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The holidays provide individuals with an opportunity to unpack family traditions, dust them off and put them out for everyone to enjoy. Traditions vary, of course, but for many people, reading and re-reading beloved picture books such as "The Polar Express" or "The Night Before Christmas" constitute one of the season's true pleasures.
One woman I knew, in fact, used to wrap up the family's picture books, put them under the tree and let her young son unwrap one each evening for story time before he went to bed. (AUTHOR'S NOTE: I always wanted to do this for my own family, but somehow I could never find the wrapping paper, scissors and tape all at the same time.)
Wrapped or unwrapped, each holiday season brings with it more new picture books to cherish. A few of this year's worthy titles are listed below.
Picture Books for Hanukkah
"Oskar and the Eight Blessings" by Richard and Tanya Simon
On the evening of Nov. 9, 1938, state-sponsored mobs in Germany and Austria vandalized thousands of Jewish homes, businesses and synagogues. It's against this historical backdrop that "Oskar and the Eight Blessings" unfolds. After the devastating pogrom known as the Night of Broken Glass, Oskar's parents put him on a ship for America with nothing but a picture of an aunt who lives in New York City and the encouragement to look for blessings no matter what befalls him. This special picture book can and should be enjoyed by readers of all ages and faiths. ($17.99)
"The Parakeet Named Dreidel" by Isaac Bashevis Singer
On the last night of Hanukkah, a Jewish family discover a parakeet perched outside the window of their Brooklyn home. They rescue the bird from the cold and discover to their delight that it speaks Yiddish. The parakeet makes itself right at home … until nine years later, when the original owners arrive on the scene. Illustrator Suzanne Raphael Berkson's fresh adaptation of Singer's beloved story is a delightful holiday read. ($17.99)
Fabulous New Picture Books by a Few of Our Talented Local Authors
"Merry Christmas Mr. Mouse," by Caralyn and Mark Buehner
The Buehners, best-known for their New York Times best-selling "Snowmen at Night" series, invite readers to rediscover the season's pleasures — trimming a tree, sewing new pajamas, singing carols and hanging stockings — along with a mouse family experiencing Christmas for the very first time. As always, Cara's light verse rolls easily off the tongue, while Mark's rosy gold illustrations are warmly appealing. ($17.99)
"How to Catch Santa" by Jean Reagan
In her previous best-selling picture books, Reagan has already provided her young fans with useful advice about babysitting grandparents and taking dads by surprise. Now she shares some foolproof tips for catching a Christmas Eve glimpse of the chief elf himself. (Hint: placing cookies in your bedroom = an awesome idea!) Reagan scores again. ($17.99)
"Zombelina Dances the Nutcracker" by Kristyn Crow
Everybody's favorite dancing zombie (!) returns in Crow's newest picture book. It's a dream come true for Zombelina when she's cast as Clara in a production of "The Nutcracker." But will her dream turn into a nightmare on opening night when Grandpa Phantom appears at the opera house? Caldecott honoree Molly Idle's illustrations have a cartoon charm all their own. ($16.99)
Picture Books That Welcome Winter
"The Little Snowplow" by Lora Koehler
When the little snowplow joins The Mighty Mountain Crew, all the big trucks assume he won't be up to the task when winter arrives. Determined to prove them wrong, the little snowplow goes into training before the first snow flies. Will he be up to the task? Koehler's good-natured story is enhanced by Utah illustrator Jake Parker's terrific illustrations. "The Little Snowplow" has already hit the New York Times Best Seller list. ($15.99)
"Snowy Bear" by Tony Mitton
A little bear in search of a warm place to stay is turned away by everyone he meets — until he stumbles upon a lonely little girl living in a lonely little farmhouse. Mitton's rhyming text makes this a good choice for reading aloud to children. But it's Alison Brown's colored pencil and acrylic paint illustrations that really elevate this new picture book. ($16.99)
And Now for a Holiday Picture Book That Not Everyone Will Like
"Marguerite's Christmas" by India Desjardins
Marguerite Godin is old and a little forgetful. At this point in her life, she "would be happy if she never had to set foot outside her house ever again." The author quickly points out, however, that Marguerite is not to be pitied. She loves Christmas and she loves her two grown children, who love her back. It's just that she's tired now. All Marguerite really wants is to sit peacefully in her comfortable chair to eat a little dinner and watch her programs on TV. But what happens when a car full of strangers breaks down in front of her house? This extremely quiet story with its stylized 1950s look isn't for everybody. But "Marguerite's Christmas" is one of my favorite new books of the season. ($19.95)