As our developmental book swap continues, I keep getting diverted by great books about appealing themes–first poetry, then music, and now the holidays. But I can’t help recommending two books for Hanukkah, two for Christmas, and one for Kwanzaa before turning back to favorite books for five- and six-year-olds–after a break for a grown-up book recommendation!

This year the three winter holidays I’ve mentioned converge in the same week, with Hanukkah beginning at sundown on Sunday, December 21st, which is also the winter solstice. Christmas comes the following Thursdayand Kwanzaa begins on Friday of the same week.

A beautiful picture book called simply Hanukkah! was originally written in 1990 by Roni Schotter, with rich illustrations by Marylin Hafner. Little, Brown reissued it this year as a “first paper-over-board edition.” This National Jewish Book Award Winner shares the Hanukkah tradition of a family that makes a special place for its members at every stage of life.The bright and colorful illustrations keep pace with the book’s lively and warmly humorous tone.

Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat: A Chanukah Story by Naomi Howland (hardback, Clarion 1999; paperback, Sandpiper 2004 ) is a very fun melding of fairy and folk tale. It tells a delightful story of caring and sharing when there’s not enough to go around. It’s also a cautionary tale about what can happen when people try to take advantage of a precious gift without knowing how best to take care of it. Thanks to a strong and wise heroine, all ends well, and a Chanukah feast ensues. Appropriate as a read-aloud for ages 4 and up and as a reader for ages 7 and up.

Blog readers who liked Father Fox’s Pennyrhymes may not know about Father Fox’s Christmas Rhymes (Square Fish 2007), also by Clyde Watson with illustrations by Wendy Watson. They’ll be delighted to add this paperback to their collections. Many familiar family Christmas traditions abound throughout the pages as foxes get ready for Christmas and also hope for peace, love, and joy for every creature. This one’s also a read-aloud for 4’s and up and a reader for 7’s and up.

Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem, written by Maya Angelou in 2005, has been transformed into a beautiful seasonal picture book with an accompanying CD of poet Angelou reading the text. Paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher are compelling in and of themselves, and the wallpaper-like pages add an antique quality to the text. The message of the poem, of course, extends the meaning of Christmas through the ages and across cultures and religions for all peoples of the earth.

It’s Kwanzaa Time! A Lift-the-Flap Story by Synthia Saint James (Little Simon 2001) is a favorite Kwanzaa picture book in our family. It explains the seven days that follow Christmas and the wonderful principles to consider as we approach a new year or any other time of year. Another book with the same title by Linda and Clay Goss has a positive review on Amazon, but I’ve not seen this other book.

Come on, blog readers–share some of your favorite holiday books for children and families!