HarperCollins Children’s Books

Five Christmas Books for Children – A Roundup 2024

 

 

 

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS BOOKS

∼A ROUNDUP FOR 2024∼

 

 

 

BOARD BOOK:

Christmas Cheer is Everywhere cover reindeer and ornaments.CHRISTMAS CHEER IS EVERYWHERE
Book Format by Hans Wilhelm
Concept by Naomi Kirsten
Illustrated by Wednesday Kirwan
Design by Eugenia Yoh
(Chronicle Kids; $10.99, Ages 2 and up)

Get ready for some spinning satisfaction with this spin-the-wheel and lift-the-flap board book. Little ones learn that holiday objects such as bows, mistletoes, snowflakes, Santa’s cap, Christmas cookies, and more are hidden on every page. “Turn the wheel to choose a holiday object.” Are they behind the wreaths, the candy cane, the stocking, or the Christmas tree? Little ones can guess and then guess some more with every spin of the wheel to keep them busy with this cheer-filled board book game.

PICTURE BOOKS:

Santa's First Christmas cover Santa with elves decorating tree.SANTA’S FIRST CHRISTMAS
Written by Mac Barnett
Illustrated by Sydney Smith
(Viking BYR; $18.99, Ages 3-7)

When this picture book began with such an intriguing line, I was immediately drawn in.

In the old days,
Santa didn’t have Christmas.

I’d never really thought about this. Had you? The credits and dedication pages spread feature a polar bear looking up at Santa in his sleigh. A clue of what’s to come. It seems Santa is always so wrapped up in his gift-giving that he has never taken time to celebrate Christmas. When this fact is confirmed by the North Pole elves to Polar Bear, passing by on his way to his cave, a thoughtful plot evolves. This means Santa’s typical Christmas is about to change. No more sleeping late and doing absolutely nothing after his big Christmas Eve deliveries. The elves and Polar Bear have something lovely in store. Something that will tug at your heartstrings.

Smith’s rendering of Santa, the elves, and then Polar Bear Santa are presented without outlines. They may appear simple but they are complex in their execution. Santa’s personality jumps off the page with warmth and emotion. My heart felt full as he was celebrated that morning with one kind deed after another. First, the elves brought him breakfast in bed, and the day kept getting better and better. They picked out a tree, decorated it, and ultimately there was baking and stories by the fire. What a delight when Polar Bear arrives, “dressed in red, with a sack full of gifts …” A splendid feast follows and everyone is beyond content. A new tradition has begun. And I’m not only talking about Santa’s Christmas but the new tradition of reading this rewarding origin story every year.

 

Bunnies in a Sleigh cover bunnies Santa reindeer riding sleigh in sky.BUNNIES IN A SLEIGH:
A Chaotic Christmas Tale!
Written by Philip Ardagh
Illustrated by Ben Mantle
(Candlewick Press; $17.99, Ages 3-7) 

I don’t know exactly why but there’s something about bunnies behaving silly in a story that cracks me up. Add rhyme to it and I’m sold. That’s why this Christmas picture book grabbed me. Ardagh’s humor will make kids happy this holiday as they get caught up in the rabbits’ adventure.

Something’s amiss in Santa’s workshop. The elves have gotten tummy aches from wolfing down too many candy canes. Help is needed so it’s rabbits to the rescue. They assist Santa on his sleigh in the most delightful way. They also complete some amazing feats, like barely banging into a clock tower when Santa’s busy searching through his toy sac. What I love the most about the rollicking ride is the bunnies’ expressions. Just check out their faces on the cover. And there’s more hilarity on every page. Don’t miss the bunny looking for a kiss. See what else you can find. Perhaps my favorite illustration is a bunch of bunnies stuck in a chimney. Another I enjoyed was when they delivered presents to imprisoned raccoons. If you’re looking for a lively read-aloud this Christmas, look no further than Bunnies in a Sleigh.

 

Hooray It's Three King's Day! cover girl holding wooden kings.HOORAY, IT’S THREE KINGS DAY!
Written by Annette M. Clayton
Illustrated by Jone Leal
(Familius; $17.99; Ages 5-7)

Sophia, a young girl excited for Christmas, receives a visit from her abuela on Christmas morning.

Her abuela brings three wooden “santos” or religious figurines with her that depict the three kings from the Christmas story. Abuela shares the story of the kings with Sophia before asking her to participate in their family tradition of moving them closer to the manager during the twelve days of Christmas.

As El Dia de Reyes (Three Kings Day) approaches, Sophia and her abuela enjoy all the season has to offer: stories, sled rides, special baking, and family dinners. Finally, the night before Three Kings Day, Sophia prepares a special shoebox for the kings’ camels and wakes the next morning to a delicious surprise!

This sweet, relatable tale from Annette M Clayton celebrates the season in the best way—with family and the sharing of traditions. Warm illustrations by Jone Leal add to the holiday charm while backmatter explains more about the traditions of Three Kings Day and includes a glossary of unfamiliar words. •Reviewed by Roxanne Troup

 

A City Full of Santas cover girl and mom in city full of Santas.A CITY FULL OF SANTAS
Written by Joanna Ho
Illustrated by Thai My Phuong
(HarperCollins BYR; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

I finished this fantastic book wondering why someone hadn’t written this story sooner but the answer is obvious. It needed to be written by Joanna Ho and illustrated by Thai My Phuong to get it just right. From the first page, I knew I was in for a treat. Written both lyrically and joyfully, Ho’s story introduces us to a little girl who has been eager to meet Santa but for the past five years, she hasn’t managed to stay awake. This year her mom is taking her to meet him at a city department store. Imagine the child’s surprise when leaving the train station to see firsthand that Santas are EVERYWHERE. That spread has to be one of my favorites. Phuong captures the wild experience of a city, a Santascape, peopled by every kind of Santa imaginable.

But which one is the real Santa? The girl and readers wonder. If he smells like peppermint and chocolate, laughs like the sun clapping its hands, and feels like a heart full of glitter, she’ll know he’s the one. What fun illustrations await kids when they see the main character encounter several of the city Santas and realize they don’t meet her criteria! Her anticipation is high, though, as she waits in line to meet the department store Santa, the one she thinks will be legit. Only he’s far from it. He doesn’t smell or laugh right, and he definitely does not make her heart feel like glitter “not even one tiny sparkle!” Hugely disappointed, the child is determined to stay up to see Santa but once again falls asleep. However, upon awakening, she discovers Santa has visited. She smells peppermint and chocolate and feels that glitter in her heart, all despite having slept through the magic. In fact, the magic of Santa and the promise of Christmas joy are truly present on every page of this heartwarming tale.

 

MORE RECOMMENDED READS:

PEEKABOO: SANTA
Written by Camilla Reid
Illustrated by Ingela P. Arrhenius
(Candlewick Press; $9.99, Ages 0-2)

Written by Stephen Briseño
Illustrated by Sonia Sánchez 
(Random House Studio, $18.99, Ages 4-8)
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A STRAY DOG FOR CHRISTMAS
Written by Jack Jokinen
Illustrated by Wendy Tan
(Sourcebook Kids; $14.99, Ages 4-8) 

THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE
Written by Thomas Meyer
Illustrated by Philippe Goossens
(NorthSouth Books; $19.95, Ages 4-8)

A MOUSE FAMILY CHRISTMAS
Written by Deborah Underwood
Illustrated by Leah Hong
(Little Brown BYR; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

I AM NOT SANTA CLAUS!
Written and illustrated by T. L. McBeth
(Flamingo Books; $9.99, Ages 3-7)

MY WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TREE
With a new afterword by Carl Little
Written and illustrated by Dahlov Ipcar
(Tilbury House Publishers; $18.99,   Ages )

 

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Picture Book Review – Can You Hear the Plants Speak?

 

CAN YOU HEAR THE PLANTS SPEAK?

Written by Nicholas Hummingbird with Julia Wasson

Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight

(HarperCollins BYR; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

 

 

Can You Hear the Plants Speak? cover child and parent's shoulder listening to tree.

 

 

Can You Hear the Plants Speak? written by Nicholas Hummingbird with Julia Wasson and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight is a lyrical picture book worth putting on your radar. After finishing it I immediately headed into my backyard to contemplate what I’d just read with a heightened appreciation of the often overlooked nature outside my doors. I hope that children will have the same experience; not just thinking about the stunning beauty of all the flowers and plants but the miracle of their survival throughout time.

 

Can You Hear the Plants Speak? int1 Our people believe that Spirit lives in everything.
Interior spread from Can You Hear the Plants Speak? written by Nicholas Hummingbird with Julia Wasson and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight. HarperCollins Children’s Books ©2024.

 

What works so well in this memoir is how the voice of the storyteller takes readers back to his youth to show how nature has always been tightly woven into the everyday life of Native Americans. We’re pulled into the story when invited to come along on a walk. From an early age, the child learns from his great-grandparents, “Our people believe spirit lives in everything.” The influence of his elders and ancestors plays an important role in his life.

 

Can You Hear the Plants Speak int2 I spent long summer days with my great-grandparents.
Interior art from Can You Hear the Plants Speak? written by Nicholas Hummingbird with Julia Wasson and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight. HarperCollins Children’s Books ©2024.

 

Goodnight’s illustrations serenely convey the respect and appreciation of every encounter. “We listened as our plant relatives spoke.” While I’ve been known to talk to my plants, I’ve never considered listening to them so these words deeply touched me.

 

Can You Hear the Plants Speak? int3 We listened as our plant relatives spoke.
Interior spread from Can You Hear the Plants Speak? written by Nicholas Hummingbird with Julia Wasson and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight. HarperCollins Children’s Books ©2024.

 

When the main character describes how his ancestral land was “flattened to concrete” by those more interested in profit than plants and spirit, I grew angry. I imagined his hurt. The art shows how cities replaced countryside, decimating what stood in their way. The stark reality of how damaging this was to nature is powerfully conveyed in a four-word spread where an uprooted plant lay torn from the earth. “The land was silenced.” A gut punch.

 

Can You Hear the Plants Speak? int4 Grandfather Oak's Shade.
Interior spread from Can You Hear the Plants Speak? written by Nicholas Hummingbird with Julia Wasson and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight. HarperCollins Children’s Books ©2024.

 

As the boy becomes a man, he still feels the loss profoundly. Who can he listen to?  But a sprout emerging from concrete offers hope. “Don’t give up,” it says to him. He listens. And plants. And gives back to the land he loves. The land that always provided for his relatives would now provide for his new family. He teaches his son, Tuhui, the importance of continuing to listen to what the plants tell him. Readers are then asked to listen. “Can you hear it?”

This beautifully written and illustrated book provides a subtle yet meaningful message that lets children know we are all the stewards of our world, and that we should not take our flora and fauna for granted. Respecting nature and our “plant relatives” is at the heart of this recommended read. Two pages of backmatter round out the book including suggestions on what young readers can do to help preserve the flora and flora that surround them.

 

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Best New Hanukkah Books for Kids 2023

 

A ROUNDUP OF

THE BEST NEW HANUKKAH BOOKS

FOR KIDS 2023

REVIEWS:

Latke's First Hanukkah cover Latke lighting menorahLATKE’S FIRST HANUKKAH
Written and illustrated by Alan Silberberg
(Viking BYR; $7.99, Ages 0-3)

Little ones will love meeting Latke, a lovable creation of author-illustrator Alan Silberberg’s whimsical imagination. What’s great about his books is that parents will be entertained reading them as much as their kids. The new 16-page board book, Latke’s First Hanukkah, is no exception. Add various voices for the characters during a read-aloud and you’re set!

Applesauce and Sour Cream get into a tiff over which topping tastes better, the Dreidels along with Latke spin ’til they drop, dizzy but likely delighted, and the sufganiyot (jelly donuts) “are full of joy (and jelly).” As each night gets underway, the counting of the candles continues as do the antics of Latke’s colorfully illustrated guests. Of course, included in the company is gelt, and on night six, the one that made me LOL was when Babka, Challah, Bagel, Kugel, Blintz, and Falafel arrived.  There is much to enjoy here so why not join Latke for some laughs and a memorable first Hanukkah celebration?

 

HANUKKAH UPSIDE DOWNHanukkah Upside Dow cover upside down child handing dreidel to rightside up child
Written by Elissa Brent Weissman
Illustrated by Omer Hoffmann
(Abrams BYR; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

★Starred Review – School Library Journal

I’m so happy there’s a new international-themed Hanukkah book to be added to bookshelves everywhere. Its illustrations are charming and kid-friendly with characters I’d love to try drawing myself (I particularly enjoyed the spread with everyone eating sufganiyot or jelly donuts)  with Cousins Noah and Nora may live continents apart (Noah’s in New York and Nora’s in New Zealand), but it’s clear from their chats on the phone or via text that they are close. As Hanukkah approaches, the two set up a competition to see who has the best Hanukkah. Both also disagree on which cousin lived upside down on the planet, something many kids may think about and find funny.

This new slant on celebrating the eight-day Festival of Lights is clever as both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres’ differences are highlighted as the Hanukkah celebrations get underway. In New York, it’s winter and one day behind. In New Zealand it’s summer. In New York, it got dark early while in New Zealand, the sun set late. Despite that, on the first night of Hanukkah, both cousins lit the chanukiah or Hanukkah menorah. While Noah wore boots, Nora went barefoot, yet they both ate yummy latkes. I love this spot-on comparison:  “Noah threw snowballs. Nora did cannonballs.” Whether skating or surfing, or learning the local languages, the Jewish cousins find the challenge they’ve tasked themselves with to be a tough one. They say the same prayers. Do the same good deeds and spend time with loved ones. So whose celebration is the best? And is it really about the differences?

Though the main characters may live thousands of miles apart, the beauty in this story is that ultimately the similarities between the cousins’ Hanukkah festivities, and their relationship are what counts and what will stand out to young readers.

 

Eight Nights of Lights cover child holding menorah and dreidel.EIGHT NIGHTS OF LIGHTS: 
A Celebration of Hanukkah
Written by Leslie Kimmelman
Illustrated by Hilli Kushnir
(HarperCollins BYR; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

I’ve never seen anything quite like this interactive picture book that engages young readers all Eight Nights of Lights! The design invites children to participate safely (no real candles or matches are involved) in the Hanukkah celebration which they can enjoy in one read or return to each night.

On the first night, kids meet the narrator Lena, and her kitty, Pickles as they prep the menorah and learn its family history from her father. The educational elements are introduced so the youngest readers can learn about Hanukkah traditions. “It was the first night of the holiday, so there was just one candle to put in the menorah. Plus the shammash, the helper candle. The shammash was used each night to light all the other candles.”

The story progresses to the next night when readers remove the second candle from the book’s paper menorah to see what happens with Lena and her family. Different aspects of the holiday are shared every night; from dreidel playing to the story of the heroic Maccabee brothers, from giving presents to giving to others (tzedakah), from making latkes to eating jelly donuts, from a Hanukkah hike to acting out the Maccabee story with cousins. The story concludes with a fun Hanukkah party at the synagogue on the eighth night that includes cookie decorating, pin the shammash on the menorah, and singing and dancing to beloved Hanukkah songs. I can easily see children asking for this book every year as part of the celebration. It also makes a wonderful gift.

Watch this video to see exactly how unique this interactive picture book is.

MORE NEW HANUKKAH BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

A Wild, Wild Hanukkah
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Middle Grade Cover Reveal for Journey Beyond The Burrow

IT’S COVER REVEAL TIME!

Today we’re happy to be heading out into the woods.

So put on some shoes and grab a sweater.

Then feast your eyes on this beautiful cover!

 

JourneyBeyondBurrow HC

 

JOURNEY BEYOND THE BURROW

Written by Rina Heisel

HarperCollins

•Coming July 13, 2021•

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SUMMARY:

To survive in the deep woods, a mouse needs to know a thing or two. That’s why Tobin knows the Rules of Rodentia like the back of his paw. Trust scent before sight. Avoid predictable paths. Always do what’s best for the Great Burrow.

As long as he can remember, the Rules have kept Tobin, his family, and all the mice of the Great Burrow safe. Or, as safe as mice can be. Things do happen. Like the night a powerful thunderstorm knocks down a tree, creating a bridge over a nearby creek. The tree-bridge becomes a path for a new predator: one with eight legs, a voracious appetite, and a mission. No one is prepared as a pair of the monstrous arachnids march upon the Great Burrow. Hiding in a tiny alcove, Tobin watches as the spiders trudge through the tunnels and then scuttle away…with his brand-new baby brother in tow.

The Rules of Rodentia say never follow a predator. Never cross the creek. Never trust a non-rodent, let alone team up with one. Ever. But in the face of this new threat, Tobin will have to journey beyond the burrow and stretch the boundaries of the Rules if he wants to save his newborn brother.

 

Author Rina HeiselABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rina Heisel has written the scripts for many natural science-themed documentaries and magazine segments, a few of which have links on her website, rinaheisel.com. She is also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. After eleven years producing educational television programs for South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Rina found she especially enjoyed writing segments centering on natural sciences. She found lots of inspiration in the animals she filmed, feeling as if she was getting a sneak peek into their secret worlds.

Rina Heisel Photo by Lily H. Photograph ©2020.

 

RINA’S REACTION TO THE COVER:

“The cover is just so epic and enthralling. Paul made the most of every inch of cover space.
Every toadstool, creature, the colors … everything is tied to the story. It’s amazing.
Even his early sketches brought tears to my eyes because he captured the mood and
urgency so strongly. He gave my characters souls and personality, and I could not be happier.”

 

RONNA’S REACTION TO THE COVER:

I couldn’t take my eyes off of this gorgeous cover. It glows and immediately pulls your attention onto the mice. Then the hawk swooping in from above adds tension. And that’s smart since these birds of prey play an important role in the story. Illustrator Paul Scott Canavan has put the main character, Tobin, front and center, placing little sister Talia to the right, and his bff Wiley to his left. The combination of the trees, the mushrooms and the water work together to highlight the mice and set the stage for this deep woods animal fantasy adventure tale. Please note: There will be snakes!
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ABOUT THE COVER ARTIST:

Paul Scott Canavan is a Bafta award-winning artist from Edinburgh, Scotland. 

Over the course of his 12-year career, Paul has worked as an illustrator and concept artist for clients including Wizards of the Coast (Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons), Valve and Games Workshop, and as Art Director at Axis Animation creating AAA cinematics for studios like Bungie, Blizzard Entertainment, Riot Games, Skybound and ArenaNet.  http://paulscottcanavan.


AUTHOR LINKS:

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RinaHeisel 

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR PRE-ORDER INFO COMING SOON!

 

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Middle Grade Book Review – The Echo Park Castaways

THE ECHO PARK CASTAWAYS
by M.G. Hennessey
(HarperCollins Children’s Books; $16.99, Ages8-12)

 

The Echo Park Castaways Cover

 

Angelenos will home in on The Echo Park Castaways for its title—Echo Park—because we know that place! This neighborhood is where the story’s characters converge in their latest foster-care home. Quentin, a boy on the autistic spectrum, is the newest addition to Mrs. K’s house. Though almost nonverbal, he clearly communicates his desire to go home to his mom. Nevaeh, Vic, and little Mara may be veterans of the system but they understand Quentin’s need.

The reader is shown how each character struggles to get by since the story is told in three viewpoints. “Loud Boy” Vic lives in a fantasy world where he’s a superspy spinning tales about his father’s absence—anything is better than accepting the fact he was deported to El Salvador. “Quiet Girl” Mara barely speaks English but can get through to Quentin. As Vic plots how to reunite Quentin with his mom, “Tall Girl” Neveah has to put aside her already too-full workload of chores and college prep to keep the younger kids out of trouble; she’s their caretaker, like it or not.

Circumstances beyond their control bring these kids from different walks of life together. Though obstacles face them in everyday life, they forge connections and make a family for themselves. This fast-moving story illuminates how children with limited options adapt to a flawed system.

The Echo Park Castaways is a deeply personal book for the author, M.G. Hennessey, who volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in the L.A. foster care system. In that position and as a youth mentor for the Lifeworks program, Hennessey has witnessed the system responsible for society’s most vulnerable children. The book presents characters based on case stories that illustrate the very real challenges foster children face every day. There are 30,000 kids in L.A.’s child welfare system—the largest in the nation.

Follow M.G. Hennessey:

Twitter: @mg_hennessey
Instagram: @m.g.hennessey
Facebook: @mghennesseyautho
www.mghennessey.com

 

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