holidays

The Umbrella Queen

When Noot is finally allowed to paint umbrellas like the other women and girls in her village, she secretly hopes that she might be chosen as this year’s Umbrella Queen. Carefully, she creates serene flowers and butterflies- exactly as she has seen her mother and grandmother do for years.

But soon her imagination takes over, and Noot finds herself straying from the old patterns to the dismay of her family, who depend on the traditionally painted umbrellas for their livelihood.

Her parents tell her she must go back to the old designs and Noot obeys, knowing that the King is coming soon to name the one who has painted the most beautiful umbrella. After all, the King would never choose a queen who breaks from tradition…would he?

Gift For Abuelita / Un Regalo Para Abuelita: Celebrating The Day Of The Dead/En Celebracion Del Dia De Los Muertos

After her beloved grandmother dies, Rosita hopes to be reunited with Abuelita as she prepares a gift to give her when her family celebrates the Day of the Dead.

The Unknown Spy

Danny Caulfield’s quiet Christmas break from Wilsons Academy, the school for spies, is shattered by gunshots and a heartrending discovery about his parents, and he is called back to Wilsons to prepare to go undercover to protect the Treaty Stone that keeps peace between the Upper and Lower Worlds.

Even Higher

Young Reuven has a problem. Every year, on the day before Rosh Hashanah, the beloved rabbi of the village of Nemirov disappears until nightfall and no one knows where he goes. The villagers suspect that he ascends to heaven to beg forgiveness for their sins, but Reuven’s friends want the truth. They appoint him to solve the mystery — after all, he is the smallest and fastest of the group — but how? That evening, when Reuven watches the rabbi through the synagogue window, he gets an idea. Determined to follow him at daybreak, Reuven is baffled as the rabbi, disguised as a simple woodcutter, passes the synagogue, the cheder, and Beryl the Baker’s house — his usual stops — only to enter the great forest. Where could the rabbi of Nemirov possibly be going? Adapted from a beloved story by I.L. Peretz, Richard Ungar once again captures the joyous spirit of the Jewish folktale with lighthearted humor and a rich palette of colors as vibrant as the story he tells.

Long-Long’s New Year: A Story About The Chinese Spring Festival

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, a little Chinese boy named Long-Long accompanies his grandfather into the city to sell cabbages in order to buy food and decorations for the New Year. Selling cabbages is harder than Long-Long expects, and he encounters many adventures before he finds a way to help his grandfather, and earn New Year’s treats for his mother and little cousin. The stunning, authentic illustrations-by a talented Chinese artist-capture the look of everyday life in rural China. Combined with the charming story of Long-Long’s trip to the city, they offer a unique introduction to Chinese culture. Includes a glossary of Chinese terms.

La Noche Buena

Nina is visiting her grandmother in Miami for Christmas. Usually she spends it in snowy New England with her mother and her family, but this year is different. She isn’t certain what to make of a hot and humid holiday, until she learns the traditions of her father’s side of the family from her Cuban grandmother. She helps prepare for the evening and takes part in all their traditions—the intricate cooking for the feast, the dancing, the music, and the gathering of relatives and neighbors. It all comes together for a Noche Buena that Nina will never forget.   Antonio Sacre and Angela Dominguez have created a wonderful story that everyone who celebrates Christmas will enjoy. The book includes a glossary of Spanish words.

Legend Of The Chinese Dragon

Long ago the people of China lived, worked, and fought under the protection of guardian spirits that took on the appearance of animals, but the children grew tired of war and created a new spirit to protect all the people and bring peace.

Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats: A Treasury Of Chinese Holiday Tales, Activities & Recipes

Presents background information, related tales, and activities for celebrating five Chinese festivals–Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival, Qing Ming, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Moon Festival.

Who Hid the Easter Eggs

Someone is taking a keen interest in the Easter eggs.  Who could he be, and what is he up to in that tree?  The annual Easter Egg Hunt is in jeopardy and it’s up to Harry the Squirrel to save it!  Pirkko Vainio’s beautiful watercolor art brings this woodland Easter adventure to life.