Sources: Phil Nel 785-532-2165, philnel@k-state.edu
Anne Phillips, 785-532-2167, annek@k-state.edu
Naomi Wood, 785-532-2159, njwood@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Danya Morris, 785-532-6415

Monday, November 17, 2003

HOLIDAY BOOKS FOR EVERY FAMILY

MANHATTAN -- As the temperature drops and winter enters our lives, we remember holidays past. For many, these memories include beloved books like "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" or "The Night Before Christmas." Many parents may be searching for new books to share with their children to begin similar traditions.

Phil Nel, assistant professor of English at Kansas State University, said bringing out holiday-related books for reading every year is a terrific tradition to introduce. When selecting books for children, Nel recommends stories that do not talk down or condescend.

"The best books treat their readers like intelligent people and operate on more than one level," Nel said. "They can be enjoyed by adults and children."

He suggested choosing books appropriate for every member of the family. "The Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg is among his collection and was a 1986 Caldecott Award winner. He said this is a suitable book for all ages because it's a story about belief and losing the innocence of childhood. "Snowflake Bentley" by Jacqueline Briggs Martin with illustrations by Mary Azarian is also a great selection, Nel said. This book examines the first photograph taken of a snowflake.

Anne Phillips, associate professor of English at K-State, cited "The Twelve Days of Christmas" by Hilary Knight as a pleasant holiday read for various ages.

"It explores a new way of looking at an old story," she said.

Phillips also encouraged families to try "The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey" by Susan Wojciechowski with illustrations by P.J. Lynch and "A Christmas Memory" by Truman Capote. For families looking to form new traditions of their own, Phillips suggested Madeleine L'Engle's "The 24 Days Before Christmas" to draw ideas from. The book discusses a different activity for each of the 24 days leading to Christmas.

While images of Santa Claus and the nativity may come to mind when the holiday season approaches, there are many traditions celebrated by people from all over the globe.

"The season is not just about Christmas," said Naomi Wood, associate professor of English at K-State. "So many cultures have significant festivals of lights at this time of year."

Among the most widely celebrated is Kwanzaa, the African-American and Pan-African holiday celebrating family, community and culture, Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. Books recognizing this occasion are "It's Kwanzaa Time," a collection of folk tales and nonfiction stories by Linda Goss, "Seven Candles for Kwanzaa" by Andrea Davis Pinkey and "The Gifts of Kwanzaa" by Synthia Saint James.

Many people recognize the Hindu ritual of Diwali, meaning "row of lights." To help children understand the meaning of this event, parents can select books that explain the purpose of Diwali. "Diwali" by Chris Deshpande includes bright photographs and informative text for younger readers. "Lights for Gita" by Rachna Gilmore and "Ravi's Diwali Surprise" by Anisha Kacker are both works of fiction written for children. If a child is especially drawn to books with striking illustration, "Rama and the Demon King" by Jessica Souhami is an excellent selection.

The eight-day Jewish celebration of Hanukkah is honored in several books for children. "How I Saved Hanukkah" by Amy Goldman Koss is the story of a secularized Jewish family's daughter trying to celebrate Hanukkah. Erik Kimmel's "Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins" is the retelling of a folk tale about a clever man who outwits goblins to enable villagers to once again observe Hanukkah. "Benni's Family Treasury: Stories for the Jewish Holidays" by Jane Breskin Zalken and "Moishe's Miracle: A Hanukkah Story" were also mentioned for Hanukkah reading.

Different ethnic groups have special holiday traditions shared in children's literature, also.

The African-American commemoration of Christmas is recognized in Virginia Mixson Geraty's book "Gullah Night Before Christmas." Charlamae Hill Rollins' edition of "Christmas Gif': An Anthology of Christmas Poems, Songs and Stories Written By and About African-Americans" is a collection of works contributed by important African-American writers.

Perhaps the most widely-celebrated holiday in Asia is the Chinese New Year. This day is filled with centuries-old traditions and festivities. Books taking a look into the customs of the Chinese New Year include, "Sam and the Lucky Money" by Karen Chinn, "The Runaway Rice Cake" by Ying Chang Compestine and "Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats: A Treasury of Chinese Holiday Tales, Activities & Recipes" by Nina Simonds and Leslie Swartz.

Whatever you choose, reading is a holiday tradition all families can share.

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