Our nation is rich with diversity, and is reflected in the observances celebrated by various cultures and populations during the month of December. Christmas is not the only religious holiday that is celebrated this month. There are numerous children's picture books that depict stories with information about the customs and cultures of the many holidays celebrated during this month.
The following books are excellent reads to acquire new information and a better understanding of three special celebrations:
José Feliciano’s Feliz Navidad
The following books are excellent reads to acquire new information and a better understanding of three special celebrations:
José Feliciano’s Feliz Navidad
Two Stories Celebrating Christmas
Pictures by David Diaz
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| Feliz Navidad |
The spirit of Christmas crosses cultural boundaries as families celebrate around the world. With the Christmas spirit families and friends come together to join in a parranda, in Puerto Rico.
During the holiday season, people go caroling from house to house singing songs called aguinaldos while playing guitarras, tamborilles and maracas to serenade and spread good cheer. The traveling party continues to dance and sing throughout the neighborhood, all night long. An outdoor cookout with homemade food is the final stop that unites families and friends together on Christmas morning.
About José Feliciano
José was born in Puerto Rico in 1945. His family moved to New York when José was five year old. The lyrics for the song, Feliz Navidad were written by José Feliciano and released in 1968.
José was born in Puerto Rico in 1945. His family moved to New York when José was five year old. The lyrics for the song, Feliz Navidad were written by José Feliciano and released in 1968.
About David Diaz
David was born in 1960. He grew up in Florida and California. David’s Mom is from Puerto Rico. The illustrations for Feliz Navidad are bold and colorful.
David was born in 1960. He grew up in Florida and California. David’s Mom is from Puerto Rico. The illustrations for Feliz Navidad are bold and colorful.
Feliz Navidad es una canción bilingüe en español y Inglés, escrita por José Feliciano, y es la acompanante perfecta de este libro que le ensena a los niños, de una manera divertida, lo que es una parranda Puerto Rico y una fiesta navidena tradicional. Una parranda llena de canciónes navidenas tradicionales, intrumentos musicales y mucha comida. Los niños aprenderan acerca de esta tipica celebración.
Puerto Rico's Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena, begins around ten o'clock in the evening. The party ends in the wee hours of the morning and everyone returns home to celebrate Navidad or Christmas.
Latkes, Latkes Good to Eat A Chanukah Story
Story and Illustrations by Naomi Howland
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| Latkes, Latkes Good to Eat |
The story begins . . . Once, on the outskirts of a tiny village, a girl named Sadie lived with her four brothers, Herschel, Hillel, Hayim, and the baby, Max. The family is poor and Sadie and her four little brothers are always hungry. On the first night of Chanukah, Sadie performs a generous act, and in turn receives a frying pan that cooks up hot, golden latkes on command. Sadie warns her brothers to never use the magic pan, but when she goes out one afternoon, the mischievous boys can't resist. The boys remember the words to start the pan cooking, but they do not recall the words to make it stop!
This is a humorous tale of generosity and greed. A recipe for Sadie's yummy latkes is included.
“When I was little I told my teacher that I wanted to be an "Artist Mommy" and that is exactly what I am today,” states Naomi.
Chanukah or Hanukkah is celebrated on December 16th -24th.
Seven Spools of Thread
Illustrated by Daniel Minter
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| Seven Spools of Thread |
Seven brothers spend their lives fighting and bickering. When their father passes, he instructs them, through his will, to turn seven spools of thread into gold. If they do not, they will become beggars. Read to find out if the brothers discover the seven principles of Kwanzaa in time to save them and their village from ruin.
Dr. Maulana Karenga founded Kwanzaa, in 1966. The seven day celebration is about expressing black pride and to share seven important themes for conducting one's life in a positive way. The seven values are: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith.
About Angela Shelf Medearis
"I started writing children's books because I wanted children, particularly African-American children, to see a positive reflection of the African and African-American experience, our families, community and our history, in the books that they read," said Angela Shelf Medearis. Medearis founded and directs Book Boosters, a multicultural program for all grade levels that concentrates on the reading of creative writing and drama.
About Daniel Minter
Daniel creates beautiful illustrations using linoleum block prints that are hand painted or reproduced in black & white.
Kwanzaa is celebrated on December 26th to January 1st.
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| O Christmas Tree |
Take time to grow and learn about traditions that may be new to you. Teachers can create many multicultural lessons that share a better understanding for cultural awareness in the classroom by reading picture books that depict diversity.
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| Merry Christmas |
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| Our Fir Tree |
Whatever holiday[s] you choose to celebrate with family and friends, I wish you love, peace and joy. And I must not forget . . . Enjoy the many holiday dishes and yummy treats at your celebration. May I serve you?
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| Sugar Cookies |
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| Gingersnaps |
