Category: Holidays

Featured

The Best Eid Ever by Asma Mobin-Uddin

Written by Asma Mobin-Uddin, Illustrated by Laura Jacobsen, Published by Boyds Mills Press, 2007. (Ages 5-9)

I remember pulling this title off the shelf and reading it during a quiet moment between classes. What I appreciate about it, is that it is a rare title that talks about Eid al-Adha which is an Islam celebration that takes place later than Ramadan and centers around the Hajj pilgrimage. You also get to see the protagonist Aneesa practice compassion and generosity. I cannot tell you how important it is to have titles like these can help teach children to be empathetic and thoughtful of others.

BACKGROUND

Aneesa and her grandma enjoy celebrating Eid al-Adha with many gifts and food. However when she finds out that there are some within her community who may not get any gifts, Aneesa finds herself deciding what she really wants to celebrate.

BEST FOR

About a fifteen to twenty minute read aloud. It can been read over several days at a time. A great way to highlight Eid al-Adha, grandparents, compassion, and generosity.

PAIR WITH

The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard

WHERE TO PURCHASE

The Best Eid Ever by Asma Mobin-Uddin

Featured

My Chinatown: One Year in Poems by Kam Mak

Written and Illustrated by Kam Mak, Published by HarperCollins, 2001. (Fiction, Ages 5-9)

Chinatown is closely entwined in my childhood memories. I always saw it as a place of comfort and familiarity no matter where I was in the world. It also is a place filled with little wonders and the most delectable treats! Now with my own sons it makes me so happy that they too see trips to Chinatown as a treat. Kam Mak captures the sights, sounds and smells, ubiquitous with Chinatown so perfectly with breathtaking artwork. You can seriously pour over the illustrations for hours.

BACKGROUND

A young boy is homesick for Hong Kong, but as he explores New York’s Chinatown he finds comfort in familiar sights and sounds. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud that would be great to highlight family, community, and Chinese New Year.

PAIR WITH

D is for Dragon Dance by Ying Chang Compestine

WHERE TO PURCHASE

My Chinatown by Kam Mak

Featured

Mimi and Shu in I’ll Race You! by Christian Trimmer

Written by Christian Trimmer, Illustrated by Melissa van der Paardt, Published by Simon & Schuster, 2016. (fiction, ages 3-5)

The Lunar New Year is approaching and while there are many books that talk about the celebration, there are even fewer that talk about the folktale that explain the animals in the zodiac. Based on the Chinese folktale, the Jade Emperor, or ruler of heaven, held a race for all the animals. The first twelve that crossed the finish line were included in the calendar in the order they placed. The rat was cunning and tricked its way to first place and managed to exclude the cat, hence the reason why the cat is not in the zodiac and why the two are natural enemies. It is important to note that the Lunar New Year is celebrated in numerous Asian countries and although the animals in the zodiac are similar, there are variations. For example, unlike the Chinese, the Vietnamese zodiac does include the cat, but does not include the rabbit.

BACKGROUND

A lighthearted version of the Chinese folktale. When Shu the rat receives the invitation to the Great Race it is up to his smarts and know how to make sure that he and his best friend Mimi the cat win the race. Mimi agrees to go along with Shu, although her focus is getting the promised cupcakes at the finish line.

BEST FOR

About a five minute read aloud that would be great for a Chinese New Year celebration. It would also be appropriate for a folktale unit, or just a silly and entertaining read aloud.

PAIR WITH

The Year of the Rabbit by Oliver Chin

WHERE TO PURCHASE

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Featured

A Piñata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas by Pat Mora

Written by Pat Mora, Illustrated by Magaly Morales, Published by Clarion Books, 2009. (Fiction, ages 4-7)

Pat Mora is a great author if your collection does not already have her titles. I also love the vividness and color of Magaly Morales illustrations. Together the duo create a very festive and wondrous book that is perfect for a good holiday read aloud.

BACKGROUND

Taking inspiration from the carol, a young Latino girl goes through the twelve gifts of Christmas her parents have prepared for her. This time the gifts from Latino culture, and Spanish words are incorporated in the narrative. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

This five minute read aloud is a great choice for the holidays, Latino culture, introduction to Spanish, family themed units, as well as a great counting book.

PAIR WITH

N is for Navidad by Susan Middleton Elya

WHERE TO PURCHASE

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Shubh Diwali! by Chitra Soundar

Written by Chitra Soundar, Illustrated by Charlene Chua, Published by Albert Whitman & Company, 2019. (holiday, 3-6)

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Last year, my family was lucky enough to celebrate Diwali with friends by eating at a Thali restaurant. My sons naturally got curious about the holiday so we did some reading. I just wished that I knew about this title a couple of months before. It is a perfectly engaging read that is both informative and fun.

BACKGROUND

A family of South Asian descent prepares their home for Diwali, going through common customs such as making rangoli, exchanging gifts, and celebrating with friends and families. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a five minute read a loud that would be great in showcasing specific traditions that go along with Diwali. A great title to include for holidays, family, and charity.

PAIR WITH

Let’s Celebrate Diwali by Anjali Joshi

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival by Grace Lin

Written and Illustrated by Grace Lin, Published by Alfred A. Knopf, 2010. (Picture Book, ages 3-7)

IMG_0296The Moon Festival lands in the middle of this week and we are stocked with mooncakes! This particular holiday reminds me of my dad. He would tell us stories from his childhood in Hong Kong running around with a paper lantern for the Autumn Moon Festival. My brothers and I loved the detail how they would use actual candles for the lanterns and if you weren’t careful, you could quickly be holding a flaming ball of fire instead!

BACKGROUND

A Chinese American family drives out to a hill to eat, light lanterns, and celebrate the Autumn Moon Festival. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a two minute read aloud ideal for the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, could be used to talk about lanterns, or a unit about the moon.

PAIR WITH

Mooncakes by Loretta Seto

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Apple Pie 4th Of July by Janet Wong

Written by Janet Wong, Illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine, Published by HMH Books for Young Readers, 2006. (Picture Book, 4-8)

applepie4july

Hands down this is one of my favorites to read for July 4th. Growing up I didn’t see much representation in any media, books, tv, movies, and magazines. Since all those outlets painted a picture of what an “American” family looked like, I sometimes thought that the food and customs of my family was not “normal” or “American”. This is the same struggle that this girl faces.

BACKGROUND

A Chinese American girl struggles with her parents. She tries to tell them that people wouldn’t want to eat their Chinese food at their store for July 4th, they’re all going to be eating apple pie! #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that is a great for modeling empathy, tolerance, self-acceptance, nationality, and of course the 4th of July!

PAIR WITH

I, Too, Am America by Langston Hughes

Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvindar Naberhaus

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard

Written by Rabiah York Lumbard, Illustrated by Laura K. Horton, Published by Albert Whitman & Co, 2019. (Picture book, 5-9)

Ramadan

Sorry, I know it has been a while. I had to take a break and was getting into tech troubles when I tried to jump back into it. I’m working on being more patient with myself when those rough days come and go. Now back to books! Not only is it great to see more books about Ramadan, but I do appreciate showing a character going through the actual traditions of fasting, sahoor (the pre-dawn meal), iftar (meals after sunset) and prayers. Horton also does a wonderful job using a joyful color palette with energetic characters.

BACKGROUND

Sophia and her multiracial Muslim family are preparing to celebrate Ramadan. Inspired by her grandma, Sophia decides to try fasting this year to feel the special sparkles of the holiday.

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that’s perfect for exploring the different aspects to celebrating Ramadan. A great way to talk about family and religious traditions, customs, kindness, selflessness, and holidays.

PAIR WITH

The Best Eid Ever by Asma Mobin-Uddin

Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story by Hena Khan

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading The Gift of Ramadan

Shop your local indie bookstore

Chinese New Year Colors by Rich Lo

Written and illustrated by Rich Lo, Published by Holiday House, 2019 (concept, 3-6)

CNY

Gung Hay Fat Choy! It’s the year of the rat! We celebrate every year with friends and family with a huge potluck. While we do not do all the rituals associated with the holiday, I try to talk to my sons about the culture to help them appreciate it. This new publication is fun especially for my youngest since it has eye-popping illustrations, highlights Chinese culture, and includes Chinese Kanji and romanized Chinese with accent marks. Plus it helps going over his colors too!

BACKGROUND

A bilingual book that not only goes over colors, but explores Chinese culture with an accompanying object. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a two minute read aloud ideal for preschool children and Chinese New Year. Also great for going over colors and exploring Chinese culture and language.

PAIR WITH

D is for Dragon Dance by Ying Chang Compestine

My Chinatown: One Year in Poems by Kam Mak
My Chinatown: One Year in Poems by Kam MakHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Chinese New Year Colors

Shop your local indie bookstore

Clever Little Witch by Mượn Thị Văn

Written by  Mượn Thị Văn , Illustrated by Hyewon Yum, Published by Margaret K McElderry Books, 2019. (Holiday, 4-6)

Clever witch.jpgHalloween is right around the corner and luckily I have a very crafty husband who is able to make our sons’ costumes (I can sew, he’s just SO much better at it!) As I was thinking about the holiday, I do not recall seeing a lot of diverse Halloween books. Clever Little Witch is a great read aloud and Hyewon Yum’s illustrations are also expressive and playful!

BACKGROUND

Little Linh lives on a Southeast Asian Island and happens to be the cleverest witch around. The only problem is, how can you practice magic when you have a baby brother that messes with all of your magical things? #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that is a visually funny and colorful read for Halloween. It also provides a funny take on sibling relationships.

PAIR WITH

The Twins’ Little Sister by Hyewon Yum

The Itty-Bitty Witch by Trisha Speed Shaskan

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Clever Little Witch

Shop your local indie bookstore