ERIC ED353197: Holidays. Instructional Media Advisory List.

12 Pages·1991·0.53 MB·English

by  ERIC

DOCUMENT RESUME
ED 353 197
SO 022 636
TITLE
Holidays. Instructional Media Advisory List.
INSTITUTION
North Carolina State Dept. of Public Instruction,
Raleigh. Div. of Media Evaluation Service.
PUB DATE
91
NOTE
12p.
PUB TYPE
Reference Materials
Bibliographies (131,
EDRS PRICE
MFO1 /PCO1 Plus Postage.
DESCRIPTORS
Annotated Bibliographies; Educational Resources;
Elementary Education; *Holidays; *Instructional
Material Evaluation; Preschool Education; *Social
Studies
ABSTRACT
This annotated bibliography is directed at teachers
of students in grades preK-6 and covers books about holidays. The
holidays for which materials are listed are: Christmas, Easter,
Halloween, Hanukkah, Passover, Purim, Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot,
Thanksgiving, and Valentine's Day. A directory of publishers from
whom these items are available is included.
(DB)
***********************************************************************
Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made
from the original document.
***********************************************************************
HOLIDAYS
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
()thee Of Educational ReSearCh and improvement
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION
CENTER (ERIC)
10 documnt nes been reproduced as
received from the person Or Organization
Originating if.
C Minor changes have been made to improve
reproduction quality
Points Of view Or 0OlotOns elated in this docu-
ment do not necessarily represent official
OERI Position or policy
REPRODUCE THIS
"PERMISSION TO
BY
BEEN GRANTED
MATERIAL HAS
RESOURCES
EDUCATIONAL
TO THE
(ERIC).-
INFORMATION CENTER
2
BEST COPY AMIABLE
P\11:14,10t
INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA
HOLIDAYS
441
.4,41
JULY, 1991
CURRICULUM
LINKING RESOURCES WITH NORTH CAROLINA
Crag), a heroine entrusted
Branley, Franklyn M. The Christ-
(Twilight,
with an important job, and a positive
mas Sky. 47 p. $14.89. Crowell,
Contents
lesson on helping as opposed to
1990. (ISBN 0-690-04772-X)
bossing makes The Wild Christmas
Grades 2-6
Christmas
Reindeer a wonderful tool to teach
1
A most attractive little book
young authors how to create new
Easter
5
introducing astronomical/scientific
tales by building on familiar ones.
conjecture about the date of Christ's
5
Halloween
Although children will enjoy hearing
birth, Branley's story emphasizes
7
Hanukkah
this story, they will want to read it
what we can deduce from the Bible's
for themselves in order to explore
7
Passover
clues, other ancient sources, and the
fully each detail-packed picture.
evidence of modern astronomy.
8
Purim
Stephen Fieser's illustrations in
Rosh Hashanah
8
The Christmas Story: Told Through
impressive, dark hues suggest grand
Paintings. 40 p. $16.95. Metro-
Sukkot
8
themes at work in the world as three
politan Museum of Art, 1990.
planets clustered to form a brilliant
Thanksgiving
8
(ISBN 0-15-200426-2) (Available
triangle in the constellation Pisces,
9
Valentine's Day
from Harcourt) Grades K-12
lighting the night sky over ancient
10
Directory
Using Renaissance paintings from
Judea. Fieser's sturdy shepherds and
New York's Metropolitan Museum
soft, folded hills contrast vivdly with
of Art and excerpts from the King
the great hall of Herod and the
James Version of the Gospels of St.
majestic drama overhtad. Branley
Luke and St. Matthew, Richard
narrates events with utmost reason
CHRISTMAS
Muhlberger (formerly the museum's
and patience, never seeking to
Vice Director for Education) pro-
supplant one set of convictions with
vides readers with a guided tour
another but allowing all to co-exist.
through this seasonal collection. His
A re-edition of the 1966 text, this
Ashley, Jill. Riddles About Christ-
conversational commentary for each
mas. (What Can It Be? Series)
update is enhanced by Fieser's
painting gives understandable
unp. $10.98. Silver Pr., 1990.
superb artwork.
information on the religious back-
(ISBN 0-671-70552-0) (Available
ground of the story behind it as well
Brett, Jan. The Wild Christmas
from Silver Burdett Pr.) Grades
as historical data on artists and their
Reindeer. unp. $14.95.. Putnam,
PreK-2
times. Occasionally, a segment is
A collection of rhymed riddles 1990. (ISBN 0-399-22192-1)
enlarged for special annotation, such
Grades K-3
describes Christmas symbols--e.g.,
as the tiny figure of Jesus holding a
Gorgeous, full-color illustrations
bells, angels, gingerbread people,
cross in Robert Campin's The
toys, presents, treesdepicted in
with an appropriate Scandinavian
Annunciation. A fine resource for
quality highlight this charming tale
bright, color photography. Each
social studies and art education
of young Teeka's problems readying
riddle appears in large print and
classes.
Santa's reindeer for their Christmas
concludes with the question, "What
Eve flight. Framed by Advent
am I?" To find out, readers turn the
Collington, Peter. On Christmas
calendar borders depicting elves at
page where an explanation accompa-
Eve. unp. $15.99. Random, 1990.
work and counting the days of
nies a photograph. These are all easy
(ISBN 0-679-90830-7) Grades
December, Brett's decorative,
to guess and should help to wile
PreK-3
double-page pictures amplify her
away time with the very youngest
Dedicated "to chimneyless children
conversational narrative. Use of
during the holiday season.
everywhere," this wordless picture
nontraditional names for the reindeer
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Media and Technology Services
Media Evaluation
Services
919-733-3929
Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
Bob Etheridge, State Superintendent
r-
- 2 -
July 1991
Holidays
classics ("Brer Rabbit's Christmas,"
uncluttered backgrounds, and the
book depicts a little girl's visit by
"Pinata Song"). A good resource for
dark-hued colors (like Carl) are the
fairies who light a landing path for
discussing American folk heritage
stuff of a child'sand an adult's
Santa to her chimneyless house.
and immigrant contributions to
best dog fancies. Go, Carl!
Marshaled by a beguiling chief fairy
holiday celebrations.
resembling the small girl of the
Delacre, Lulu, sel. Las Navidades:
house, a whole platoon of the tiny
Dickens, Charles. A Christmas
Popular Christmas Songs from
creatures works busily in a snowy
Carol. 60 p. $15.99. Random,
Latin America. 32 p. $12.95.
setting, attending to a multitude of
1990. (ISBN 0-394-92239-5)
Scholastic, Inc., 1990. (ISBN 0-
chores. In fact, the head fairy saves
Grades 3-6
590- 43548 -5) Grades 1-4
Santr from discovery when the child
Scott Cook illustrates Dickens'
Illustrator Lulu Delacre's attractive
awakens as he is filling her stocking,
immortal Christmas story in old-
pastel, paint, and colored-pencil
left in British fashion at the end of
fashioned, sepia-toned pictures
depictions of festive Central and
her bed. Collington has filled frame
burnished with flecks of gold and
South American people and land-
after frame with fairy activities, all
silver, creating an heirloom richness
scapes complement the twelve
colored with faint, gauzy delicacy.
that evokes the period art of hand-
Central and South American Christ-
The fairy cottage, snug in a snow-
some old leather-bound publications.
mas songs in Las Navidades. English
felted tree, provides a lovely final
The tale of that brusque miser,
translations accompany the Spanish
frame.
Ebenezer Scrooge, is abridged (by
lyrics in a side-by-side format while
the author) without loss for younger
music and guitar chords conclude the
Cusick, Dawn. A Scented Christ-
audiences, who will find the quaint,
text. Informative captions augment
mas. 112 p. $18.95. Sterling,
gold-toned darkness of Cook's
these chronologically-sequenced
1990. (ISBN 0-8069-7471-0)
illustrations as mysterious and
songs, describing the Christmas
Grades 5-12
satisfying as the wonderful Christmas
celebration as it progresses through
Dawn Cusick has gathered tips and
epiphany told by Dickens. Oversized
Epiphany. A multipurpose selection
helpful hints for making all sorts of
format and large printa fine
for second language, multicultural,
Christmas garlands, centerpieces,
storybook edition.
holiday, and music collections.
swags, wreaths, potpourris, and other
Bibliography.
fragrant holiday
Duncan, Beverly K., se!. Christmas
decorations and offers them with
in the Stable. 32 p. $14.95. Har-
Denton, Kady MacDonald. The
excellent instructions, fully illus-
court, 1990. (ISBN 0-15-217758-2)
Christmas Boot. nap. $12.45.
trated in Evan Bracken's color and
Grades PreK-6
Little, 1990. (ISBN 0-316-18091-2)
black-and-white photographs shot on
A collection of nineteen poems
Grades PreK -1
location at the Cladd'..gh Inn in
focuses on animals present at Jesus'
An enchanting picture book about a
Hendersonville, North Carolina. A
birth or, as in the case of "The
black boot filled with tiny toys,
handsome book, this how-to for
Canticle of the Bees," reflects the
children who believe it belongs to
Christmas enthusiasts is geared
perspective of an animal about the
Santa Claus, and their plan to return
toward formal arrangements, though
wondrous event. Celebrated are the
the boot to him by way of a chimney.
not necessarily large-scale ones,
traditional donkeys, cattle, camels,
Author/illustrator Kady MacDonald
incorporating a distinctively Victo-
doves, and sheep, but also such
Demon accompanies her easy-to-read
rian look. The opening chapter on
delightfully unexpected creatures as
text with lovely watercolor and
tools, materials, and basic project
a fawn, mice, spiders, a serpent, even
black-line drawings. Young children
instructions is excellent.
a ladybug. Children will love
will enjoy identifying all the little
Duncan's soft, glowing illustrations
toys which fall out of the boot. A
Day, Alexandra. Carl's Christmas.
depicting each animal in a stable all
major flaw is the book's poor
unp. $10.95. Farrar, 1990. (ISBN
aglow. Around each picture,
binding. Fine before or after
0-374-31114-5) Grades PreK-3
expansive borders conceal a mini-
Christmas read-aloud.
Once again Carl, Alexandra Day's
ature version of each creature within
handsome black Rottweiler, is the
busy, festive backdrops of holly,
Diane Goode's American Christmas.
focus of a wordless picture book as
mistletoe, and flowers. Poems by
80 p. $14.95. Dutton, 1990. (ISBN
he babysits at Christmastime for the
Elizabeth Coatsworth, Rumer
0-525-44620-6) Grades K-12
utterly forgettable human parents of
Godden, Phyllis McGinley, and Jane
A book for all ages, this attractive
a tiny toddler. This time the two
Yolen, among others, are gentle
collection of stories, poems, and
adventure through the city, the baby
tributes to the occasion and to the
songs '.iith a Christmas theme
astride Carl's sleek back, and on
creature.
features selections from different
their way win a Christmas basket
parts of the U. S.. periods of its
prize, donate its contents to the
Fradin, Dennis Brindell. Christ-
history, and multicultural traditions.
needy, join carolers, pick up another
mas. (Best Holiday Books) 48 p.
Diane Goode's festive, fell-page
canine friend, and get home just in
$12.95. Enslow Pubs., 1990. (ISBN
watercolors and cameos add new
time for Santa's visit. Of course
0-89490-258-X) Grades 2-4
dimensions to familiar favorites
none of it makes sense, but why
In this addition to the Best Holiday
("Silver Bells," "The Night Before
should it? The magnificently
Books series, Fradin provides readers
Christmas") and less well-known
realistic dog portraits, the simple,
4
July 1991
Holidays
3
-
-
ends well, however, and young
illustrations. Warm, lovely, sugges-
with a general introduction to
readers and viewers will love the
tive of long ago and faraway, this
Christmas followed by information
active, colorful illustrations so full of
book captures the beauty and
on its historical development, various
fascinating detail about a bear's
humanity of the season. A fine
traditions past and present, and
Christmas extravaganza.
addition to Christmas collections.
several classic carni.,.._ Black-and-
white and color illustrations and
Moore, Clement C. The Night
Harvey, Brett. My Prairie Christ-
photographs accompany the large-
Before Christmas. unp. $8.99.
mas. unp. $14.95. Holiday, 1990.
print, straightforward text. A useful
Random, 1990. (ISBN 0 -394-
(ISBN 0-8234-0827-2) Grades K-3
resource for student reports and class
92698-6) Grades PreK-3
Elenore's first Christmas on the
discussions. Glossary, index.
Cheryl Harness creates an old-
prairie is hardly like the sedate
fashioned, Victorian setting for the
Maine holidays of memory, for a
Gardam, Catharine. The Animals'
beloved Christmas Eve poem, replete
howling blizzard shrouds the little
Christmas. unp. $13.95. McEld-
with a darkened house sleeping under
cabin and, worse, Papa fails to return
erry Bks., 1990. (ISBN 0 -689-
its icycled, gingerbread trim,
from his Christmas tree expedition.
50502-7) Grades PreK-3
anticamassars on velvet-backed
Brett Harvey's pioneer story, teamed
Where have all the animals gone
chairs, a wonderful old upright piano,
with Deborah Kogan Ray's shivery
on Christmas Eve? The hens, baby
and draperies in beguiling folds at
illustrations in whites, sepia browns,
chicks, the dogs, the bull, Marigold
every window, all of it lit by the
afid glowing golds, produces a
the turkey, the sheep and rams, even
warm yellow glow from fancy,
compelling narrative with a strong,
Jackson the cat and her three little
fringed lamps. The jolly elf, de-
stoic mother, a bear of a winter
kittensall have disappeared.
scending with his frisky reindeer
storm, and a happy ending.
Catharine Gardam tells a spare,
against the backdrop of a huge moon,
simple story based on the Christmas
is satisfyingly rotund and twinkling.
Hines, Anna Grossnickle. The
legend that animals have voices on
A mouse (who does indeed stir) will
Secret Keeper. unp. $12.88.
Christmas Eve so that they can sing
intrigue young viewers whose eyes
Greenwillow, 1990. (ISBN 0 -688-
praise of the newborn Jesus. Gavin
will grow wide at this pictorial feast
08946.1) Grades K-1
Rowe's captivating, pen-and-
of color, light and dark, and painstak-
Young Joshua is unhappy because
watercolor illustrations offer tantaliz-
ingly, careful details.
everyone in his family is keeping
ing, detailed closeups of an English
Christmas secrets from him, but
village all abustle with Christmas
Moore, Clement Clarke. The Night
Joshua's grandmother shows him he
activities and, outside it, full,
Before Christmas. unp. $13.95.
is not too little to have secrets of his
panoramic views of a snowswept hill
Clarion Bks. '.990. (ISBN 0 -395-
own. Author/illustrator Hines
topped by a ruined old church where
53624-3) Grades PreK-1
combines delicate, chalk-textured
all the animals have gathered, their
Wendy Watson updates Moore's
pictures and easy-to-read narrative to
homely features lit by a holy radi-
classic poem with colorful, detail-
present this gentle holiday story. A
ance as they sing with the angels. A
packed, cartoon-like illustrations of .
good book for read-aloud and
lovely story, sure to entrance viewers
Christmas in a small, modern, snow-
discussion, The Secret Keeper
as well as readers.
covered village. Children will
depicts a wonderful, warm relation-
delight in identifying all the items in
ship between two different genera-
Good King Wenceslas. unp.
each cluttered, cozy picture. Watson
tions, empowers young children by
$14.95. Philomel Bks., 1990.
depicts Christmas at one particular
showing them what they can do to
(ISBN 0-399. 21620-0) Grades
house as a messy, happy affair. An
participate in the excitement and
PreK-3
entertaining stimulus for some lively
mystery of the holiday, and empha-
John Wanner illustrates the lovely
creative writing and artwork.
sizes that the best gifts are ones made
old carol about good King Wenceslas
by hand.
venturing from his palace into snow
Murphy, Shirley Rousseau. The
"deep and crisp and even," drawn to
Song of the Christmas Mouse. 87 p.
Kyte, Dennis. Merry Christmas,
follow an old peasant to his humble
$12.89. HarperCollins, 1990.
Bigelow Bear. unp. $14.99.
home against a forest fence. By his
(ISBN 0-06-024358-9) Grades 3-6
Doubleday, 1990. (ISBN 0 -385-
action, King Wenceslas came into
In this enchanting tale for Christ-
26523-9) Grades PreK-2
the presence of a saint. Braving a
mas, Shirley Rousseau Murphy shifts
Children besotted with toy trucks,
bitter winter world, Wallner's young
point of view between a magical,
cars, bikes, or the like will empathize
king, his red cape billowing out,
singing mouse; Rick, a young boy
with Bigelow Bear, whose best friend
bends protectively over his fright-
trying to trap her, and Hattie Lou,
011ie is a little yellow truck. Bige-
ened little page"Mark my foot-
Rick's trouble-making, seven-year-
low's room is rigged with all sorts of
steps, my good page, tread thou in
old cousin who's visiting for the
tunnels, ramps, bridges, and super
them boldly"as the two pilgrims
holidays. Donna Diamond's lovely,
highways for 011ie's delight. But
seek out the saintly old man. The
black-and-white drawings realisti-
when Bigelow's grandmother arrives
words of the Christmas carol appear
cally illustrate Murphy's flowing,
for Christmas, the little bear forgets
like narrative at the bottom of each
well-written narrative. In addition to
his yellow pal in the excitement of
full-page illustration. Musical score
sharing this seasonal story as a read-
the hour, and, oh, poor 011ie! All
with all five verses follows text and
5
BEST COPY AVAILABLE
July 1991
4
Holidays
-
-
4.11.1111111111=1
at a school's Career Day. Marilyn
writing activities in which students
aloud, teachers can use it to discuss
Hafner's colorful cartoons with
write their own story based on the
such science and guidance lessons as
conversation balloons and narrative
illustrations.
the need for wild animals to remain
captions are a wonderful complement
free, how animals survive in the
to Marjorie Weinman Sharmat's
Pryor, Bonnie. Merry Christmas,
winter, and ways to get along with
witty, easy-to-read prose. A humor-
Amanda and April. Illustrated by
people you do not like.
ous supplement to social studies units
Diane de Groat. unp. $13.88.
on careers, this book is more suitable
Morrow, 1990. (ISBN 0 -688-
The Nativity. 29 p. $13.88.
for independent reading than for
07545-2) Grades PreK-2
Lothrop, 1990. (ISBN 0.688-
whole-class read-aloud.
When Amanda and April, two
09871-1) Grades PreK-2
small pigs, are sent to the store by
Illustrator Juan Wijngaard's radiant
Stock, Catherine. Christmas Time.
their mother who needs several items
paintings augment the Nativity story,
unp. $11.95. Bradbury Pr., 1990.
to make a surprise for Santa, the little
which is told here through excerpts
(ISBN 0-02-788403-1) Grades
pig sisters have quite an eventful
from the King James version of the
PreK-1
journeymaking snow angels,
Gospels of St. Luke and St. Matthew
Soft, inviting watercolors present a
sledding down Monster Hill, retriev-
and the Book of Isaiah. His hand-
series of gentle holiday scenes in the
ing Amanda's new cap from the fork
some, Renaissance-style depictions
life of a little girl who helps select
of a tree, rescuing poor Mrs. Hound
face each page of text, their arched,
and decorate the family's Christmas
from snowball-throwing ruffians, and
gold-leaf borders suggesting cap-
tree, mails a letter to Santa Claus,
finally arriving at the store rather
tioned cathedral windows. A
helps bake cookies, sings carols with
confused about Mama's list. Was it
reverent rendering of this classic
friends, and finds a wonderful red
"flour" or "flowers" that she wanted?
story.
fire engineher special request
A pleasant little snowy day story, just
under the tree. A minimal text of
right for those eager for snow, Santa,
Nerlove, Miriam. Christmas. unp.
short, simple sentences and th.: small
and a softly colored picture book
$10.95. Whitman, 1990. (ISBN 0-
child's shy refusal to join children
about adorable piglets.
8075- 1148 -X) Grades PreK-2
lined up to talk to Santa in the store
A little girl helps her family
("too many people" and "too much
Sachs, Betsy. The Trouble with
celebrate Christmas at home and at
noise") make this one an ideal choice
Santa. (Stepping Stone Books) 62
church in Miriam Nerlove's pleas-
for prekindergarteners and kindergar-
p. $6.99 (ISBN 0-679-90410-7).
ingly symmetrical drawings of a city
teners.
$2.50 paper (ISBN 0-679-80410-2).
family during the holidays. In soft
Random, 1990. Grades 2-4
watercolor and pen-and-ink illustra-
Tornqvist, Rita. The Christmas
Billy Getten is not looking forward
tions as pudgy and appealing as
Carp. Translated from the Swedish
to being Kris Kringle in the class
Santa himself, the family decorates
by Greta Kilburn. 32 p. $13.95.
Christmas play. A Stepping Stone
and wraps, bakes and sings. The
R&S Bks., 1990. (ISBN 91 -29-
Book with Margot Apple's realistic,
conclusion recounts the birth of Jesus
59784-6) (Available from Farrar)
black-and-white illustrations, The
in a manger, putting secular festivi-
Grades 1-4
Trouble with Santa incorporates
ties in their religious and historical
In Prague where Thomas spends
information about various multicultu-
context. A simple narrative just right
Christmas with his widowed grandfa-
ral winter celebrations and holiday
for read-aloud and for beginning
ther, a fish, the carp, is the honored
figures into its easy-to-read narrative.
readers eager to explore Christmas
dish rather than a turkey or goose.
Teachers and media coordinators
books.
But when Thomas chooses a huge
need to know before reading this
carp at the fish market, he becomes
warm, humorous story aloud that
Pilkington, Brian. Grandpa Claus.
immediately protective of the live
Billy knows there is no "man in a red
unp. $12.95. Carolrhoda Bks.,
creature, naming it Peppo and putting
suit at the North Pole," which his
1990. (ISBN 0-87614-436.9)
it in a bathtub of water on which he
Grandpa Stewie confirms. However,
Grades 2-5
floats walnut boats lit with little
through a series of events, Billy
At the mall during the Christmas
candles. Translated from the
realizes that Santa is a symbol for the
season, Harry may be "the best Santa
Swedish, the story is lovingly
Christmas spirit.
impersonator there ever was," but he
illustrated by Marit Tornqvist in
has trouble filling his days during the
detailed pastels showing a Prague of
Sharmat, Marjorie Weinman. I'm
rest of the year. Brian Pilkington's
quaint, quiet customs and a grandfa-
Santa Claus and I'm Famous. unp.
text may be straightforward narra-
ther of unusual sensitivity toward his
$14.95. Holiday, 1990. (ISBN 0-
tive, but the author/illustrator's
lonely little companion. The
8234- 0826 -4) Grades K-4
ingenious watercolor drawings are
Christmas message is unsentimen-
In this clever, whimsical book,
laugh-out-loud depictions of
tally conveyed, and the conventional
young readers are treated to a
Grandpa Santa's activities through
symbol of Christa very special
humorous biography of Santa Claus
the seasons. Although one picture of
fishbecomes more than symbol.
in which the current holder of this
may cause a
Santa in the shol,,
job describes his training for students
problem, this book ,ould be a
wonderful resource for creative
6
5 -
July 1991
Holidays
-
Tarlow, Nora. An Easter Alphabet.
through events associated with the
Trent, Robbie. The First Christ-
unp. $15.95. Putnam, 1991.
birth of Jesus, all of it lavishly
mas. unp. $9.89. Harper Collins,
(ISBN 0. 399-22194-8) Grades
illustrated by Elisa Kleven in rich,
1990. (ISBN 0.06-026166-8)
PreK-1
stylized, full-paged panels against
Grades PreK-1
Nora Tarlow leads us on a senti-
softly starred backgrounds. The
In this reissue of a 1948 edition,
mental journey through spring and
colors are wonderful, the tapestried
Robbie Trent combines simple verse
Easter illustrations decorating turn-
scenes inviting, and the alphabet
with Marc Simont's appealing
of-the-century and early twentieth-
appropriately Christmas-centered:
illustrations to retell the story of The
century postcards and magazine
"S is for Stable and Star, and for
First Christmas. This volume's
covers in this alphabetical tribute to
Story / Of animals, angels, manger,
small size, few pages, and large print
events surrounding Easter. Quaint,
and glory." Children will love the
make it especially inviting for
charming commercial art by Kate
brilliant colors and busy details spun
beginning readers. Concluding the
Greenaway, Bessie Collins Pease,
out in radiant, simple dignity.
easy-to-read text are lyrics to the
Mary La Fetra Russell, and the ever
familiar "Away in a Manger."
durable "Anonymous" features
EASTER
daffodils, smocked dresses, bonnets,
Tyler, Linda Wagner. The After-
bunnies, and baskets galore. Nice
Christmas Tree. imp. $12.95.
rhymes"I for Indoors, after egg-
Viking Penguin, 1990. (ISBN 0-
hunting ends" and "J for the Joy we
Ashley, Jill. Riddles About Easter.
670- 83045 -3) Grades PreK-2
share with our friends." An appeal-
(What Can It Be? Series) unp.
In easy-to-read, first- person
ing specialty book, perhaps for the
$10.98. Silver Pr., 1991. (ISBN 0-
narrative, a child tells how family
library that has everything.
671- 72726.5) (Available from
and friends extend the life of their
Silver Burdett Pr.) Grades PreK-2
Christmas tree beyond New Year's
In short, descriptive rhymes,
Day by having a tree-trimming party
riddles about Easter test younger
and creating edible ornaments for
HALLOWEEN
children's familiarity with such
wild birds and other backyard
symbols as decorated eggs, bunnies,
animals. Illustrator Susan Davis
lilies, church choirs, and egg hunts.
contributes clever, detailed watercol-
Bunting, Eve. In the Haunted
Sharp color photography accompa-
ors to depict joys of the season and to
House. unp. $13.95. Clarion Bks.,
nies brief explanations of the origin
show young readers how to make the
1990. (ISBN 0-395-51589-0)
of each symbol. This collection is a
ornaments. A lovely book to discuss
Grades K-3
pleasant diversion for Raster-minded
after-Christmas feelings and wildlife
Surprises and good humor abound
folks and may well inspire similar
survival during winter months.
in this tour of a Halloween haunted
rhymes and pictures after a read-
house by two pairs of sneakers,
Westman, Barbara. The Day
aloud.
whose owners are not revealed until
Before Christmas: A Story of
the last line of Eve Bunting's
Stock, Catherine. Easter Surprise.
Charlotte and Emilio. unp. $14.89.
delightful narrative in rhyming
unp. $11.95. Bradbury Pr., 1991.
HarperCollins, 1990. (ISBN 0 -06-
couplets. More than one reading
(ISBN 0-02-788371-X) Grades
026429-2) Grades PreK-2
may be necessary to point out clues
PreK-1
Such blues, such reds, and such
illustrator Susan Meddaugh has
Catherine Stock's soft, glowing
greens as you've never seen fill this
placed in her delightful pencil and
watercolors in muted blues, greens,
little book about springer spaniel
watercolor scenes to suggest the true
yellows, and pinks tell a simple story
Charlotte and her impish little
nature of this house "where the scary
of a little ^inl and her older brother
brother Emilio as they celebrate
ones hide." Children will love the
Max who Li ..vel to a lake cabin for
Christmas in a wonderful dog
ending in which the older brother is
the Faster holiday. At Stocking Heel
village. Westman's opaque paint
the one frightened by what he sees in
Lake, the children decorate eggs, ride
makes every page a polished present
the house, not his little sister. A
in a rowboat, and discover surprises
fit for Christmas Day. The two
wonderful read-aloud for holiday fun
left them by the Easter Bunny,
young pups cavort and caper through
and for teaching young students how
including a pink toy mouse for their
the traditional festivities, Charlotte
to use humor and rhyme in their
kitty, Rhubarb. Typical of Catherine
always earnest, Emilio always
stories.
Stock's easy little narratives, this
orbiting nearby. Fun and bright, as
gentle, low-keyed text is sensitive
cheerful as a Christmas fireplace.
Cohen, Miriam. The Real-Skin
toward smaller children's anxieties,
Rubber Monster Mask. unp.
in this case the younger child's
Wilner, Isabel. B Is for Bethlehem:
$12.88. Greenwillow, 1990. (ISBN
slower discovery of the hidden treats.
A Christmas Alphabet. unp.
0-688-09123-7) Grades K-2
A fine read-aloud/picture book for
$12.95. Dutton, 1990. (ISBN 0-
A Halloween addition to author
smaller ones.
525- 44622.2) Grades PreK-3
Miriam Cohen and illustrator Lillian
A collection of rhyming couplets
Hoban's series about the adventures
introduces the letters of the alphabet
- 6 -
July 1991
Holidays
coordinators may find this tale too
Halloween scenes. Teachers and
of a multicultural class of friends,
scary for some first graders, but it fits
media coordinators can use this
this sensitive story deals realistically
the bill for those who enjoy ghost
nonscary book with small groups, but
with children's fears and feelings.
stories at Halloween.
its format saggests restricted circula-
Second-grader Jim buys a truly scary
tion to insure longevity.
mask to use for trick-or-treating this
Kraft, Jim. Wade's Haunted
year, but when he frightens himself
Halloween. unp. $2.50 paper.
Guthrie, Donna. The Witch Has an
with it, his Halloween fun is almost
Bantam, 1990. (ISBN 0. 553.34931-
Itch. unp. $2.25 paper. S&S,
ruined. Cohen's sympathetic text
7) Grades K-3
1990. (ISBN 0. 671-70346-3)
and Hoban's playful illustrations
Using barnyard characters from the
Grades K-2
work well together. Good read-aloud
Saturday morning cartoon series U.
When wicked witch Gromelda
resource to begin discussion about
S. Acres, Jim Kraft builds a satisfy-
develops an allergy to evil magic,
how children can help each other
ing tale about the importance of
she slowly realizes that she will have
with their problems.
keeping promises which incorporates
to change her reputation "starting
details explaining Halloween's
from scratch." Donna Guthrie's
Fox, Mem. Guess What? unp.
history and customs. As a seasonal
clever narrative contains alliterative
$13.95. Harcourt, 1990. (ISBN 0-
read-aloud or high - interest selection
rhymes to chronicle the progress of
15- 200452 -1) Grades 2.5
for reluctant readers, this amusing
Gromelda's itch. Katy Keck Am-
Through a series of rhyming
story with its appealing illustrations
steen's colorful illustrations are
questions and answers and Vivienne
can also precede a class discussion
pleasant, not scary. Teachers can use
Goodman's incredible surrealistic
about children's fears and how to
this story to inspire Halloween
paintings, readers discover that "a
deal with them. A flaw is the book's
poems and to discuss changing bad
crazy lady called Daisy O'Grady" is
paperback binding.
reputations to good ones.
a witch. At once bizarre and witty,
this picture book may be too intense
Kroll, Steven. Branigan's Cat and
Hiser, Constance. Ghosts in Fourth
for the youngest visitors to elemen-
the Halloween Ghost. unp. $14.95.
Grade. 68 p. $13.95. Holiday,
tary school libraries. But older
Holiday, 1990. (ISBN 0. 8234 -0822-
1991. (ISBN 0-8234-0865-5)
readers (and adults) will get a kick
1) Grades K-2
Grades 3-5
out of discovering all the humor and
Carolyn Ewing's detail-packed
On Halloween James and his
horror Goodman has packed into her
watercolors evoke a wonderful
friends decide to rig the deserted old
quirky, Norman Rockwellesque
folktale quality in Steven Kroll's
Hathaway place to resemble a
portraits.
story about Branigan the woodcutter,
haunted house and scare the class
his black cat Llewellyn, and fantastic
bully into submission. But their
Friskey, Margaret. The Perky
adventures on Halloween night. A
project backfires--or so it seems at
Little Pumpkin: A Haliween Story.
gentle cat feared by townspeople
first. Having overheard their
31 p. $13.27. Childrens, 100.
because of his frightening appear-
scheming, Mean Mitchell terrorizes
(ISBN 0.516-03564-9) Grades
ance, heroic Llewellyn earns their
the whole gang that night until he
PreK-1
gratitude by ridding the town of
flees in panic when James appears in
In a simple story for children just
Martin Grimes' ghost. Teachers can
his glow-in-the-dark, Dracula
beginning to love Halloween
use this book not only as a nonthreat-
makeup. This is easy, innocent
symbols and activities, Margaret
ening ghost story for Halloween but
Halloween fare with an unredeemed
Friskey introduces a perky little
also to discuss its obvious theme of
bad boy in the person of Mean
pumpkin eager to become a jack -o'-
"you can't judge a book by its
Mitchellno sappy, cloying ending
lantern and scare Halloween revelers.
cover."
here. Just the thing for October 31 or
After being bought and carved into a
thereabouts. Black-and-white line
fierce and scowling jack-o'-lantern,
McAllister, Angela. Nesta, The
drawings by Cat Bowman Smith.
however, the little pumpkin seems
Little Witch. unp. $12.95. Viking
destined to sit in lonely splendor on
Penguin, 1990. (ISBN 0- 670 - 83376-
Johnston, Tony. The Soup Bone.
the fence post, not fled from in fright
2) Grades K-2
unp. $12.95. Harcourt, 1990.
by all the costumed children.
Although her classmates at the
(ISBN 0-15-277255-3) Grades 1-3
Unscary watercolors by Tom
School for Spells can't master the
Tony Johnston's use of alliteration
Dunnington in predominant orange,
simplest incantation, Nesta's hard
and repetition in his text and Margot
black, and blues are geared toward
work and practice enable her to excel
Tomes' earth-toned, witty illustra-
the younger set of preschoolers.
at witchcraftto the envy of her
tions evoke a peasant folktale quality
wicked teachers, Windbag Wartnose
in this story of an old woman's
Gardner, Beau. Wh000's a Fright
and Morag the Hag. Along with the
adventures with a skeleton on
on Halloween Night? unp. $10.95.
fun of spells gone wrong and evil
Halloween night. Although surprises
Putnam, 1990. (ISBN 0- 399 - 22212-
schemes thwarted, this delightfully
and fun are evident in this tale, the
X) Grade PreK
humorous and imaginative story
skeleton character is no nonthreaten-
This pull-the-tab and soin -about
sneaks in a few morals (jealousy and
ing Mickey Mouse cartoon but a
book combines a brief text of
dirty tricks get punished, hard work
rather realistic depiction of a human
rhyming couplets with simple,
is rewarded, parents should support
being's bones. Teachers and media
cutout-style artwork depicting
8
July 1991
Holidays
7
-
-
111111111111.
sented through symbolic items like
which it is celebrated. Large print,
their children's interests). Susie
the menorah, latkes, the dreidel,
easy-to-read text, and ample black-
Jenkins-Pearce's whimsical watercol-
chocolate coins (gelt), and the Star of
and-white and color photographs and
ors and McAllister's musical prose
David. Full-color photographs depict
illustrations make this selection a
integrating rhyme and alliteration
each riddle's answer on the page
good one for student reports and
make this a wonderful read-aloud as
following the verbal description
class discussions. Glossary, index.
well as stimulus for young writers
along with an historic explanation of
and artists to create their own spells
the symbol's Hanukkah significance.
Kimmel, Eric A. The Chanukkah
and to depict the results.
Families are featured in many
Guest. unp. $14.95. Holiday,
photographs, smiling and enjoying
1990. (ISBN 0-8234-0788-8)
Stock, Catherine. Halloween
the celebration.
Monster. unp. $11.95. Bradbury
Grades K-3
In this entertaining story with
Pr., 1990. (ISBN 0-02-788404-X)
Schotter, Roni. Hanukkah! unp.
folktale overtones, ninety-seven-
Grades PreK-1
$13.95. Little, 1990. (ISBN 0 -316-
year-old Bubba Brayna mistakes a
After Tommy is reassured by his
77466-9) Grades PreK-2
bear for the village rabbi and shares
mother that there are no monsters or
A family celebrates Hanukkah in a
her first night of Hanukkah (Kimmel
witches ("just little children all
festive, colorful picture book
spells it Chanukkah) with him.
dressed up"), he decides to become a
depicting high moments of the
Kimmel draws readers into this
Halloween monster himself. When
Jewish holiday. Five children, their
improbable premise by carefully
his friend Billy, costumed as a fierce
parents, and grandmother bustle
explaining that the dear woman does
pirate, reminds Tommy that he's
about the warm, cozy house as
not "hear or see as well as she used
supposed to be afraid to go out trick-
Grandma lights the last menorah
to" and proceeds to create a very
or-treating, the bold new monster
candle, Sam shapes a dreydel, Nora
funny dialogue between woman and
replies, "Tommy didn't want to go.
and Dan fry latkes, Ruthie paints
beast. Giora Carmi's earth-toned
But I do." Catherine Stock's
decorations, and Moe the baby tries
illustrations have a charming, Old
reassuring watercolors, especially the
throughout the story to say "Hanuk-
World peasant quality. A good
treat-decorated end papers, will
kah"finally doing so at the end. A
multicultural resource to stimulate
please all fledgling monsters.
happy, fun-filled event highlighted
children to create their own holiday
by Marilyn Hafner's bright, detailed
folktales.
HANUKKAH
watercolors captures a close family
involved with their religious tradi-
Manushkin, Fran. Latkes and
tions. This little book will educate
Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story.
and amuse simultaneously. A short
unp. $12.95. Scholastic Inc., 1990.
Chaikin, Miriam. Hanukkah. unp.
concluding explanation reviews the
(ISBN 0-590-42261-8) Grades K-3
$14.95. Holiday, 1990. (ISBN 0-
history of Hanukkah and defines
Fran Manushkin's poetic prose and
8234- 0316 -7) Grades Pre-K-2
associated terms.
Robin Spowart's soft chalk illustra-
In simple, easy-to-follow prose,
tions evoke a Russian folktale quality
Miriam Chaikin recounts the history
in this story of a family caught in a
of Hanukkah and describes how
PASSOVER
blizzard during the eight days of
Jewish families celebrate it. Al-
Hanukkah. An exuberant text
though aimed at very young readers,
incorporates features of the holiday
her text includes many informative
Poskanzer, Susan Cornell. Riddles
celebration which concluding pages
details, such as dates and definitions
About Passover. (What Can It Be?
explain in more detail (brief history
(Maccabee, lathe). Unaccountably,
Series) unp. $10.98. Silver Pr.,
of the holiday, recipe for latkes,
however, she omits the death of
1991. (ISBN 0-671-72724-9)
directions for playing dreidel).
Mattathias and the role of his son,
(Available from Silver Burdett Pr.)
Children will be intrigued by the use
Judah the Maccabee, in Jerusalem's
Grades PreK-2
of upside down question marks in the
liberation. Ellen Weiss's pen-and-
In rhymed-riddle format, this
print. Unhappily, the binding is
ink, pastel drawings amplify the text
collection of Passover history and
poor. Otherwise, this book is a
with interesting details (e.g. the
symbols asks children to identify the
charming addition to holiday and
elephants used by Antiochus' army).
ancient emblems of the occasion
multicultural collections. Brief
A pleasant, introductory picture book
when God "passed over" the houses
bibliography.
to explain this holiday.
of the Jews and punished Pharoah's
Egypt with ten terrible plagues for
Poskanzer, Susan Cornell. Riddles
Fradin, Dennis Brindell. Hanuk-
keeping the Jews in bondage.
About Hanukkah. (What Can It
kah. (Best Holiday Books) 48 p.
Described and pictured are the Red
Be? Series) unp. $10.98. Silver
$12.95. Enslow Pubs., 1990. (ISBN
Sea, locusts, a seder feast, and a
Pr., 1990. (ISBN 0-671-70553-9)
0-89490-259-8) Grades 2-4
lovely Elijah's cup, among other
(Available from Silver Burdett Pr.)
Another addition to the F esi
relaic.td symbols. This riddle collec-
Grades PreK-2
Holiday Books series, Hanukkah
tion knits the story together as it asks
A collection of rhyming riddles
introduces young readers to the
and answers questions, sustaining a
queries young audiences about the
Jewish people, the history and
narrative thread for those less
traditions of Hanukkah as repre-
traditions of this holiday, and ways in
familiar with the Jewish ritual.
BEST COPY AVAILABLE
9"
July 1991
Holidays
-
-
8
parents' restaurant, she finds to her
[-SUKKOT]
PURIM
dismay that she has traded a busy
holiday for a chaotic, screwball one.
Robin Kramer's humorous watercol-
ors augment the wacky mayhem in
Zalben, Jane Breskin. Leo and
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. Cakes
Margery Cuyler's easy-to-read
Blossom's Sukkah. unp. $13.95.
and Miracles: A Purim Tale. unp.
narrative. A wonderfully offbeat
H. Holt & Co., 1990. (ISBN 0-
$13.95. Viking Penguin, 1991.
story to stimulate students to create
8050- 1226 -5) Grades PreK-2
(ISBN 0-670-83047-X) Grades K-3
their own tumultuous variations on
Two little bears, Leo and Blossom,
Blind Hershel longs to help his
the traditional holiday family
help their family celebrate Sukkot by
widowed mother make hamantashen,
gathering.
building their own sukkah, or hut,
the traditional Purim pastry, to sell at
and decorating it with fruit, vege-
market, but his mother says bluntly
Hayward, Linda. The First
tables, and leaves in a project beset
that a person "needs eyes to shape
Thanksgiving. (Step into Reading
by trouble when Leo can't resist
the dough." As Hershel sleeps, an
Series) 48 p. $6.99 (ISBN 0 -679-
snatching an apple and upsetting the
angel comes to him in a dream and
90218-X). $2.95 paper (ISBN 0-
little h'it. But the bear parents help
urges, "Make what you see." And,
679- 80218.5) Random, 1990.
the little ones build a sturdier sukkah.
"You see when you close your eyes.
Grades 1-3
This simple introduction to the
You see in your dreams." Thus it is
A Step 2 Book of the Random
Jewish festival is beautiful with color
that blind Hershel makes magnificent
House Step into Reading series
and animated by the small bears'
Purim cookies out of the
provides an authentic introduction in
pranks against a richly decorative
hanumtashen dough, his mother and
text and drawings to the Pilgrims'
sukkah.
he become the toast of the village,
first Thanksgiving for beginning
and Hershelwho heretofore had to
readers with basic vocabulary.
content himself with making moun-
THANKSGIVING
Excellent watercolors by James
tains, caves, and tunnels out of the
Watling fill the pages with details of
cool river mudis assured of a
the famous voyage and settlement,
career as a baker when he grows up.
Child, Lydia Maria. Over the River
including a cutaway of the May-
Erika Weihs illustrates these plucky
flower showing its interior structure
and Through the Wood. unp. $3.95
villagers in primitive, plain lines and
from top to bottom with passengers
paper. Scholastic Inc., 1987.
soft colors befitting their hard but
gathered and goods loaded. The
(ISBN 0.590-41190-X) Grades
inspired lives.
contributions of Samoset, Squanto,
PreK-6
and Massasoit to the Pilgrims'
Brinton Turkle illustrates Lydia
ROSH HASHANAH
survival and the participation of the
Maria Child's classic Thanksgiving
Indians in the first great feast of
poem in double-page, scenic sweeps
thanksgiving are recorded. A good
of color alternating with soft, pencil
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. The
historical account.
cameos of a nineteenth-century
American family on the great feast
World's Birthday: A Rosh Hasha-
Hoban, Lillian. Silly Tilly's
nah Story. unp. $13.95. Harcourt,
day. Busy, colorful scenes of the
Thanksgiving Dinner. (I Can Read
sleigh ride depict an eager family
1990. (ISBN 0-15-299648-6)
Books) 63 p. $11.89. Harper-
Grades K-3
passing through snowbound town and
Collins, 1990. (ISBN 0-06- 022423-
woods, and pencil illustrations
Because Daniel understands Rosh
1) Grades K-2
portray the activities at Grand-
Hashanah as a celebration of the
Silly Tilly Mole is at it again, still
mother's house as the old folks set
sixth day of Creation, he decides to
"forgetting to remember" what she
the table, roll out pies, and watch at
have a birthday party for the world
plans to do. Inviting Mr. Bunny to
the window. The poem's words
complete with guests, cake, and
her home for Thanksgiving dinner,
provide the text, reappearing at the
candles. Goldin's easy-to-read text
she hands him what she thinks are
end with the simple musical score. A
and Jeanette Winter's colorful
invitations for other forest creatures
fitting touch of Currier and Ives
illustrations incorporate information
of her acquaintance. Alas, silly
about the holiday which is aug-
glows throughout.
Tilly, she has given Mr. Bunny each
mented on a concluding page. A
animal's favorite recipe (which she
Cuyler, Margery. Daisy's Crazy
major flaw of this book is its very
had planned to make). All ends well,
Thanksgiving. unp. $14.95. H.
poor binding. Otherwise, this title is
however, when Mr. Woodchuck,
Holt & Co., 1990. (ISBN 0 -8050-
a nice addition to holiday and
Mrs. Squirrel, Mrs. Fieldmouse, and
0559-5) Grades 2-4
multicultural collections.
the rest show up, bearing their dishes
Although Daisy wants to spend
for a grand Thanksgiving feast at
Thanksgiving with her grandparents
Tilly's place. Bright, cheerful
to escape the hectic bustle of her
illustrations.
A.