Picture Book Review - 'Twas Nochebuena by Roseanne Greenfield Thong

Christmas is a week away, can you believe it?? I'm in total shock. It feels like the past few weeks have just flown by, with a flurry of shopping, decorating and readying for all the events we've had going on. Last night was the Nativity play at Sprout's school, an absolutely terrific event that was full of just what you'd expect - a bit of confusion, some dropped lines, but lots of shining faces and kids singing enthusiastically with joy in their hearts. Such a special moment for us and for Sprout.

Tonight's pick is for all those who celebrate Christmas and want to add a bit of diversity into the mix. Roseanne Greenfield Thong is fast becoming one of my go-to authors for high-quality multicultural titles (in fact, I have two titles of her titles sitting on my desk at the moment!). And her new book 'Twas Nochebuena is just spectacular - a winner for Spanish-speakers as well as those who are still learning the language.

The story in 'Twas Nochebuena mirrors Clement C. Moore's poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, but puts an entirely fresh storyline in place. Gone are the nightcaps and that bowl full of jelly, to be replaced by farols and tamales. The heroine relates her family's Christmas tradition, making food together, decorating, visiting house to house, attending mass. The night culminates with fireworks, a midnight feast and lots of gifts. It's a joyous, exuberant celebration that readers will want to jump right into!

The festivities are captured by Thong's skillful rhymes, which integrate Spanish phrases into the text, allowing readers to discern meaning from context. That's a strategy I much prefer to the repetition that some books employ - I think this method makes books more accessible to all audiences. Sara Palacios did the illustrations for 'Twas Nochebuena and I *love* them. The tone is absolutely on-point: festive, fun, full of life and spirit, just like the holidays should be. Love the colors, the touches of collage, and the inclusion of multiracial families as well.

Add 'Twas Nochebuena to your holiday bookshelf and think about reading it as part of your Christmas Eve celebrations. Fair warning, though - you'll want to have champurrado (hot chocolate) close at hand!

'Twas Nochebuena by Roseanne Greenfield Thong, published by Viking

Ages 4-6

Source: Library

Recommended

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Full, Full, Full of Love by Trish Cooke

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Today is Day 26 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. This post is coming up a bit late tonight because we had a full day of food, family and time to relax. I did intend to get to the blog this morning, but Sprout wanted to do puzzles - and I never turn that down!

Tonight's pick is one that appears on almost every best-of diverse books list out there, and for good reason. Trish Cooke's Full, Full, Full of Love is a colorful, cheerful celebration of a family gathering that's perfect for holiday time or anytime really. The story surrounds Jay Jay's experiences at Grandma's house, getting ready for Sunday dinner. It's a place Jay Jay adores, mostly because it's bursting with delicious smells, family and friends, and a whole lot of love. Jay Jay himself is clearly the apple of Grandma's eye, and both old and young thoroughly enjoy every minute of their day together.

I love these kinds of happy, sweet stories of family sharing and togetherness. The warm world created by Cooke's text sparks to life with illustrations by Paul Howard, particularly that cover image of Grandma holding Jay Jay close to her heart. Sprout has always liked the center spread of Grandma's table groaning under all that food (who can blame him - makes me want to pull a chair right on up and dig in!). The repetitive text makes Full, Full, Full of Love a great choice to share with emergent readers, who will absolutely be clamoring for more by the end.

Whether you wrap up this book for your kiddos, or add it to your library list, find a way to get your hands on Full, Full, Full of Love for the holidays. It'll make your family celebrations, big or small, all the richer!

Full, Full, Full of Love by Trish Cooke, published by Candlewick Press

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Lin Yi's Lantern by Brenda Williams & Benjamin Lacombe

It's lucky Day 13 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. If you have been enjoying our series, you definitely will want to mark your calendars for January 27, 2015 - Multicultural Children's Book Day! This special day is an event that will raise awareness about the need for diverse books and celebrate all the great books already on shelves. Sprout's Bookshelf is proud to be one of the co-hosts of this important event!

Tonight's pick fits right into the spirit of Multicultural Children's Book Day - it's Lin Yi's Lantern by Brenda Williams and Benjamin Lacombe. This gorgeous title is from Barefoot Books, always a great source for high-quality diverse picture books. (Really, you can't go wrong with Barefoot.) And this one is no exception - the story of a young boy tasked to buy supplies for the Moon Festival celebration, who longs for a red rabbit lantern but runs out of money. The choice Lin Yi makes is hard, but he knows it's the right one - and in the end, his love for his family is rewarded.

Everything's beautiful about Lin Yi's Lantern, from the touching storyline to the stunning illustrations. (The Moon Fairy at the end is a special favorite of mine.) I also love the thoughtful touches, from the legend that Lin Yi's Uncle tells, to the explanation of marketing in China, to the activity of making a Chinese lantern. Those are the qualities that help make multicultural literature more relatable to all kids, everywhere, and it's nice to see it so well done in this book!

Pick up Lin Yi's Lantern for the Moon Festival or really any time - it's a story of family and giving that you'll want to read all year round.

Lin Yi's Lantern by Brenda Williams and Benjamin Lacombe, published by Barefoot Books

30 Days of Picture Books - The Thanksgiving Door by Debby Atwell

It's Day 17 in our 30 Days of Picture Books. Today I'd like to share a Thanksgiving title that's new to us this year. I often see -- and pin -- fantastic lists of holiday books, the kinds of lists that are overflowing with awesome choices. I rarely create lists like that, though, because I'm always trying to find holiday titles that are diverse or multicultural in nature. And if you've been reading my blog long, you know books like that are few and far between. So generally when we do a holiday feature, it has some diversity included - makes for a smaller but more impactful list, I think.

Today's book is one I've heard about for a couple of years now but hadn't had a chance to read. I'm so glad we made the effort to seek it out this Thanksgiving though, because it was simply charming. Debby Atwell's The Thanksgiving Door is unique in that the action starts on the front cover of the book - you really need to focus on what's happening there in order to have context for later events, but that's all the spoiler I'm giving you. :)

The story focuses on Ed and Ann, an elderly couple who are all alone for Thanksgiving. Ann accidentally burns their dinner, and it looks like the holiday is going to be ruined. But then Ed decides the couple is going out to eat (taking a page from The Christmas Story, our favorite holiday movie!). They decide to try a new restaurant in the neighborhood - at first they aren't sure the place is serving, but the door was open, so they venture in. Well, actually the family that runs the place was having their own dinner, and some members are a bit dismayed to see guests. But Grandmother believes that hospitality is essential, especially on the family's first holiday in America, so the family welcomes Ed and Ann. And it's a wonderful, if unexpected, Thanksgiving for all!

This is such a heartwarming story of acceptance and inclusion, just right for Thanksgiving. The folk art-infused illustrations definitely add to the classic feel of the story, which would be a good choice to share with preschoolers on up. I love that both parties -- Ed and Ann, and the family -- were uncertain about accepting the other, but overcame their fears and uncertainties and let down their guard. Ed and Ann experience aspects of the family's culture (Atwell never specifies where they are from, just "the old country", but I'm guessing Ukranian?). And the family learns new things too, such as when Ann teaches everyone the conga. Now that's what a holiday should be.

Make the time to seek out The Thanksgiving Door -- it's a colorful and upbeat title that captures the true spirit of giving that is central to this winter holiday!

The Thanksgiving Door by Debby Atwell, published by Houghton Mifflin

Tricks and Treats - 3 Halloween Books Full of Spooky Fun!

Halloween is pretty much a dream come true for a young kid, isn't it? Wear crazy costumes, tromp through pumpkin patches, collect tons of sugary goodies and play all sorts of silly spooky games. Sprout loves Halloween, probably because my husband is a seriously devoted Halloween guy. Daddy's up for planning costumes in July and hitting the farmstands as soon as the first pumpkins start turning up.

This year we're doing something different and heading out of town at the end of the month. While we'll still be celebrating (in a big way!), we don't have the usual trappings of spooky decor or carved jack-o'lanterns. Sprout knows he's got Halloween fun heading his way, but I did sense a bit of disappointment when we told him there wouldn't be pumpkin decorating this year. So of course I did what any self-respecting librarian would do and hit the seasonal shelves to help me spook up our storytimes.

My first choice was a series entry that I knew Sprout would flip for - Click, Clack, Boo! by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin. We've thoroughly enjoyed every title by this pair thus far, with a special affinity for the first book in the series, Click, Clack, Moo. And this holiday-themed title held our interest very nicely, with its bold graphics and simple plot. This one is a great continuation of the series, and even works to introduce new readers to the crazy antics on this particular farm. Sprout thought it was super silly that Farmer Brown is scared of Halloween - and the big costume reveal at the end struck just the right note with us!

The animal theme continued with Judy Cox's Haunted House, Haunted Mouse. I wanted to try this one out with Sprout because he recently learned what a haunted house was, and was having trouble understanding how something like that could be spooky fun. (He's a pretty literal kid - "scary" and "fun" don't really reconcile in his mind!) This is a pretty solid story about Mouse, who gets caught up with some trick-or-treaters and ends up stumbling into a creaky, creepy haunted house. The best for us was the end, where Mouse figures out that it's not really spooks making the scary shapes and sounds, but normal, everyday stuff - much to Sprout's relief.

Susan Hood's Just Say Boo! offers a little reassurance for kids who might be unsure of how to react to Halloween sights and frights. A trio of costumed kiddos heads out to gather candy, encountering a few scary obstacles along the way. At each one, the kids pause to decide how to react - and then end up facing their fears down with a mighty "Boo!". This was a real revelation for Sprout, and we talked about how he could follow the characters' lead when he feels spooked by something. I think he'll be implementing this one next time he gets his socks scared off by the motion-sensored witch at the grocery store!

How are you changing up your regular storytime routine with seasonal books? And what are your favorite spooky reads, for Halloween or just any time?

Thanking the Moon by Grace Lin

Today's a pretty awesome day - the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival. I didn't know a whole lot about this festival before I read today's selection, but it's a very cool holiday. The specific date day varies from year to year, but generally it is the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, means it can fall during either September or October. The holiday is generally observed by Chinese families, but some other Asian peoples also take part, and the observation of this day began as a way to honor the completion of the harvest and the preparation for a new season. And the moon is a very central part of the whole holiday, since it is celebrated after the moon rises in the evening.

Sprout and I learned about this holiday by reading today's selection, Thanking the Moon by Grace Lin. We first read this book a couple of years ago, stumbling on it at the library and checking it out because, well, it's Grace Lin, and I'd read the phone book if she wrote (and illustrated) it. Sprout was quite taken, then and now, with the illustrations, which isn't a surprise if you've seen any of Lin's books. Her characters have an openness and an honesty about them that draws young children in. There's plenty of depth in her deceptively simple scenes, most of which center on some aspect of family life, making them a great choice for sharing with toddlers and preschoolers.

I love that Lin always honors domesticity and tradition in her books, and Thanking the Moon is similar in that regard. Being that it follows one family's observation of the Moon Festival, we learn a lot about how they prepare for the celebration - driving to the park at night, setting up a picnic of special food (mooncakes and pears, yum!), mounting the lanterns, pouring the tea. Oh, how much Sprout wants to climb into that picnic illustration where the family is gathered around eating mooncakes in the soft light of the golden lanterns. We both love the way the family thanks the moon for all its blessings, tangible and intangible alike. Lin's author note explains that the moon's fullness during the festival symbolizes wholeness and harmony - she drives that point home with a lovely spread at the end showing all the families who have come to observe the festival in the same fashion.

The central elements of Thanking the Moon are the kind I wish to deeply imbed in my son - peacefulness and harmony, gratefulness and calm. Reading this book together again this year reemphasized for me what a great thing it can be to introduce new cultural traditions into our lives, to make them that much richer. Tonight, with the blessing of clear skies, I think we'll be letting Sprout stay up just a little longer, that we might gaze up at the clear brightness of the moon together and rejoice in all the goodness we've been given, and all that's yet to come.

Thanking the Moon by Grace Lin, published by Alfred A. Knopf
Ages 3-6
Source: Library
Sample: "The mid-autumn moon glows in the sky. We go into the night to admire it."
Recommended

Mama's Saris by Pooja Makhijani

Have you seen this infographic yet?

First Book, a remarkable organization dedicated to promoting childhood literacy, included this graphic in their recent blog post "Lack of Diversity in Kids' Books and How to Fix It". (You should go read the post, if you haven't already, and consider supporting this group in their efforts.) The stats are alarming, and they're real - based on data from the Cooperative Children's Book Center, which each year tracks the number of books published in the US that are by and about people of color. The most frightening thing about these statistics is that they've gone relatively unchanged in the timeframe that CCBC has been tracking this information (check out the statistics on the CCBC blog).

First let me admit a little bias here. I think the CCBC is an incredible group and I admire so much of what they've done. To be honest, my secret desire is to work there as a librarian someday (a girl can dream, right?). And as you already know if you've been reading this blog long, I feel strongly about the significance of multicultural literature for ALL children. So it may seem as though I'm just reiterating what has already been said, but it's obvious to me that these numbers don't lie. 

And the repercussions of these kinds of statistics -- say what you will about the causes, everything from a lack of manuscripts to "multicultural books don't sell" -- are huge for our society. There's a ripple effect here, and it starts with kids who don't see themselves reflected in the literature available to them or taught in their schools, who then begin to think books don't apply to them. And it continues to kids who see themselves reflected too much, who then begin to think their culture is normative and all other is just that, other. Further, it extends to all areas of our society. Where we see indifference and intolerance, prejudice and exclusionism, condescension and dismissal, we can be sure that there's a cultural disconnect that runs pretty deep. Think how different that might be if all kids learned at a young age to embrace difference and celebrate diversity!

To that end, I've made a conscious reading goal with Sprout. This is something I haven't really done up to now, largely because I like to follow his lead with our reading time and present a wide range of choices for us to share. But I also want to make sure that I'm giving him selections that are fully rounded, so I've decided to work through a list compiled by the CCBC, 50 Multicultural Books Every Child Should Know. I've referred to the list before, and have already reviewed several of the selections on the blog. But going forward, as Sprout grows, we'll be working our way through the list, and I'll share a bit about each title as we read it together. (Look for the full list, linked to reviews, on Pinterest.)

First up was a book inspired by the author's affinity for playing dress-up as a child. In Mama's Saris, Pooja Makhijani writes about a little girl who longs to wear a beautiful sari like her mother. It's her seventh birthday, and our heroine feels she's ready for one of these incredible garments of her very own. She asks Mama, but the answer is not quite yet. So instead our girl helps her mother pick out a sari, and the journey through Mama's suitcase is full of gorgeous fabrics and delightful smells, and memories. And at the end, Mama relents and our heroine gets to wear a breathtaking blue sari for her special day.

This is a lovely story of family togetherness and the special bond between mother and daughter. As the two relive important moments in their lives together, readers find themselves in the moment, thanks not only to Makhijani's emotive text but also the thoughtful illustrations by Elena Gomez. Sprout loves not only the use of shifting perspectives, but also the incorporation of colors and patterns that blend with to produce some stunning spreads. Best of all, Mama's Saris includes Hindi words, with a glossary at the front that defines them, and a great insight into Indian culture. This is a terrific one for moms and daughters to share, but it's also a perfect choice for classrooms and libraries as well.

Stay tuned as we work our way through the 50 Multicultural Books Every Child Should Know. It's not going to happen in a day (more like years, really!) but we're looking forward to experiencing all of these books together, and sharing our thoughts. And we'd love to hear what titles from the list your family has enjoyed!

Mama's Saris by Pooja Makhijani, published by Little, Brown and Company

Ages 4-7

Source: Library

Sample: "I jump onto my mother's bed and sit down. I watch her reach under the bed and pull out a leather suitcase. Inside are her sairs -- the yellow satin one she wore for Uma Didi's baby shower, the peach-colored one that is as fine as a spider's web, and my favorite, her red wedding sari, which I have only seen once because it is carefully wrapped in an old bedsheet."

Recommended

Bonus: interview with author Pooja Makhijani by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Series Spotlight: Messy Bessey by Patricia and Fredrick McKissack

A while ago a reader contacted me asking about series featuring children of color. Ever since then I've been on high alert for series that fit the bill - those that have a recurring character or characters but for which diversity isn't the driving force of the story. Rather, I'm looking for books where diversity is a side element, less the focus of the narrative than a characteristic. I've already written about a few, and featured a couple on a Pinterest board, and I've got several others in the wings (one of these days I'll have time to write all those blog posts I want to, right?).

One series that cropped up early on in my research was the Messy Bessey series by Patricia and Fredrick McKissack. Patricia McKissack is a familiar name in kidlit circles, and for good reason - she's written some outstanding picture books and novels, both with her husband and on her own, and has received both a Newbery Honor and two Coretta Scott King Awards. But her Messy Bessey series is a bit of a departure from her historicals and nonfiction titles, and it is for beginners so it may have flown under the radar of most of her readers.

And that's a shame, really, because this is a terrific series to share with kids just learning to read. Don't look for complex plots or intense character development; like most early readers, these titles drop readers right into the action and feature swift, satisfying resolutions. The series is filled with colorful and lively illustrations by Dana Regan, a point that's sure to draw kids in from the covers alone. Add to that the trope of a recurring character who finds herself always on the clean-up end of a big mess (usually her doing) and you have the makings for a charming little series for beginners.

I brought home three of the Messy Bessey titles to share with Sprout and he's insisted every time that we read all three together. Quite frankly I think he identifies most with the first title, Messy Bessey. In that outing, our heroine must clean up her room, which is a frightful disaster -- gum on the ceiling, for goodness sakes! (Sprout thinks that's hilarious). And being a typical kid, Bessey does just what she needs to do - clean up the surface and shove most of the debris into her closet. I love that - no goodie two-shoes ending here, which would be a total drag for kids anyway, as who loves a book where the main character does just what they are told?

The other two titles we read are Messy Bessey's Family Reunion, in which Bessey's extended family gets together for some fun at the park and then must clean up afterwards, and Messy Bessey's Holidays, which sees our girl baking cookies for three winter holidays. I especially love the last one, because it shows a rare nod to Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Christmas all together. In that outing, we learn that different people celebrate differently, but everyone enjoys a colorful sugar cookie!

We've had great fun reading these three books together, and I know that we'll revisit the series when Sprout's ready for some easy readers of his own. Simple and readable, with relatable characters and situations, the Messy Bessey books fit the bill for parents and teachers looking to move beyond licensed characters and familiar faces for the beginner reader set. Though these are older titles, it's still worth checking out your library or used bookstore to find them - you never know what Bessey's up to, but you can be sure a mess isn't far behind!

Titles in the Messy Bessey Series (note: I couldn't find a complete series listing):
Messy Bessey
Messy Bessey's Holidays
Messy Bessey's Family Reunion
Messy Bessey's Closet
Messy Bessey's Garden
Messy Bessey and the Birthday Overnight
Messy Bessey's School Desk

Bonus: an interview with Patricia and Fredrick McKissack from Reading Rockets

Lovely Picture Books for Your Valentine!

It's almost Valentine's Day, and Sprout's preschool is abuzz with hearts, red and pink decorations and fun cards from friends. We made our own Valentines this year -- be very impressed because, as you know, I am not a crafty mom! -- and Sprout's excited to give them out to his classmates. And of course we have been reading some wonderful books all about love, friendship and the spirit of the season.

This year I was excited to share with Sprout one of my favorite Valentine titles, Eileen Spinelli's Somebody Loves You Mr Hatch. This is a sweet story about the powerful ways a little love can change someone's life, and Sprout loved it just as much as his mama does. When lonely Mr. Hatch receives a box of chocolates with a note reading "Somebody loves you", it changes his whole life. Suddenly he's helping others, connecting with his neighbors, enjoying life. But then Mr. Hatch finds out that the valentine was meant for someone else. Now it's up to his neighbors to show Mr. Hatch just how special he is to all of them. This is a true classic, one of those few books I think should be read by, or to, everyone.

Sprout also really enjoyed Todd Parr's The I Love You Book. It's hard not to enjoy Parr's work, as vibrant as it is with color and such compelling kid appeal. This is a terrifically inclusive title, as most of Parr's other books are as well, all about the many, many ways we love one another. The art in this book is bound to inspire budding artists to create their own colorful valentines. And I like that we've got good and bad included in this title - as in "I love you when you are stinky" right across from "I love you when you are squeaky clean". 'Cause let's be honest - even the cutest little Valentine is stinky sometimes, right?

Last year I wrote about how tough it is to find multicultural Valentine's Day titles - and guess what, it hasn't gotten any easier. But I did run across one title this time that's got some diversity represented and is also pretty fun to read -- Natasha Wing's The Night Before Valentine's Day. Wing has a series of these "Night Before" titles, all based loosely around the poem "'Twas the Night Before Christmas". In this outing, we get a sneak peek into one class's preparations for Valentine's Day, and then join in the fun of their class party. It's great to see a diverse group of kids here, and to have some humor in the mix with Heidi Petach's illustrations makes this choice all the sweeter!

Our final choice isn't a Valentine's Day book per se, but it's all about love, so it fits perfectly for us. What's Love? by Shelley Rotner and Deborah Carlin is a simple and impactful book about all the things, and people, in the world around us, that we love. From families to pets, from movement to music, this is a joyous celebration of love that's just right for sharing with little ones. Rotner's beautiful black-and-white photography makes this diverse pick even more perfect. Add it to your shelf for Valentine's Day, but read it all year round.

What are your favorite books for Valentine's Day? We'd love a peek at your list!

3 Terrific Chapter Books for Chinese New Year!

It's almost Chinese New Year! Sprout has a sort of horrified fascination with snakes at the moment, and when I told him this coming year was the Year of the Snake he wasn't sure whether to be thrilled or freaked out (Mama is definitely in the latter camp).

Last year we shared some great picture books for Chinese New Year, so this year I thought it would be fun to feature books for slightly older readers. Because let's remember that these sorts of celebrations aren't just for the youngest set - there's all kinds of celebratory fun to be had for older kids, teens and adults too. And as I pointed out last year, it's really important to choose selections that have cultural accuracy, in order to share with our kiddos the most authentic view of the holiday and the cultures that celebrate the Lunar New Year.

First up is Laurence Yep's The Star Maker. Yep is a prolific author with many award-winning books to his credit, including historical fiction and fantasy titles as well. In The Star Maker, Yep gives us the story of Artie, whose desire to fit in with his obnoxious cousin Petey leads him to make a rather rash promise - that he'll supply firecrackers for Chinese New Year for all the cousins. Now Artie has to figure out how to come up with all the money to pay for it. And he thinks he has the solution in his Uncle Chester; now if only Uncle Chester will come through. Set in 1953 in Chinatown, The Star Maker is a slice of life that kids will thoroughly enjoy. Even better, the fast pace and realistic conflicts makes it a perfect choice for those just transitioning into more advanced chapters.

Up next is Grace Lin, one of my favorite authors, and her novel The Year of the Dog. Pacy is excited because this is supposed to be the year she finds her special talent. What will it be? She has no idea, but she does know this is going to be a lucky year when she makes friends with Melody, who is Taiwanese just like Pacy. As the two girls get into trouble, have adventures, and work hard to find Pacy's talent, they learn about friendship, family, and the process of finding yourself when you have a foot in two cultures. This is a great book for readers who love stories about bright, determined heroines - and look for more of Pacy's adventures in The Year of the Rat and Dumpling Days.

Lensey Namioka has written a series of chapter books about the Yang family; while none of them focus specifically on Chinese New Year, they all provide an excellent perspective, that of a family of Chinese immigrants navigating life in America. In the first novel in the series, Yang the Youngest and His Terrible Ear, we hear the story of Yingtao, the only untalented member in a family of brilliant musicians. Yingtao is struggling to fit in not only at home but also in this strange new American life, where even his name is hard for Americans to understand. But Yingtao soon makes a friend and finds an activity he's truly passionate about -- only it isn't the violin. This is a well-written story of identity and individuation, and kids will understand Yingtao's twin desires to be himself without disappointing his family.

What are your favorite novels for Chinese New Year? We'd love to hear how you celebrate the holiday, and what traditions are most important to you and your family. We hope books are part of the fun!

International Book Giving Day!

Quick, flip the calendar page over to next month. Got it? Okay, now take a red pen and draw a heart around February 14. That's right, Valentine's Day -- but our red heart has less to do with candy and Cupids than you might think. Instead, we're putting a heart around February 14 because that is International Book Giving Day, a very special day dedicated to getting books into the hands of kids all around the globe.

There's not much I'm more passionate about than making books accessible to children -- all children, everywhere, not just those whose parents can afford them. That's why I'm such an advocate of public libraries, and why we support organizations like Ethiopia Reads and Books for Africa. These groups, and so many others, recognize the power of the written word to change lives for the better. Building on that premise, International Book Giving Day began in 2012 and is going to be even bigger and better this year!

What I think is so tremendous about International Book Giving Day is that it takes a holiday that people are already aware of, and transforms the impulse to give into something that makes connections internationally. You can decide to participate in one, or all, of three ways:

1. Give a book to someone you know -- a friend, relative, neighbor, or acquaintance
This can be a new or used book, or one you loan to someone. It can be from your own collection or a title you purchase just for the occasion. Or, you can make a trip to the library and share books you borrow!

2. Leave a book in a waiting room or lobby
Find a place where kids will be stuck hanging around and make that time count by leaving a book behind. This is a great idea for titles your kiddos may have outgrown. Sort out those that are in good condition and give them a second life in a doctor's office or waiting area.

3. Donate a book - or several!
There are loads of organizations, both in your local area and working internationally, that could make great use of books you donate. Libraries, juvenile correction centers, schools, group homes, children's hospitals, daycare centers, shelters, foster care agencies - these are just a few of the places you might consider. Think globally too - by donating books or funds to an international literacy organization, you can change the life of a child half a world away.

For more information on how you can participate, including tons more fantastic ideas for book giving, click on over to the International Book Giving Day website.

Books are hope, magic through story that can strengthen and embolden and inspire every single one of us. By giving a book to a child, either in your own backyard or in a country you've never seen, you can spark that magic in another young life.

This February 14, we're giving books - will you?

Picture Book Review - Lester's Dreadful Sweaters by K. G. Campbell

Merry Week After Christmas! We hope your holidays were as wonderful as ours were -- good food, good friends, family time and even some great gifts under the tree. Oh yes, we know that holidays aren't just about material stuff, but let's be honest here: we're all five year-olds again when it comes to Christmas morning, aren't we?

And since we're being honest, let's talk about those not-so-great gifts. We've all gotten them, especially as kids. The mysteriously squishy package is really a creepy clown doll or the big box in the corner contains a bulky winter coat (or a pink bunny outfit). And so you're forced to smile politely, thank Aunt Whosiewhatsit, and try to figure out what you're going to do with said hideous present. Yikes.

This is precisely the problem our hero faces in K.G. Campbell's terrific picture book Lester's Dreadful Sweaters. Lester has some big trouble on his hands when Cousin Clara moves in after her home is mysteriously eaten (yes, I said eaten). The grateful relative immediately begins knitting sweaters for Lester -- and ooooh boy, are these sweaters hideous. Words can't describe, which is why Campbell's hilarious illustrations come in so very handy to show us each of these creations. There's one that is "less-than-pleasant yellow. . . smothered with purple pom-poms." There's the "repulsively pumpkin" creation, and another with "several unexpected sleeves". Each of these pieces is more vile than the last, and no matter how creative Lester is with finding ways to (cough, cough) recycle these beauties, Cousin Clara whips another one out just as fast. It's enough to drive a fastidious guy like Lester absolutely loony.

Lester's Dreadful Sweaters isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea, but those who like Jon Klassen or Mac Barnett (or better yet, Edward Gorey) are likely to love Lester too. Campbell's got plenty of lovely big vocabulary words woven throughout, and there's no attempt to water them down for a young audience, which I personally find just perfect. The humor here works on several levels, as kids will like the zaniness of Clara's knitwear while adults will identify with Lester's predicament (and with the touch of darkness that runs throughout). I really appreciated the resolution too -- where even Cousin Clara's dubious talents are given a place to shine.

My favorite thing about this book is the cover illustration, repeated inside, where Lester's family gets a load of the little yellow-and-purple number. Sprout likes the dog's reaction, all quizzical ears and bewilderment. I like his parents' reaction: mom's all nervous teeth and smile, while dad's gee-whiz whistle spells trouble for a kid who's just hoping for a reprieve from some serious sweater-induced depression.

If you got a few gifts this holiday that missed the mark by a bit (or a mile), this book is the sure cure. And just remember, even something as dreadful as a sweater from Cousin Clara has a place in this world -- so regifting isn't impossible!

Lester's Dreadful Sweaters by K.G. Campbell, published by Kids Can Press
Ages 4-7
Source: Library
Sample: "Later, Lester's sweater was discovered in the yard, shredded by the lawn mower. / 'It's an inexplicable tragedy,' said Lester. / 'Never mind,' said Cousin Clara. / And still she knitted, clickety-click, clickety-click."
Recommended

12 Days of Christmas Picture Books - A Piñata in a Pine Tree by Pat Mora

It's Christmas Eve, which means we've reached the end of our 12 Days of Christmas Picture Books series with Day 12. Thank you for reading along with us thus far - we've had some wonderful selections this year that we have truly enjoyed sharing with all of you, dear readers.

Today's selection is one that we really love, and that reminds us of how much more wonderful the holiday can be when we embrace the flavor of many cultures. Christmas is a global holiday, after all, and it is recognized in different ways in different places. Our celebrations can be made even more festive when we incorporate some elements from around the world, strengthening our connections as people and reinforcing global citizenship to our children.

Our book for today is Pat Mora's A Piñata in a Pine Tree. This bilingual title represents a blending of traditions into a selection that is vibrant and unique. Mora has taken the familiar carol "Twelve Days of Christmas" and updated it by adding Latino/a elements that the author remembers from her own holiday celebrations. Instead of all those birds, for instance, the adorable little girl singing the song receives luminarias, guitarritas, and on the final day, doce angelitos celebrando. Each day's gifts are depicted on its own spread, and a glossary at the end of the book defines the terms for non-Spanish speakers.

Sprout loves the colors of this one, and the charming illustrations by Magaly Morales that nearly spring off the page. (Magaly is the sister of Yuyi Morales, another of our favorite illustrators.) The pictures are energetic and joyful, a can't-miss addition to any Christmas bookshelf. If you're looking for a way to update the Twelve Days for modern kids, this is a terrific selection - Mora's lyrics fit perfectly with the melody and there's a great twist at the end. You might just find your kiddos singing along with entirely new words next year.

To all our readers -- thank you for following along with our series. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

A Piñata in a Pine Tree by Pat Mora, published by Clarion Books
All ages
Source: Library
Sample: "On the fourth day of Christmas, my amiga gave to me cuatro luminarias, tre tamalitos, dos pastelitos, and a piñata in a pine tree."
Recommended

12 Days of Christmas Picture Books - Uncle Vova's Tree by Patricia Polacco

It's Day 11 of our 12 Days of Christmas Picture Books series. Today's choice is a bittersweet one, probably because this time of year is both joyous and sad. We think of Christmases that went before, loved ones who aren't with us any longer, and we keep traditions that help bring these past years alive once again. It's one of the things I love most about the holidays, reminiscing with family and friends and bringing the past into the present (and presents).

I've been waiting quite a while to introduce Sprout to Patricia Polacco, the author of today's pick, Uncle Vova's Tree. Polacco's books are amazing but tend to be a bit long, better for an older preschooler than for a toddler. Her art is very folk-inspired, with a lot of color and small details that make her books just as pleasing to the eye as to the ear. And she's done a number of Christmas titles, but this is one of my favorites because of its themes of family and heritage.

In Uncle Vova's Tree, young children recall the visits to see their Uncle Vova and Aunt Svetlana at the holiays, and all the traditions the family observed that connected them to their Russian roots. There were the special foods, with all the aunts preparing the variation that was popular in their home region. There were the paper stars and the sleigh rides. And there was Uncle Vova's tree, planted in the yard when they came from Russia, which the family decorated every year with berries, grain and popcorn for the birds and wild animals in appreciation and gratitude. This was one of the children's favorite parts of Christmas with Uncle Vova. He told them always to follow the tradition, even if he wasn't there -- and the very next year, they did, in remembrance of their beloved Uncle.

This sentimental classic is one of Polacco's best, and will resonate most particularly with those who have missing spaces at the Christmas table. At the end of this lovely story, the animals and birds come on their own to decorate Uncle Vova's tree, in an emotional moment that virtually guarantees no dry eyes among the adults reading the story. For a holiday tale that reinforces the importance of family and tradition, Uncle Vova's Tree hits all the right notes.

Uncle Vova's Tree by Patricia Polacco, published by Penguin Group
Ages 4-8
Source: Library
Sample: "Uncle Vova clicked and gently tugged the reins, and the sleigh swooshed smoothly down the hill.  Billows of steam came out of the horse's nostrils with a soft puffing sound, and his hooves made a muffled clip, clop, clop as they met the new snow."
Recommended

12 Days of Christmas Picture Books - The Road to Bethlehem: An Ethiopian Nativity by Elizabeth Laird

It's Day 10 of our 12 Days of Christmas Picture Books series. Christmas excitement is at an all-time high around here, as we're feverishly counting down the last few days of our advent calendar and wondering when some presents are going to appear under the tree. Meanwhile, Santa and Mrs. Claus are trying to sneak in opportunities for gift-wrapping when our little elf is asleep - easier said than done as we no longer have the luxury of naptime for chores like these!

Today's pick is one for our fellow Ethiopian adoptive families. I ran across this book almost exactly a year ago, and have been excited to share it as part of this year's Christmas books countdown. For adoptive families looking for ways to keep their children connected to their heritage, understanding and appreciating the religious traditions in their child's birth country is essential. While there are several great children's books by and about Ethiopians, there aren't a whole lot that center around the Orthodox tradition in Ethiopia. It's a shame, really, because Ethiopia's connection with religious traditions (Christianity, Judaism and Islam) are fundamental to its identity as a nation.

So on to today's book -- The Road to Bethlehem: An Ethiopian Nativity by Elizabeth Laird. This book is special because it really reveals the unique heritage of the Christian church in Ethiopia, both through its text and through its illustrations. Laird takes her inspiration from the text from ancient manuscripts, many of which are reproduced in the paintings in the book. She takes the long view of the nativity story, telling us of the Holy Family's origins as well as what happens after Jesus's birth. Those more familiar with Western Christianity may find some aspects of the story are related differently, but there are many similarities here as well. And the artwork -- it's soulful and stirring, full of the details and colors that make Ethiopian art distinct from other religious iconography.

This is a long title and one that will be best shared with older children. I can see older adoptees in particular finding a conection with this title, both through the stories Laird tells and through the art that is included. Adoptive families may consider tracking down a copy (it's out of print, sadly, but you can find used copies through some sources) and making it part of their annual Christmas tradition. It's a wonderful bridge between cultures that honors all parts of the Christmas story.

The Road to Bethlehem: An Ethiopian Nativity by Elizabeth Laird, published by Henry Holt
Ages 6-12, or read to the whole family
Source: Library
Sample: "Mary grew to be full of grace. She was of medium height, with a face the color of ripe wheat. Her eyes were brown and bright, and her eyebrows black and arched. Her face was oval and her nose was long. She spoke clearly and fearlessly, and was seldon angry. She was simple, and humble, she wore plain, homespun clothes, and she listened to people when they talked to her."
Recommended

12 Days of Christmas Picture Books - Grace at Christmas by Mary Hoffman

It's Day 9 of our 12 Days of Christmas Picture Books series. Today's choice, like yesterday's, is part of a series. I've written before about the benefits of series books -- they help readers be drawn deeper into the lives of characters, they can be a powerful draw for reluctant readers who want to know more, and they satisfy young children's love for repetition (while providing parents another option rather than rereading the same book every night!). It can be especially hard to find series featuring characters of color, which is why I try to highlight good examples when they come up (see our Pinterest board for some we especially like).

Mary Hoffman's series begins with Amazing Grace, which has been recognized on a number of "best of" lists and has real staying power since it's still popular more than 20 years after its publication. Since then Hoffman has published a number of books in the series, including today's pick, Grace at Christmas. All are beautifully illustrated by husband-and-wife team Corneilus Van Wright & Ying-Hwa Hu, who capture Grace's humor and spirit in their snapshots of her world. I love that this is not only a multicultural series in terms of characters, but also in terms of contributors!

In this outing, our vivacious heroine is really looking forward to Christmas, and all the traditions that she has with her Ma and Nana. Unfortunately, though, Grace will have to share her holiday with Savannah, the granddaughter of her Nana's friend who isn't able to get home to Trinidad for Christmas. Grace is pretty put out by this, and she lets it be known -- but after reflecting on how much she misses her father, who is spending the holiday in Gambia with his new family, she decides maybe it's worth reaching out to Savannah after all. And in the process, Grace may just have the best Christmas ever (you'll have to read to see why).

Grace is an especially great character because she is *realistic*. In this volume, she's annoyed about sharing her Christmas, and Hoffman allows readers in on this, which makes Grace much more relatable. Instead of being some super-human who welcomes all strangers with an abundance of cheer, Grace learns that it's just as tough for Savannah, who feels like an outsider. And so the spirit of giving, which comes on Grace gradually, seems much more genuine to readers.

This title's a bit long, so best with older preschoolers and elementary ages. Kids who love drama and dress-up, like Grace does, will particularly enjoy this outing, and young ones who have family far away at the holidays will also find a lot to relate to. In Grace at Christmas, as with her other outings, Hoffman's Grace hits all the right notes.

Grace at Christmas by Mary Hoffman, published by Dial Books for Young Readers
Ages 4-8
Source: Library
Sample: "'We can't say "no room" at Christmastime, can we, Grace?' said Ma. / 'Christmas is a time for families,' said Nana. / Grace thought, But they aren't our family! I wish we had a stable for them. But she didn't say it."
Recommended

12 Days of Christmas Picture Books - How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas? by Jane Yolen

**Due to technical difficulties - this didn't publish last night. Which is OK, it just means you'll get 2 posts from us in 24 hours!**

It's Day 8 of our 12 Days of Christmas Picture Books series. Wow, where does the time go? Still so many awesome Christmas picture books we'd love to share. . . guess we'll get a jump on the project for next year! And remember, we'd love to hear what your favorite holiday reads are, whether they are for Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. You can leave a comment here, track me down on Facebook or Twitter, or shoot me an email with your suggestions!

Today's pick is one of Sprout's new favorites: Jane Yolen's How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas?. Yolen has a whole series of these How Do Dinosaurs books, and we've of course brought several home from the library because Sprout is nuts for them. Each one is not only fun and spirited, but teaches us a few more dinosaur names. Sprout has fun poring over the end papers and noting which dinosaurs appear where in the pictures, done by illustrator Mark Teague (look for the name of each dinosaur cleverly woven into the spread on which its picture appears). And as with each of the books, there's a little bit of a lesson embedded, though it's done with such wit and charm that it'll sneak right up on the kiddos.

It's really hard to separate the pictures and the text in these titles, and Merry Christmas is no exception. Much of the humor comes from the antics of the dinosaurs, and the way their outsized shenangans are depicted in the setting of a modern-day home. In this title, there's a lot of tearing up presents, shaking Christmas trees, and the like, all of which are so ridiculously over-the-top that they make Sprout laugh like crazy. And I love that Teague includes a multicultural cast of characters in all of these titles - proof again that it doesn't have to be a book about racial issues or set in a foreign land to show a little diversity! Thank you Jane Yolen and Mark Teague for that kind of sensitivity and thought.

On Christmas morning it may feel like a gigantoraptor has been frolicking through your living room, but take heart - if even a dinosaur can learn to use manners and express gratitude, so can your little sprout!

How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas? by Jane Yolen, published by Blue Sky Press
All ages
Source: Library
Sample: "On Christmas Eve, does a dinosaur sleep? Does he go up to bed without making a peep? / Or does he sneak out, just to check what's to see? / Does he rip open presents set under the tree?"
Recommended

12 Days of Christmas Picture Books - Everett Anderson's Christmas Coming by Lucille Clifton

It's Day 7 of our 12 Days of Christmas Picture Books Series. If you've missed any of the titles so far, click the "12 Days of Christmas Picture Books" tab above, which will take you to titles from this year and last year as well -- or you can check out our Christmas Favorites board on Pinterest for the whole list plus some other great finds!

Today's title is unfortunately another book that's older and out of print. Honestly I didn't set out to bring you so many great but hard-to-find reads. But the nature of publishing is a transitory one, and sadly many excellent multicultural titles just don't stay in print that long. (Another reason, I would argue, that we must vote with our dollars and purchase the wonderful titles by and about people of color as we find them.) So today's pick needs to go on your list for the library or maybe a used book hunt, all right?

And the book in question is Lucille Clifton's Everett Anderson's Christmas Coming. First off we were attracted to this title because it was illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist, who also illustrated one of our favorites from last year, Waiting for Christmas. Gilchrist comes through again with soulful, heartfelt pictures of Everett Anderson, a young African American boy who lives in a large housing complex in the city. I love how Gilchrist captures the urban landscape and imbues it with homey details, just right for the Christmas holiday.

But besides being fun to look at, Everett Anderson is a delightful read as well. This isn't the first title featuring this character -- Clifton has a whole series of Everett Anderson books that are well worth checking out -- but it's a good place to pick up the thread. Clifton structures the book as a countdown from December 20 to 25. Each day Everett has something else special to focus on, building his anticipation as the holiday nears. And when the big day comes, Everett and his family celebrate joyously.

This is a very nuanced portrayal of the complex feelings that can surround the holiday for many people, both children and adults. In amidst the fun parts, like bringing a big Christmas tree up in the building elevator, are the sad bits, like when Everett is missing his father. And that's reality, isn't it? As wonderful as the holiday can be, it's also very difficult at times, and I appreciate that Clifton's is one of the few books that acknowledges that fact.

For a title about family, love, and the growing excitement of the last few days before Christmas, Everett Anderson's Christmas Coming is just right.

Everett Anderson's Christmas Coming by Lucille Clifton, published by Henry Holt
Ages 4-7
Source: Library
Sample: "Everett Anderson / knows he should / be good / but it's the biggest ball, / he had to bounce it on the wall; / and when you climb on top the chair / you see the shelf and what's up there."
Recommended

12 Days of Christmas Picture Books - Under the Christmas Tree by Nikki Grimes

It's Day 6 of our 12 Days of Christmas Picture Books Series. Do you have your Christmas tree up yet? We've had ours up since Thanksgiving Weekend, which is I know crazy early for some people. But we LOVE the tree, love the holiday cheer it brings to the house on these long dark winter days. We not only put our tree up early, we leave it up until after the Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas holiday in early January. And I'm always sad to see the tree go, even when I'm ready to move on with the freshness of a new year.

Today's pick is a gorgeous effort by poet Nikki Grimes and illustrator Kadir Nelson, Under the Christmas Tree. This one is a bit unusual in that it isn't a story per se, but rather a collection of poems about the various aspects of the Christmas season. The subjects here are interesting, not your average fare, which makes them even more intriguing. I love the pieces that personify certain symbols of the Christmas tradition, like the poem that takes the point of view of the angel atop the tree ("She's happiest there / Poised for flight.").

Each poem comes vividly to life through Nelson's signature work, brilliant and bright and sentimental. It's really wonderful to see all these cozy scenes, peopled with brown-skinned characters, the visual representation of Grimes's jewel-like poems. The love and care of family, the spirit of the holiday season, the joy of giving, and the wonder of children are all here, and it's all perfectly captured in word and picture.

Perservere when you're looking for this one, as it's older and not easily available anymore, but definitely worth the hunt. This would be a great choice to share a bit at a time, as a family - there are 23 poems in this collection, so almost one per night of advent, though some are quite short. Of these pieces, some are simple, most are thought-provoking, all are lyrical, and just right for reading around the Christmas tree.

Under the Christmas Tree by Nikki Grimes, published by HarperCollins
All ages
Source: Library
Sample: Special Visitors: "One kissed my forehead / When he thought I was sleeping. / Yes! There are angels."
Recommended

12 Days of Christmas Picture Books - The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett

Welcome to Day 5 of our 12 Days of Christmas Picture Books series! Last night was super Christmasy around here, so now we're all in the mood of the holiday in a big way. First we painted our salt dough ornaments - for a not-so-crafty mom these came out pretty darn good, I must say. Then I made some hot chocolate, we snuggled down around the fireplace and watched Rudolph. Such a classic bit of Christmas viewing, straight from my childhood to Sprout's (and it warms my heart to see how much he loves it!).

Afterwards, though, we started talking a bit about reindeer and I realized that Sprout has really never read any books about them. Fortunately I'd already brought home what's probably the best Christmas book about reindeer ever, Jan Brett's The Wild Christmas Reindeer. As with many of Brett's books, this one has a decidedly Scandinavian flair, and since that's a part of the world we don't often read about, it's especially fascinating for Sprout. As expected, Sprout balked a bit at the unfamiliar names of the reindeer - coming on the heels of Rudolph, Brett's version seemed "wrong" -- but he liked the more realistic illustrations quite a lot.

The story is one that kids will identify with, as it captures the often tumultuous process of bringing order to the world of wild things (much like . Teeka is proud to be helping Santa with his reindeer this year, but it's a big job - she's got to find the reindeer, who've been running wild, and tame them enough that they can pull Santas sleigh. Determined to do a good job, Teeka's very firm. Unfortunately her attempt to get everyone in shape results in near disaster. -- and then Teeka's forced to admit that her way of getting things done, by yelling and pushing, isn't at all the best way.

While Sprout was dazzled by the illustrations in this book, the message of Brett's story really hit home for me as a mom. At this busy time of year, with so much to get accomplished, it's easy for me to let my temper run short, especially with my kiddo. But honestly, the best way to achieve my goals is to step back and remember to be patient. And then things will come together, just as they do with Teeka and the reindeer, for a beautiful, not-so-perfect holiday at last.

The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett, published by G.P. Putnam's Sons
Ages 3-7
Source: Library
Sample: "Tundra gave her the most trouble. Teeka didn't know that he considered himself the leader and was not used to being bossed around. He liked to stay next to Twilight, but she was separated from him and running near the front. When they got to the barn, Teeka put them in different stalls. Tundra snorted impatiently."
Recommended