Theme: celebration

The Tomtes’ Christmas Porridge

By Book Importer | Published: December 12, 2011

Every Christmas Eve, the Master puts out rice pudding for the tomtes to say thank you for their help around the house throughout the year. But recently the Master has forgotten, and Mama tomte knows he’ll forget again this year.The elves hatch a plot to steal a bowl of Christmas pudding, without being seen, so [...]

Descriptors: Europe, Fantasy, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9), Scandinavia, Sweden » Other Themes: , , » Leave a comment

A Full Moon Is Rising

By Book Importer | Published: December 5, 2011

A collection of original poems about full moon events, phenomena, celebrations, and beliefs from around the world.

Descriptors: International, Picture Book, Poetry, Primary (ages 6-9) » Other Themes: , , » Leave a comment

A New Year’s Reunion

By Book Importer | Published: November 21, 2011

Little Maomao’s father works in faraway places and comes home just once a year, for Chinese New Year. At first Maomao barely recognizes him, but before long the family is happily making sticky rice balls, listening to firecrackers, and watching the dragon dance in the streets below. Papa gets a haircut, makes repairs to the [...]

Descriptors: Asia, China, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9), Realistic Fiction » Other Themes: , , , » Leave a comment

Dancing on Grapes

By Book Importer | Published: November 21, 2011

It’s September, time for the annual grape harvest, one of the happiest times in Tuscany.
On the first day of the harvest, Claudia’s aunts, uncles, and cousins have come to her home to gather the grapes from the vineyard. Harvesting grapes is hard work, but Claudia knows it can be fun, too. At the end of [...]

Descriptors: Europe, Italy, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9), Realistic Fiction » Other Themes: , , , , » Leave a comment

Grace at Christmas

By Book Importer | Published: November 2, 2011

When her grandmother takes in a stranded family at Christmas, Grace is reluctant to share her favorite holiday with strangers, even though the visiting family includes a “real live ballerina.”

Descriptors: England (UK), Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9), Realistic Fiction » Other Themes: , , » Leave a comment

Strega Nona’s Gift

By Book Importer | Published: November 2, 2011

In Strega Nona’s village, the holiday season is a time of celebrations-and nothing says celebration like a feast! All the kitchens are bustling from the Feast of San Nicola, when the children choose the food, to the Feast of Epiphany, when someone gets to be king or queen for the day. Even the animals share [...]

Descriptors: Early Years (ages 2-6), Europe, Fiction, Italy, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Other Themes: , , » Leave a comment

A Stork in a Baobab Tree: An African Twelve Days of Christmas

By Book Importer | Published: October 26, 2011

Set in Africa during the Christmas season, this is the story of a village preparing for a celebration – the birth of a child. The story is told in verse inspired by the traditional carol The Twelve Days of Christmas, but in this version by the author Catherine House the gifts are: 1 stork in [...]

Descriptors: Africa, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9), Rhymes/songs » Other Themes: » Leave a comment

Songs of Shiprock Fair

By Book Importer | Published: October 13, 2011

A young Navajo girl enjoys every part of the annual Shiprock Fair, including the dances, parade, carnival, exhibits, contests, food, and the chance to visit with relatives.

Descriptors: Intermediate (ages 9-14), Picture Book, Poetry, United States of America » Other Themes: , , , , , » Leave a comment

Joy to the World!: Christmas Stories from around the Globe

By Book Importer | Published: September 7, 2011

All over the world, there is a wealth of fascinating traditions and legends surrounding the Christmas story. Here are five festive folk tales, retold by Saviour Pirotta, originating from places as far-flung as Mexico and the Middle East, Northern Europe and North Africa. Sheila Moxley’s vivid artwork adds to the seasonal spirit, making this a [...]

Descriptors: Folklore, Ghana, Intermediate (ages 9-14), International, Malta, Mexico, Picture Book, Russia, Syria » Other Themes: » Leave a comment

When I Love You at Christmas

By Book Importer | Published: August 15, 2011

Simply tie the front and back covers of this 14-page board book together, and get ready to celebrate! The two envelopes inside contain everything you need to decorate: sheets of stickers, shiny paper, and ornaments to cut out and color, plus tips for creating even more decorations for your very own tree.

Descriptors: Australia, Early Years (ages 2-6), Fiction, Picture Book » Other Themes: » Leave a comment