's arrival.

Selina Alko's joyous celebration of blended families will make the perfect holiday gift for the many Americans who celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah.

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The Story of Hanukkah

David A. Adler

Celebrate Hanukkah with a beautiful board book that tells the story of a great miracle.

Hanukkah is a wonderful time filled with games, food, family, and fun. It's also the celebration of an ancient miracle, and retelling and remembering the story of that miracle is an essential part of the holiday, for young and old. This board book version of the popular and well-received picture book has been carefully pared down for preschoolers and toddlers, and will introduce children to the Maccabean Revolt, the Holy Temple of Jerusalem, and the oil that burned for eight nights.

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The Night Before Hanukkah

Natasha Wing

The newest title in the bestselling Night Before series is the perfect gift for every girl and boy who celebrates Hanukkah!

It's the night before the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah begins, and everyone is excited! Each evening, the family gathers to light the candles and share holiday traditions such as playing dreidel, eating latkes, and exchanging gifts. The seventeenth title in Natasha Wing's bestselling series, The Night Before Hanukkah captures all the joy and love in one of the most wonderful times of the year!

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Hanukkah Bear

Eric A. Kimmel

Bubba Brayna’s legendary latkes lure an unexpected visitor into her home in this playful Hanukkah tale from a master storyteller.

Bubba Brayna makes the best latkes in the village, and on the first night of Hanukkah, the scent of her cooking wakes a hungry, adorable bear from his hibernation.  He lumbers into town to investigate, and Bubba Brayna—who does not see or hear very well—mistakes him for her rabbi. She welcomes the bear inside to play the dreidel game, light the menorah, and enjoy a scrumptious meal.

However, after her well-fed guest leaves, there's a knock at the door—it's the rabbi, and all of Brayna's other friends, arriving for dinner.  But there are no latkes left—and together, they finally figure out who really ate them.

Lively illustrations by Mike Wohnoutka, portraying the sprightly Bubba Brayna and her very hungry guest, accompany this instant family favorite, a humorous reworking of Eric A. Kimmel’s earlier classic tale, The Chanukkah Guest. A traditional recipe for latkes is included in the back matter, along with interesting, digestible facts about the history and traditions of Hanukkah.

A 2013 National Jewish Book Award Winner, this book is perfect for a holiday story time with children— either in the classroom or at home, as an introduction for young readers to the traditions and customs of Hanukkah, and as a classic to return to year after year.

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Latke, the Lucky Dog

Ellen Fischer

Kar-Ben Read-Aloud eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and text highlighting to bring eBooks to life!

Rescued from an animal shelter on the first night of Hanukkah, Latke has trouble learning the house rules. Despite a series of mishaps, he is one Lucky Dog!

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Is It Hanukkah Yet?

Chris Barash

From snow on the ground to making applesauce and latkes to lighting the menorah, this sweet, lyrical story shows the seasonal and traditional ways we know Hanukkah is on its way.

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Nonna's Hanukkah Surprise

Karen Fisman

Rachel loves visiting her grandmother, even though Nonna celebrates Christmas and Rachel and her parents celebrate Hanukkah. When Rachel's special hanukkiah goes missing, Nonna steps in to save the day.

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Meet the Latkes

Alan Silberberg

Imagine James Marshall's The Stupids celebrating Hanukkah, and you'd get the Latke family!

Lucy Latke's family is just like yours or mine. Except that they're potato pancakes. And also, they are completely clueless. After lighting the menorah and gobbling the gelt, Grandpa Latke tells everyone the Hanukkah story, complete with mighty Mega Bees who use a giant dreidel to fight against the evil alien potatoes from Planet Chhh. It's up to the Latke family dog to set the record straight. (To start with, they were Maccabees, not Mega Bees...) But he'll have to get the rest of the Latkes to listen to him first!

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Light the Menorah!

Jacqueline Jules

"In this Hanukkah manual for the contemporary Jewish family, holiday history, rituals, activities, songs, and recipes provide tools for creating meaningful family moments in the light of the menorah. The book includes brief reflections to read aloud before reciting the candle-lighting blessings on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah."--Publisher's description.

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All-of-a-kind family Hanukkah

Jenkins, Emily 1967- (author.). Taylor, Sydney, 1904-1978 (Added Author). Zelinsky, Paul O., (illustrator.).

 

In 1912 New York, Gertie feels left out while Mama and her four older sisters cook Hanukkah dinner, but Papa comes home and asks for her help with an important task.

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Sammy Spider's Hanukkah Colors

Sylvia A. Rouss

Sammy Spider and his buddy Josh are back in their third holiday board book! This time Sammy is enjoying the Hanukkah celebration with his human while also learning about colors. A companion to Sammy Spider's Passover Shapes and Sammy Spider's First Book of Jewish Holidays.

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Kugel for Hanukkah?

Gretchen M. Everin

As each of Hanukkah's first seven nights brings an unusual new present to a little girl, the mystery deepens. While the gifts grandma receives add up to a delicious Hanukkah treat, her granddaughter's gifts don't seem to make much sense. Until the eighth night they finally do!

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There Was a Young Rabbi

Suzanne Wolfe

Hanukkah is a very busy time! Join the young rabbi as she makes festive preparations—spinning the dreidel, cooking a tasty meal, lighting the menorah, and more—in this cumulative, rhyming story reminding readers of the Hanukkah miracle of long ago! Learn about Hanukkah’s festivities and rituals, and about the Jewish holiday itself.

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Happy Llamakkah!

Laura Gehl

Celebrate Hanukkah with the Llama family in this joyful, rhyming picture book
 
Follow along with the Llama family’s Hanukkah traditions as they light their menorah, spin the dreidel, fry latkes, and more. Laura Gehl’s lively rhyming text and Lydia Nichols’s vibrant illustrations make for a festive read. The book also features kid-friendly back matter, with expanded information on the holiday’s history and traditions.
 

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The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol

Arthur A. Levine

From an imaginative team comes a new holiday myth for all families to enjoy, especially those celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah.
Nate Gadol is a great big spirit with eyes as shiny as golden coins and a smile that is lantern bright. He can make anything last as long as it is needed, like a tiny bit of oil that must stretch for eight nights, a flower that needs to stay fresh to cheer up someone ailing, or a small lump of chocolate that grows to allow the Glasers to treat their children over the holiday and, during a harsh winter when medicine is needed more than sweets, spurs them to share what little they have with the O’Malleys. In this charming holiday hybrid story, well-known children’s author and editor Arthur A. Levine pairs with award-winning illustrator Kevin Hawkes to offer a mythical, magical take on the way Jewish families came to give and receive gifts over Hanukkah, just as their Christian neighbors do at Christmas, thanks to a loving spirit named Nate Gadol working behind the scenes—together with a certain jolly old soul.

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The Three Latkes

Eric A. Kimmel

When three Hanukkah latkes fight over which of them tastes the best, the winner is decided by the family cat. Which will he choose? The excited latkes can’t wait to find out, but perhaps they should be careful what they wish for!

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Giving Thanks

Jake Swamp

Adapted especially for children by a Mohawk chief who has shared this inspiring vision of thanksgiving all over the world, these words originated with the Native people of upstate New York and Canada, and are based on the belief that the natural world is a precious and rare gift that should be cherished.

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'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving

Dav Pilkey

From Dav Pilkey, creator of the New York Times bestselling Dog Man and Captain Underpants series, comes a charming story about eight children and eight turkeys on the night before Thanksgiving.

 

On the day before Thanksgiving, a group of children visit a turkey farm and meet Farmer Mack Nuggett and his coop of cockerels: Ollie, Stanley, Larry, Moe, Wally, Beaver, Shemp, and Groucho. The children and turkeys giggle and gobble, and everything is gravy. As the trip comes to an end, the children leave the farm with full hearts -- and bulging bellies -- reminding people and poultry alike that there is much to be thankful for.This hysterical read-aloud and fan-favorite picture book is now available for the first time in a paper-over-board format!

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Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving

Eric Metaxas

Experience the true story from American history about the spiritual roots and historical beginnings of Thanksgiving.

This entertaining and historical story shows that the actual hero of Thanksgiving was neither white nor Indian but God. In 1608, English traders came to Massachusetts and captured a twelve-year-old Indian, Squanto, and sold him into slavery. He was raised by Christians and taught faith in God. Ten years later he was sent home to America. Upon arrival, he learned an epidemic had wiped out his entire village. But God had plans for Squanto. God delivered a Thanksgiving miracle: an English-speaking Indian living in the exact place where the Pilgrims landed in a strange new world.

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Balloons over Broadway

Melissa Sweet

Everyone’s a New Yorker on Thanksgiving Day, when young and old rise early to see what giant new balloons will fill the skies for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Who first invented these "upside-down puppets"? Meet Tony Sarg, puppeteer extraordinaire! In brilliant collage illustrations, Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet tells the story of the puppeteer Tony Sarg, capturing his genius, his dedication, his zest for play, and his long-lasting gift to America—the inspired helium balloons that would become the trademark of Macy’s Parade. Winner of the 2012 Robert F. Sibert Medal and the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award.

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Over the River and Through the Wood

Lydia Maria Child

Matt Tavares's lavish illustrations illuminate this definitive edition of a beloved seasonal classic.

The horse is ready, the air is bracing, and everyone is bundled into the sleigh. So let the wind blow and the snow start to fall! This family is off to Grandfather's house for a delicious feast. Matt Tavares, with his keen eye for detail, fresh and surprising perspectives, and all the warmth and coziness of a big holiday dinner, illuminates the original text of Lydia Maria Child's verse about Thanksgiving Day, which has marked the start of the holiday season for generations of children.

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Thanksgiving

Connor Dayton

Some of the best things in life—food, friends, and family—all come together to make Thanksgiving a holiday worth being thankful for. The history of this autumn holiday stretches back to the 17th century, but the traditions American celebrate today date to the 19th and 20th centuries. This accessible book explains the holiday in engaging text and uses colorful photographs to demonstrate the many different ways people traditionally celebrate it.

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What Was the First Thanksgiving?

Joan Holub

Learn more about the history of the feast that started off as a harvest celebration and has now become a national holiday.

After their first harvest in 1621, the Pilgrims at Plymouth shared a three-day feast with their Native American neighbors. Of course, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag didn't know it at the time, but they were making history.

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The Wishbone Wish

Megan McDonald

On your mark, get set, Gobblers-a-Go-Go! Judy swears she'll win the race for a Thanksgiving turkey (though Stink has his doubts) in this full-color Moody adventure.

The town's annual Turkey Trot race and festival is coming up, and Judy and Stink are training to win. Judy has decided that she is going to take home the big prize: a fat, juicy turkey. They can taste it already: the moist turkey, the hot gravy, the savory stuffing, the cranberry sauce! Beep! Beep! Beep! That's the sound of Stink's Rapidfire Ultra XE611M25 stopwatch going off as Judy and Stink hop, crawl, and climb toward race day. But what if they don't win a mouthwatering bird? What then? Flying turkey gizzards! Will the Moody family end up starving on T-day, like ye pilgrims of olde, or will Grandma Lou cook up a tasty Franksgiving solution?

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Duck for Turkey Day

Jacqueline Jules

It's almost Thanksgiving, and Tuyet is excited about the holiday and the vacation from school. There's just one problem: her Vietnamese American family is having duck for Thanksgiving dinner—not turkey! Nobody has duck for Thanksgiving. What will her teacher and the other kids think? To her surprise, Tuyet enjoys her yummy thanksgiving dinner anyhow, and an even bigger surprise is waiting for her at school on Monday. Dinners from roast beef to lamb to enchiladas adorned the Thanksgiving tables of her classmates, but they all had something in common—family! Kids from families with different traditions will enjoy this warm story about "the right way" to celebrate an American holiday.

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How to Catch a Turkey

Adam Wallace

A New York Times Bestseller! From the bestselling How to Catch series comes a festive turkey tale and Thanksgiving book for kids!

A turkey is running loose in a school right before a Thanksgiving play. Can YOU help catch it so the show can go on? Follow along as students turn their school upside down trying to catch the turkey, ending with a twist that ensures no turkeys are harmed (or eaten!). This hilariously zany children's picture book combines STEAM concepts and traps with a silly story and fun illustrations, perfect for starting a new holiday family tradition or giving as a Thanksgiving gift for kids ages 4 and up!

Thanksgiving time is here again,
but there's a turkey on the run!
Can you catch this tricky bird
before the school play has begun?

Also in the How to Catch Series:

  • How to Catch a Unicorn
  • How to Catch the Easter Bunny
  • How to Catch an Elf
  • How to Catch a Monster
  • How to Catch a Leprechaun
  • and more!
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Around the Table That Grandad Built

Melanie Heuiser Hill

A beautifully illustrated celebration of bounty and gratitude, family and friendship, perfect for the holidays and every day.

This is the table that Grandad built.
These are the sunflowers picked by my cousins,
set on the table that Grandad built.

In a unique take on the cumulative classic "This Is the House That Jack Built," a family gathers with friends and neighbors to share a meal around a table that brims with associations: napkins sewn by Mom, glasses from Mom and Dad's wedding, silverware gifted to Dad by his grandma long ago. Not to mention the squash from the garden, the bread baked by Gran, and the pies made by the young narrator (with a little help). Serving up a diverse array of dishes and faces, this warm and welcoming story is poised to become a savored part of Thanksgiving traditions to come.

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Bad Kitty Does Not Like Snow

Nick Bruel

New York Times bestselling author/illustrator Nick Bruel's naughty feline is back in the holiday adventure Bad Kitty Does Not Like Thanksgiving.

Kitty does not like Thanksgiving.
Kitty LOVES Thanksgiving.
Specifically, Kitty loves turkey . . . and will do anything to get her paws on it.
So, Kitty comes up with a plan but in perfect cantankerous cat fashion, can’t quite pull it off and ends up with the turkey (and all the fixins’) on her head.

No, Kitty does not like Thanksgiving.

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We Are Thankful

Margaret McNamara

The Robin Hill School first graders learn about being thankful in this Level 1 Ready-to-Read!

It’s almost Thanksgiving, and Mrs. Connor asks the class to think about what they are thankful for. Reza and his mama make a list together. He can’t wait to talk to his class about his family, his dog, his bike, and so much more! But then at school, everyone takes turns saying what they’re thankful for, and the other kids say the same things Reza wanted to say! Can Reza think of something else he’s thankful for before it’s his turn to speak?

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If You Lived During the Plimoth Thanksgiving

Chris Newell

What do you know about the thanksgiving feast at Plimoth?

 

What if you lived in a different time and place? What would you wear? What would you eat? How would your daily life be different?

 

Scholastic's If You Lived... series answers all of kids' most important questions about events in American history. With a question and answer format, kid-friendly artwork, and engaging information, this series is the perfect partner for the classroom and for history-loving readers.

 

What if you lived when the English colonists and the Wampanoag people shared a feast at Plimoth? What would you have worn? What would you have eaten? What was the true story of the feast that we now know as the first Thanksgiving and how did it become a national holiday?

 

Chris Newell answers all these questions and more in this comprehensive dive into the feast at Plimoth and the history leading up to it. Carefully crafted to explore both sides of this historical event, this book is a great choice for Thanksgiving units, and for teaching children about this popular holiday.

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Archie Celebrates Diwali

Mitali Banerjee Ruths

It's Archie's favorite holiday—Diwali. And this year she gets to share it with her friends and introduce them to the festival of lights!

Archana loves her family's annual Diwali (deh-vah-lee) party, and this year she gets to share it with all her friends from school. She helps with the decorations and the food, and is eager for everyone to arrive. But once the party starts a thunderstorm kicks up and drenches the outside decorations and knocks out the power. Archie worries that everything will be ruined. How can there be a festival of lights without any electricity?

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Shubh Diwali!

Chitra Soundar

Diwali has arrived! Rangoli art decorates the floor and strings of flowers hang around the doors. Now it's time to ring the bells, light the lamps, and welcome the new year with family and friends. A sweet introduction to the Hindu festival of lights.

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Celebrate Diwali

Deborah Heiligman

Beautiful, dynamic photographs and brief, lively text introduce readers to the joyous holiday of Diwali, evoking the celebrations of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world.

In Deborah Heiligman's inviting global odyssey of the Hindu holiday we learn that Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and of light over darkness. Although celebrated differently in different places, Diwali is universally viewed as a time of great joy, celebrated with fireworks, sweets, and gifts.

Celebrate Diwali brings to life the holiday's traditions, food, and celebration rituals. The informative back matter includes Diwali recipes, a glossary, a Diwali card game, a map, and a resource list of books and Web sites. Also included is a note to parents and teachers from the book's consultant, Dr. Vasudha Narayanan.

National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.
Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

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Diwali

Christina Mia Gardeski

Following the well-known and much-loved Rookie Books format, these fun and informative books introduce early elementary-school children to the basic facts about major holidays. Each book explains the development of the holiday and how it is celebrated today, and includes holiday games, traditions, crafts, and foods.

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Celebrations Of Light

Nancy Luenn

Long ago, people found a way to light the darkness. They built fires to keep warm and cook their food. They lit torches to drive away danger. To help them see at night, they learned to make candles and lanterns. Light was so important in their lives that they came to use it in worship and in celebrations.
From a Brazilian New Year's celebration to the African-American holiday of Kwanzaa, Celebrations of Light circles the year and the globe. The text and paintings highlight twelve festivals, showing the diverse ways in which people around the world use light as a major part of their celebrations. In each of these holidays, light plays a significant role, marking and brightening special days.

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Light the Candle! Bang the Drum!

Ann Morris

Light the candles! Ring the bells! Dance and sing! Cultural and religious holidays are very important to children, marking festive occasions both at home and at school. This bright nonfiction picture book serves as the perfect introduction for the very young to celebrations around the world. Many of the holidays like Thanksgiving and Halloween are familiar to American children. Others, such as St. Lucia's Day and Diwali, may be new to them. Each of the twenty-four holidays is illustrated with cut-paper pictures full to bursting with brilliant colors and bold shapes. Along with simple descriptions, they convey the mood, symbols, and incredible diversity of the festivities. Detailed notes at the end of the book tell more about each holiday.

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Pumpkin Heads

Wendell Minor

Halloween is time to pick pumpkins and carve them into pumpkin heads--jack-o'-lanterns of every shape and size!

Award-winning author and artist Wendell Minor uses simple language and striking autumn settings to celebrate jack-o'-lanterns in this reissue of a Halloween classic. The perfect holiday read aloud, Pumpkin Heads takes readers and trick-or-treaters from the pumpkin patch for picking, all the way home for carving, and gets everyone in the Halloween spirit.

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Trick Or Treat, Crankenstein

Samantha Berger

This year, Crankenstein's favorite day of all has gone rotten! Creepy-cool costumes, super-scary jack-o'-lanterns, and wicked loads of candy have been RUINED by costume disasters, pumpkin-carving nightmares, and a terribly untimely toothache! MEHHRRRR!!! Can Halloween be saved, or will today turn into the crankiest Halloween in history?Whether readers are being introduced to the character of Crankenstein for the first time or they're already fans of the hilarious first two titles by Samantha Berger and bestselling, Caldecott-winning artist Dan Santat, even the grumpiest kiddos will cheerfully gobble up a bucket full of delicious laughs in this follow-up to Crankenstein and A Crankenstein Valentine.

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Tiny T. Rex and the Tricks of Treating

Jonathan Stutzman

The loveable dinosaur from Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug shows kids how to have the best Halloween ever!

Tiny and Pointy love Halloween and they are eager to share their tips and tricks so that readers can have a perfect treat-filled Halloween! A heartwarming story, Tiny T. Rex and the Tricks of Treating reminds each of us that the sweetest Halloween treat has nothing to do with eating candy after all.

EVERYONE LOVES TINY: The first book about Tiny, Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug, was an immediate bestseller from the moment it was published. It's been a regional indie bookstore bestseller, an Amazon Best Book of the Month, and an Amazon Best Book of the Year.

AN ADORABLE DINOSAUR HERO KIDS CAN RELATE TO: Kids of many ages, from babies to toddlers to five-year-olds, love dinosaurs! And Tiny is a dinosaur kids will understand and respond to, because he's a tiny dinosaur in a big world—just like them.

A FUNNY AND REASSURING INTRODUCTION TO HALLOWEEN: Halloween can be a scary holiday for very young children. In this book, Tiny shows them what to expect and how to have a good time. Best of all, Tiny shows kids how to make the holiday one that's about giving as well as receiving.

SWEET MESSAGE, GREAT VALUES: Every Tiny book features Tiny solving common childhood challenges with love, a positive attitude, and help from his friends.

MORE TINY BOOKS TO LOVE: Tiny has two picture books, Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug and Tiny T. Rex and the Very Dark Dark and one other board book, Tiny T. Rex and the Perfect Valentine, for readers to enjoy, with more adventures on the way!

Perfect for: parents and grandparents, dinosaur enthusiasts, educators

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The Wheels on the Bus at Halloween

Sarah Kieley

The favorite children's song The Wheels on the Bus gets a Halloween twist!

Let's ride the bus on Halloween! Who will we find inside? Grab a ticket and hop aboard for a trick-or-treat bus ride!

Families will love creating a new Halloween tradition as they sing along to this joyful, boisterous version of the classic song The Wheels on the Bus. With a gaggle of adorable Halloween passengers--including pumpkins, witches, cats, and candy--this bright and festive book is sure to have children eager to read it (and sing it!) again and again. Peek-through windows in the front cover give kids a glimpse of the characters they'll find inside.

And don't miss its companion book, The Wheels on the Bus at Christmas.

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The Berenstain Bears' Big Halloween Party

Mike Berenstain

Celebrate the Halloween season with your favorite family of bears in this storybook! 

It’s trick-or-treat season in Bear Country, and the whole neighborhood is getting together for the big Halloween party at the Bear family’s treehouse! There will be a big Halloween parade, ghoulish games, a monstrous costume contest, and trick-or-treating for everyone. Brother, Sister and Honey can hardly wait for all the ghostly goodies and fun! 

The Berenstain Bears books have been loved by generations, and with well-known characters and beautiful illustrations, this storybook is perfect for young readers celebrating Halloween.

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Pig the Monster

Aaron Blabey

Pig the Pug celebrates Halloween in this picture book from #1 New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Aaron Blabey.

 

Pig was a pug

and I'm sorry to say,

on Halloween night

he'd get carried away...

Pig, the world's greediest pug, is on the rampage for TREATS! TREATS! TREATS! But don't even think about being stingy with the goodies, because this candy-fueled glutton has some terrible tricks up his sleeve...

Rich with author-illustrator Aaron Blabey's signature rhyming text and unforgettable illustrations, Pig the Monster is a laugh-out-loud story that follows the eight previous books in the series (Pig the Pug, Pig the Winner, Pig the Elf, Pig the Star, Pig the Fibber, Pig the Stinker, Pig the Tourist, and Pig the Slob).

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Thirteens

Kate Alice Marshall

Neil Gaiman's Coraline meets Stranger Things in a dark and twisted story about a sleepy town with a dark secret--and the three kids brave enough to uncover it.

Every thirteen years in the town of Eden Eld, three thirteen-year-olds disappear.

Eleanor has just moved to the quiet, prosperous Eden Eld. When she awakes to discover an ancient grandfather clock that she's never seen before outside her new room, she's sure her eyes must be playing tricks on her. But then she spots a large bird, staring at her as she boards the school bus. And a black dog with glowing red eyes follows her around town. All she wants is to be normal, and these are far from normal. And worse--no one else can see them.

Except for her new friends, Pip and Otto, who teach her a thing or two about surviving in Eden Eld. First: Don't let the "wrong things" know you can see them. Second: Don't speak of the wrong things to anyone else.

The only other clue they have about these supernatural disturbances is a book of fairytales unlike any they've read before. It tells tales of the mysterious Mr. January, who struck a cursed deal with the town's founders. Every thirteenth Halloween, he will take three of their children, who are never heard from again. It's up to our trio to break the curse--because Eden Eld's thirteen years are up. And Eleanor, Pip, and Otto are marked as his next sacrifice.

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Halloween Is Coming!

Cal Everett

A fun, rhyming read-aloud Halloween picture book that starts a new holiday tradition. Perfect for kids 4-8 or any young child wanting to celebrate the spookiest season of the year!

Marching in the school parade
in frightening costumes that we've made;
Look around, the signs are clear,
Halloween is getting near!

Halloween is Coming is a lyrical celebration of the building excitement that children—and adults!—feel as the magical and mysterious night of Halloween approaches.

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October Ogre

Ron Roy

In the tenth book of the Calendar Mysteries, an early chapter-book mystery series featuring the younger siblings of the A to Z Mysteries detectives, there's a haunted house in Green Lawn! It's Halloween, and the Shangri-la Hotel has been transformed into a haunted house, complete with an ogre out front. Bradley, Brian, Nate, and Lucy are ready for some scary fun, but then they notice that none of the kids who have gone in the hotel have come back out. What's happening to them? Ghosts and witches and ogres aren't real . . . right?

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Ten Spooky Pumpkins

Gris Grimly

Join celebrated creator Gris Grimly in this spooky countdown, as one little girl ventures out into the night for an unforgettable Halloween adventure!

 

10 little pumpkins, sitting in a line,looking for a cat and they found nine.The wind said SWOOSH and the gate went CREAK.The owl cried WHOOOO, we all screamed EEK! Celebrated creator Gris Grimly, widely known for his gothic style illustrations, puts a spooky twist on a favorite preschool rhyme in this Halloween read-aloud. Join goblins, ghosts, witches, and more in this rhythmic countdown, traveling through the countryside and discovering more Halloween creatures along the way. Finally, the story culminates with them all joining together in a joyful celebration under the full harvest moon, dancing until it's time for bed. Paired with Gris Grimly's sweeping, stunning watercolor illustrations and a rhyming refrain reminiscent of classics like We're Going on a Bear Hunt, this is a read-aloud for the whole family to cherish.

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You Got a Rock, Charlie Brown!

Charles M. Schulz

Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they go trick-or-treating in this Level 2 Ready-to-Read!

It’s Halloween and that means one thing…it’s time for Charlie Brown and his friends to go trick-or-treating! Pigpen gets a chocolate bar. Schroeder gets a quarter. While all of Charlie Brown’s friends are getting treats, he gets…a rock! Good grief—what a trick!

© 2015 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

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Happy Halloween!

Lillian Jaine

Join the Count, Elmo, and all of the Sesame Street friends for spooktacular fun in this Sesame Street Halloween book!

It's Halloween night, and Count von Count is dozing off in front of his fireplace. Suddenly, he hears someone knocking at his castle door, but when he goes to open the door, nobody's there! Is something spooky going on? A monster, a pumpkin, a ghost, and a cat. Pirates, a robot, a witch in a hat! From the great minds at Sesame Workshop comes an all-new Halloween Sesame Scribbles adventure. Based loosely on a spooky Edgar Allen Poe classic, kids never know who will show up to trick or treat next in this festive Elmo Halloween book!

Great for anyone looking for picture books:

  • to read again and again this Halloween
  • that toddlers and children ages 4-7 will love!
  • to give as a Halloween gift for kids
  • about Sesame Street, Elmo, and friends
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The Phantom Bandit

Geronimo Stilton

When you're with Geronimo Stilton, it's always a fabumouse adventure!

 

The staff of The Rodent's Gazette sent me on a vacation to Cacklefur Castle . But who could relax in such a spooky place? On my first night there I stumbled on a mystery. A phantom was threatening the special pumpkins that grow in the Von Cacklefurs' garden! Could I trick the ghost-thief into revealing its identity?

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