Christmas Cricket

Christmas Cricket by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Timothy Bush 2002

This unique holiday story warms the heart. A small and seemingly unimportant cricket escapes the wet night outside by squeezing under the door of a cozy house. He encounters a young boy and his Dad decorating their home for Christmas. He hops quickly into the inner branches of the Christmas tree and listens. He begins to sing, and his song is mistaken for the song of the angel perched on a nearby branch. He becomes frantic as a human hand pokes through the branches, but then his panic is calmed when the Dad asks, “Did you know that angels sing in the song of birds, and frogs and people and crickets?”

Though Cricket is small, he is not insignificant, and this causes his song to be filled with a trembling joy.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Eve Bunting on Amazon

A Pirate's Night Before Christmas

A Pirate’s Night Before Christmas by Philip Yates, illustrated by Sebastia Serra 2008

This is a familiar story transformed by the pirates that occupy it. The legend of Sir Peggedy is told in swashbuckling style. The book itself is a treasure; from a sled filled with sea-worthy gifts pulled by seahorses, to the toothless grins on the grimy faces of the pirates. The illustrations by Serra are wonderfully detailed, and throb with adventure.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Thanksgiving Is Here!

Thanksgiving Is Here! By Diane Goode 2005

Grandma and Grandpa’s house is the place to be on turkey day. The family tumbles in from the cold and everyone contributes to the preparations. Somebody is reading, somebody is eating, and other people are greeting the family as they enter in.

“At Grandma’s house the chairs don’t match…but we don’t mind. We all have a place at the table.”

Goode’s illustrations accurately chronicle the comforting chaos and ridiculous ruckus of a family who loves each other, and has an abundance of things to be thankful for. The story ends sweetly with the silence and satiation of a day wrapped up in joy.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Diane Goode on Amazon

One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims

One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims by B. G. Hennessy, illustrated by Lynne Cravath 2001

This delightful book about the first Thanksgiving is a great introduction to the history of the holiday. A familiar rhyme is used to showcase the everyday lives of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag. As autumn draws closer they reap the benefits of their hard work all year, and enjoy a shared celebration. Everyone unites to prepare the feast, and then enjoy the bounty at a celebratory picnic.

"Turkey, cornbread, cranberry stuffing. Pumpkin, cider, Indian pudding. Clams and oysters-tummies growling. Let's give thanks and then we'll eat!"

Hennessey includes informative endnotes to expand on the foods and activities mentioned in the story. The artwork by Cravath is full of warmth, and joy.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

B. G. Hennessey on Amazon

Lynne Cravath on Amazon