Picture Book Saturday (02)

With the holidays coming up very quickly, I wanted to share two beautiful Christmas themed picture books that have come across my desk lately along with a simply rollicking Hanukkah holiday book. These would make beautiful books for any young reader and out of all the new holiday books that I have seen lately, these are easily my favorites.

Lighthouse Christmas by Toni Buzzeo, with illustrations by Nancy Carpenter, is one of the most original and interesting holiday picture books I have read in a long time. The illustrations evoke a truly old-fashioned time period, where all the hullabaloo of Christmas did not turn towards the commercial, but rather, the caring and kindness towards others. It shows a family making do with very little, as they make sure that the lighthouse stays lit. It is a great discussion story because kids will want to know more about the Flying Santa Service and how it is still being used today. Plus, this book dips into the holiday spirit without getting too saccharine or schmaltzy. There is a nice story here that is only complemented by the ideas of giving of oneself over the holiday season. I fell in love with the illustrations of Pete and Frances and their cat and I think many others will too.

One Starry Night by Lauren Thompson, illustrated by Jonathan Bean. This book is utterly gorgeous. From the simple story telling to the wonderful illustrations, this book scores on all Christmas wish lists. It has a slightly religious message, which should be obvious given the title and book cover, but it really resonates more as a story of hope and new beginnings. The wonders of the world that can be found. It is very accessible to young kids too since it uses animals kids are going to recognize. Dog and her pup, cat and her kitten, pig and her piglet, and more, all as they journey to see the birth of Jesus. The meaning comes through nice and clear. This is a book about love and that is the parting image that will stick with you. This is going to be a Christmas picture book classic, I guarantee it.

And I cannot forget about Erica Silverman and Steven D'Amico's wonderful and so much fun to read aloud The Hanukkah Hop! Doesn't the cover itself just look like fun?? What makes this book so particularly festive is that the text just rolls off the tongue. Parents and kids will want to read it aloud together to mimic the sounds. It adds a very lively flavor to the preparations of Hanukkah while also just giving kids unfamiliar with this holiday plenty to discuss. It's a great look at how the family comes together during the holidays to prepare and to celebrate. And the bright colors make it a truly wonderful book to look at.

Picture Book Saturday is the creation of A Patchwork of Books. Amanda shares new picture books every Saturday so be sure to visit her for other wonderful picture book reviews.