"Holiday Roundup"

Selected by Lisa Von Drasek, Bank Street Library Children's Librarian.

This holiday roundup contains old favorites and new delights. Topping the list are the books of Andrea and Brian Pinkney, husband and wife award-winning author-and-illustrator team. We are highlighting their first collaboration, Seven Candles For Kwanzaa, and their latest, Mim’s Christmas Jam. The inspiration for their newest book was a visit to New York City’s Transit Museum. During that visit the Pinkneys were marveling at a great democratic situation — men from all over the country and all kinds of backgrounds coming together to build “New York City’s own railroad.” In Ms. Pinkney’s words, “I was curious. Who were these men? Who were their loved ones? What was beyond the steel and stone the pounding of the rock? ” This was the seed that began the story of an African-American man who left his family to dig the tunnels of the subway. The Pinkneys’ books emphasize the importance of family traditions, storytelling, and community. We hope you enjoy sharing them with your loved ones.

Mim’s Christmas Jam
by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Ages 4+

While Pap is away during Christmas working on the New York City subway, Mim and the family make a batch of their traditional Christmas jam to send to him. The small sweet miracle that occurs in the dark, cold subway tunnel will warm the hearts of all listeners. Recipe included.

Seven Candles for Kwanzaa
by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Ages 5+

Explore this introduction to the history, symbols, and customs in the celebration of the African-American holiday of Kwanzaa. Brian Pinkney’s distinctive, warm scratch board art shows close family relationships and hist patterned borders are based on textiles he obsetved on a visit to Ghana. Andrea Pinkney’s clear prose describes the Seven Principles and suggests activities for children.

A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens, illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger
Ages 6+

The annual retelling of Dickens’s classic tale of Scrooge, his terrifying evening of ghostly visitors, and the sweet, selfless voice of Tiny Tim has become a Christmas tradition for many families. Often we recall the story from a television movie, a Mister Magoo cartoon or a live musical version. This edition of the classic makes a perfect read-aloud! Give yourself and your family the gift of hearing the original accompanied by Lizbeth Zwerber’s expressive watercolors. It is sure to become a family heirloom.

Hanukkah: A Counting Book in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish
by Emily Sper
Ages 3+

The Hanukkah celebration includes the lighting of a menorah to commemorate a miracle in ancient times. Using colorful die-cut pages, clear explanations, and pronunciation guides, Sper teaches readers how to count from one to eight in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish.

It’s Kwanzaa Time
by Synthia Saint James
Ages 4+

Saint James’s art is familiar to many from the cover art of Terry McMillan’s bestseller Waiting To Exhale starting a trend in graphic colorful covers for adult books. She is also a gifted illustrator of children's books, such as No Mirrors in My Nana’s House. Her signature solid colors and strong shapes present the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa in an engaging lift-the-flap format.

Toot & Puddle : I’ll Be Home for Christmas
by Holly Hobbie
Ages 3-6

Another winner from the author of A Present for Toot and You Are My Sunshine. Toot, the traveler, is delayed coming home for the holidays. The appealing gentle illustrations depict the steadfast Puddle preparing for Christmas as Toot struggles to get home. “Christmas was only days away... there was everything to do,” Puddle signs the Christmas cards leaving a space for Toot’s signature. Toot sends word not to decorate the tree without him. There is a satisfying ending when a mysterious stranger that all children will recognize gives Toot a lift.

A Shepherd’s Gift
by Mary Calhoun, illustrated by Raul Colon
Ages 4+

A quiet tale of an orphan shepherd boy who visits the manger in Bethlehem. Raul Colon's unique painting style of layering pigment then scratching into it gives a luminous quality to the animals, guests, and one very special newborn baby. Available in a Spanish edition, El Regalo Del Pastor translated by Osvaldo Blanco.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
Ages 5+

Hershel of Ostropol is charged with ridding the synagogue of ghosts. Using his brain and pickles, eggs, and a dreidel he does just that. This witty, original Hanukkah story, rooted in the Yiddish tradition has earned multiple awards, including a Caldecott Honor.

Who Is Coming to Our House?
by Joseph Slate, illustrated by Ashley Wolff
Ages 8+

Rarely does a board book reprint stack up to the original edition, however this one does. The small size and heavy stock are just right for a little one's hands. Artist Ashley Wolff of Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready For Kindergarten fame has a knack for creating realistic, yet anthropomorphic animals. The animals in the manger are preparing for the arrival of Mary and Joseph. Pig makes room, Lamb cleans up, Goose stacks the hay, and Duck lines the crib with eiderdown. All the animals welcome the baby Jesus to their manger home.