Holiday Books For Kids

As Heard On Iowa Public Radio

This article is thanks to Janee Jackson-Doering, State Library Youth Services Consultant.  Janee recently appeared on Iowa Public Radio’s Talk of Iowa and shared some of her favorite holiday books for kids of all ages.

So if you’re looking to buy some new holiday books for your collection or looking for gifts for the kids on your list, start by reading through Janee’s picks for this season,  Then head to your favorite bookstore!  Today it’s picture books and early readers, next week’s Eye-Opener will include Janee’s favorites for middle grades and teens.

Picture Books

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? Written by Mac Barnett; Illustrated by Jon Klassen.  Mac asks readers “How does Santa fit himself down the chimney? Does he cinch up his waist? What if there’s no chimney?" These and other laugh out loud ideas are pondered as readers ask how does Santa fit in the chimney. Instant classic!

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!  Written/Illustrated by Mo Willems. Santa Claus asks the kids to not let the pigeon drive his sleigh, yet naughty Pigeon wants to drive it!  Once Pigeon sees a big brown reindeer, then he changes his tune and dreams about being the Easter bunny!

Mr. S. Written/Illustrated by Monica Arnaldo. The kindergarteners in Room 2B notice something strange on their first day of school. There’s no teacher in the classroom, just a mug of coffee, “an impressive-looking sandwich” and a name on the board: Mr. S.  And so, it begins as these kids learn the ABCs (A is for Avocado, B is for Bagel, C for Club Sandwich, etc.) This is quirky and fun! 

Early Readers

See The Ghost: Three Stories About Things You Cannot See.  Written by David LaRochelle; Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. Big laughs abound when the cat and the dog are dealing with a ghost they can’t see. Each chapter has simple, repetitive sentences, along with blue and yellow illustrations for the dog and cat, respectively.  A cute, funny and simple early reader for K-1st grade.

The Skull – A Tyro.lean Folktale Written/Illustrated by Jon Klassen. A young girl named Otilla runs away at night and stumbles upon an old house where a skull takes her in on the condition that she must promise to carry him. This book has Tim Burton-esque vibes that’s perfect for 2^nd-3^rd grades.  It’s the right amount of spooky in this retelling.

Cat on The Run in the Cat of Death.  Written/Illustrated by Aaron Blabey (Graphic Novel) Princess is a popular Internet cat sensation (and a diva) with tons of followers thanks to her hilarious cat videos. When filming her next video, an evil villain deliberately sends her the launch codes for nuclear weapons and she unknowingly becomes a criminal. Features zany illustrations and kid-humor, this is perfect for fans of the popular Bad Guys series!

Next week’s Eye-Opener will include Janee’s favorites
for middle grades and teens.

Purchase From PLA

From the Public Library Association comes a new Early Literacy Calendar for the new year.  This calendar has proven very popular with youth services librarians over the years because it includes 12 months of learning activities, including

- Curated book lists to inspire a love of reading

- Nursery rhymes and song lyrics to help with language development through music and verse

- Early literacy tips to guide parents and caregivers on building early literacy skills

- Suggested reading lists to help with selecting storytime books

Alongside these features, the Early Literacy Calendars also include customizable pages to add your library’s logo and contact information.  On one side of the page, find daily literacy activities; on the flip side, find nursery rhymes, song lyrics, and more.

PLA’s Early Literacy Calendar 2024 is available in both English and Spanish.  It’s a fun gift idea to share with parents and teachers, too.  The cost for PLA members is $26.99, the cost for non-PLA members is $29.99.  Order from the ALA Online Store at the button below, where you’ll find other fun bookish gift ideas like mugs, t-shirts, totes, and more. 

Click here to Read More Information About State Library of Iowa Monday Morning Eye-Opener - December 11, 2023