Red & Lulu
Author: Matt Tavares
Illustrator: Matt Tavares
Summary: Red and Lulu, a pair of cardinals, live in a huge, beautiful tree. Each year, that tree is decorated for Christmas and the sounds of the song "O, Christmas Tree" are heard. One day, Red goes looking for food and when he comes back, he sees his tree and his Lulu loaded on a truck. He frantically follows the truck and eventually finds Lulu in Rockefeller Center in New York, but what about his tree?
Recommended Ages: 2-7 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This gorgeously illustrated story is told both in word and by illustrations. Don't flip through them, as they give important clues and details about what is happening to Red and Lulu. Be sure to read the historical information about the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree on the end pages.
Extension Activities: My first thought for activities for this beautiful book was to learn the song "O Christmas Tree". Lots of research opportunities present themselves with this book...learning about cardinals or types of trees used for Christmas time. But how fun to follow the directions and create your own Red and Lulu with watercolors!! Read the following blog for another fun, crafty tribute to Red and Lulu. https://www.gluedtomycraftsblog.com/2018/01/snowy-birdhouse.html Click here!
It's a Miracle! A Hanukkah Storybook
Author: Stephanie Spinner
Illustrator: Jill McElmurry
Summary: Six year old Owen gets to be the O.C.L.-Official Candle Lighter- for this years' Hanukkah celebration. As he lights a candle on the family menorah, Grandma Karen tells a story to help him learn of his family's tradition and faith.
Recommended Ages: 5-8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This sweet story of a grandma, her grandson, a very funny family and the traditions their family observes every year. There are aliens making wrong turns, the class clown blowing grape juice through his nose and a little boy destined to carry on the traditions their family holds dear. A great book to read to help gain understanding of the Jewish faith.
Extension Activities: Find activities in the link that will help you teach Hanukkah traditions to your children. This would also be a great time to research different holiday traditions around the world! Click here!
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Summary: Naughty Pigeon returns with his list (checked once) and a dream of driving Santa's sleigh. Has he done enough to earn that reward and make his dreams come true? Or is he on Santa's Naughty List?
Recommended Ages: 3-8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Mo Willems illustrations are so important to help tell the story of Pigeon begging Santa to let him drive the sleigh. Lots of movement lines mix with simple text to lead the reader to a very surprise ending!
Extension Activities: The Mo Willems Workshop is a great resource to have on hand to pair with any of his funny, much loved books. Click on the link for a couple of simple Christmas ornaments to make, starring Pigeon! Click here!
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?
Author: Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Jon Klassen
Summary: Any kid who ever has heard about Santa coming down the chimney has wondered "how does he do that?". Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen have teamed up again to brainstorm all the ways Santa can get down the chimney on Christmas Eve. Can he stretch like taffy? Turn to fire? What happens to his sooty clothes? We probably won't get an answer, but fun laughs will be had!
Recommended Ages: 4-8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Simple text presents hilarious ideas and ways (that probably every kid has ever thought of) Santa crawling down the chimney on Christmas Eve! The illustrations are so funny and add so much to the humor and wonder of the story!
Extension Activities: Choose the link below to watch a simple experiment showing how Santa might get down the chimney! Have a STEM opportunity for your kids to create or design something to help Santa along! Click here!
The Christmas Owl
Author: Ellen Kalish & Gideon Sterer
Illustrator: Ramona Kaulitzki
Summary: Little Owl lives in a huge tree in the front yard of a home in a very small town. One Christmas, as the town is preparing to celebrate, Little Owl's tree is taken down, with Little Owl trapped in the branches! How will Little Owl make it back home to his friends?
Recommended Ages: 4-8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Read this sweet, true story to help value and appreciate animals in their native habitat.
Extension Activities: This is a true story of the journey of a little owl to Rockefeller Center, his discovery in the branches and the recovery he had at the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center. The owner and caretaker of the little owl, named Rocky, co wrote this perfect book. Pairing this book with Red and Lulu will give you so many learning opportunities: types of birds, rehabilitation of lost or injured animals and the history of Rockefeller Center! Click here!
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