Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.
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This week’s theme was Holiday/Seasonal Freebie. For the Halloween Freebie, I chose to show off children’s books, so I went with the same theme. I am a children’s librarian, after all!
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
The summary, from Amazon:
The magic and wonder of winter’s first snowfall is perfectly captured in Ezra Jack Keat’s Caldecott Medal-winning picture book. This celebrated classic has been shared by generations of readers and listeners, a must-have for every child’s bookshelf.
New York Public Library’s #1 book on the list of “Top Check Outs of All Time”
In 1962, a little boy named Peter put on his snowsuit and stepped out of his house and into the hearts of millions of readers. Universal in its appeal, this story beautifully depicts a child’s wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever. The quiet fun and sweetness of Peter’s small adventures in the deep, deep snow is perfect for reading together on a cozy winter day.
Ezra Jack Keats was also the creator of such classics as Goggles, A Letter to Amy, Pet Show!, Peter’s Chair, and A Whistle for Willie.
(This book is also available in Spanish, as Un dia de nieve.)
Praise for The Snowy Day:
“Keats made Peter’s world so inviting that it beckons us. Perhaps the busyness of daily life in the 21st century makes us appreciate Peter even more—a kid who has the luxury of a whole day to just be outside, surrounded by snow that’s begging to be enjoyed.” —The Atlantic“Ezra Jack Keats’s classic The Snowy Day, winner of the 1963 Caldecott Medal, pays homage to the wonder and pure pleasure a child experiences when the world is blanketed in snow.”—Publisher’s Weekly
The Mitten by Jan Brett
The summary, from Amazon:
In this bestselling modern classic, a young boy’s lost mitten leads to a charming snowy adventure. Jan Brett’s beautiful retelling is a family favorite and this sturdy board book is perfect for little hands.
When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realizing that it is missing.
One by one, woodland animals find it and crawl in; first, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse and what happens next makes for a wonderfully funny climax.
As the story of the animals in the mitten unfolds, the reader can see Nicki’s snowy outing in the borders of each page.
In her distinctive style, Jan Brett brings the animals to life with warmth and humor, and her illustrations are full of visual delights and details faithful to the Ukrainian tradition from which the story comes.
Jan Brett is also the creator of such wintery classics as The Hat, The Snowy Nap, The Three Snow Bears, The Animals’ Santa, and The Night Before Christmas.
This book is also available in Spanish, as El mitón.
“Grandmother knits snow-white mittens that Nikki takes on an adventure. Readers will enjoy the charm and humor in the portrayal of the animals as they make room for each newcomer in the mitten and sprawl in the snow after the big sneeze.”
-The Horn Book
Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner, illustrated by Mark Buehner
The summary, from Amazon:
Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you’ve wondered . . . what do snowmen do at night? This delightful wintertime tale reveals all! Caralyn Buehner’s witty, imaginative verse offers many amusing details about the secret life of snowmen and where they go at night, while Mark Buehner’s roly-poly snowmen are bursting with personality and charm. From the highly successful team that created such winning titles as Fanny’s Dream, Snowmen at Night is fabulous, frosty, and fun!
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr
The summary, from Amazon:
Late one winter night a little girl and her father go owling. The trees stand still as statues and the world is silent as a dream. Whoo-whoo-whoo, the father calls to the mysterious nighttime bird.
But there is no answer.
Wordlessly the two companions walk along, for when you go owling you don’t need words. You don’t need anything but hope. Sometimes there isn’t an owl, but sometimes there is.
Distinguished author Jane Yolen has created a gentle, poetic story that lovingly depicts the special companionship of a young child and her father as well as humankind’s close relationship to the natural world. Wonderfully complemented by John Schoenherr’s soft, exquisite watercolor illustrations, this is a verbal and visual treasure, perfect for reading around and sharing at bedtime.
Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney
The summary, from Amazon:
Llama Llama holidays.
Jingle music. Lights ablaze.
How long till that special date?
Llama Llama has to wait.
If there’s one thing Llama Llama doesn’t like, it’s waiting. He and Mama Llama rush around, shopping for presents, baking cookies, decorating the tree . . . but how long is it until Christmas? Will it ever come? Finally, Llama Llama just can’t wait any more! It takes a cuddle from Mama Llama to remind him that “Gifts are nice, but there’s another: The true gift is, we have each other.”
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
The summary, from Amazon:
A classic Hanukkah tale, now available in a beautiful anniversary edition. A Caldecott Honor book.
On the first night of Hanukkah, a weary traveler named Hershel of Ostropol eagerly approaches a village, where plenty of latkes and merriment should warm him.
But when he arrives not a single candle is lit. A band of frightful goblins has taken over the synagogue, and the villagers cannot celebrate at all! Hershel vows to help them. Using his wits, the clever trickster faces down one goblin after the next, night after night. But can one man alone save Hanukkah and live to tell the tale?
An original adventure featuring a traditional Jewish folk hero, this clever story has been a family favorite for decades and was named a Caldecott Honor book when it was originally published, and received a Sydney Taylor Award Honor. Trina Schart Hyman’s leering goblins are equal parts terrifying and ridiculous as they match wits with Hershel, trying to keep him from lighting the menorah and celebrating Hanukkah.
This beautiful 25th Anniversary Edition includes an insightful afterword from the author and publisher explaining the book’s origins, and remembering Trina Schart Hyman, the illustrator who brought the tale to life. This classic picture book is a perfect Hanukkah gift and a wonderful read-aloud.
For more tales of this clever folk hero, read The Adventures of Hershel of Ostropol— another collaboration between master storyteller Eric A. Kimmel and Trina Schart Hyman.
Caldecott Honor Book
ALA Notable Children’s Book
NCTE Notable Children’s Book in the Language Arts
A Sydney Taylor Award Honor Book
Colorado Children’s Book Award
Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
The summary, from Amazon:
Take a ride aboard the Polar Express in this award-winning, classic holiday story, complete with an ornament gift, perfect for every child’s library.
A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical train to the North Pole. The Polar Express makes its way to the city atop the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish. This is a story for all who believe in the spirit of Christmas and those who treasure the sound of a reindeer’s silver bell.
The Polar Express is the 1986 Caldecott Medal winner, and reading the story together is a beloved holiday tradition held by generations of families. It was also made into an animated feature film starring Tom Hanks.
In this special edition, the inimitable artistry of Chris Van Allsburg is highlighted with a new jacket design and expanded interior layout. Includes an author’s note and downloadable audio read by Liam Neeson.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
The summary, from Amazon:
Grow your heart three sizes and get in on all of the Grinch-mas cheer with this Christmas classic–the ultimate Dr. Seuss holiday book that no collection is complete without!
Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot . . . but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!Not since “‘Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will grow even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is the perfect gift for readers young and old.
“Irrepressible and irresistible.” —Kirkus Reviews
My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz
The summary, from Amazon:
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.
Shante Keys and the New Year’s Peas by Gail Piernas-Davenport, illustrated by Marion Eldridge
The summary, from Amazon:
Shanté Keys loves New Year’s Day! But while Grandma fixed chitlins, baked ham, greens, and cornbread, she forgot the black-eyed peas! Oh no―it’ll be bad luck without them! So Shanté sets out to borrow some from the neighbors.
Did you read any of these books growing up, or have you enjoyed them with the little ones in your life? What awesome snow, winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or New Year’s children’s books am I missing? Comment and let me know!
