Fast Five Fiction: Holiday Chapter Books

It's FRIDAY and time for Fast Five Fiction. The library is getting festive in anticipation of our Christmas Extravaganza and Santa Visit. As we approach this holiday season we've got Holiday books for all ages, picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction baking and craft books. Last week I shared some of our new Christmas picture books so this week I've got some recommendations for a read aloud or independent chapter book readers. 

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

This year's pageant is definitely like no other, but maybe that's exactly what makes it so special.

Laughs abound in this bestselling Christmas classic by Barbara Robinson! The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the outrageous shenanigans of the Herdman siblings, or "the worst kids in the history of the world."

The siblings take over the annual Christmas pageant in a hilarious yet heartwarming tale involving the Three Wise Men, a ham, scared shepherds, and six rowdy kids. You and your family will laugh along with this funny story, perfect for independent reading or read-aloud sharing.

Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys Herdman are an awful bunch. They set fire to Fred Shoemaker's toolshed, blackmailed Wanda Pierce to get her charm bracelet, and smacked Alice Wendelken across the head. And that's just the start! When the Herdmans show up at church for the free snacks and suddenly take over the Christmas pageant, the other kids are shocked.

It's obvious that they're up to no good. But Christmas magic is all around and the Herdmans, who have never heard the Christmas story before, start to reimagine it in their own way.

The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling

A heartwarming, page-turning adventure about one child's love for his most treasured thing, and how far he will go to find it. A tale for the whole family to fall in love with, from one of the world's greatest storytellers.

One boy and his toy are about to change everything...

Jack loves his childhood toy, Dur Pig. DP has always been there for him, through good and bad. Until one Christmas Eve something terrible happens -- DP is lost. But Christmas Eve is a night for miracles and lost causes, a night when all things can come to life... even toys. And Jack's newest toy -- the Christmas Pig (DP's replacement) -- has a daring plan: Together they'll embark on a magical journey to seek something lost, and to save the best friend Jack has ever known...

Let It Glow by Marissa Meyer

When Aviva Davis and Holly Martin meet at the holiday pageant tryouts for their local senior's center, they think they must be seeing double. While they both knew they were adopted, they had no idea they had a biological sibling, let alone an identical twin! The similarities are only skin deep, though, because while Aviva has a big personality and even bigger Broadway plans, Holly is more the quiet dreamer type who longs to become a famous author like her grandfather.

One thing the girls do have in common is their curiosity about how the other celebrates the holidays. What better way to discover the magic of the holidays than to experience them firsthand? The girls secretly trade lives, planning to stage a dramatic reveal to their families. Two virtual strangers swapping homes, holidays, and age-old traditions-what could possibly go wrong? Find out in this sweet as a sugarplum and satisfying as a latke middle grade novel by Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, and Joanne Levy, award-winning author of Sorry for Your Loss and several other books for tweens.

Juniper's Christmas by Eoin Colfer

Eleven-year-old Juniper Lane is thrown into a Christmas adventure like no other when she seeks the help of a mysterious woodsman living in her local park, who she suspects is Santa himself, and accidentally gets exposed to North Pole magic. Join a boisterous cast of characters--including a neighbor who always believed in Santa, a young reindeer in training, and a cutthroat crime boss out to steal Santa's magic--on an unpredictable journey bursting with Eoin Colfer's signature exuberance and merriment. Complete with cheerful, festive illustrations, this is a beautifully packaged tale of wonder, sure to delight readers and inspire the Christmas spirit in the whole family.

Celebrate the holidays with a story of joy, magic, and saving Santa Claus, from a celebrated author beloved for his spirited storytelling. Juniper's Christmas is the perfect holiday read, year after year.

A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig

Before there was Santa Claus, there was a young boy who believed in the impossible. . . . Lemony Snicket meets Klaus in this cheeky, Christmas classic-in-the-making that sparkles with wit and warmth!

Now a Netflix movie starring Kristen Wiig, Maggie Smith and Henry Lawfull!

Eleven-year-old Nikolas-nicknamed "Christmas"-has received only one toy in his life: a doll carved out of a turnip. But he's happy with his turnip doll, because it came from his parents, who love him. Then one day his father goes missing, and Nikolas must travel to the North Pole to save him.

Along the way, Nikolas befriends a surly reindeer, bests a troublesome troll, and discovers a hidden world of enchantment in the frozen village of Elfhelm. But the elves of Elfhelm have troubles of their own: Christmas spirit and goodwill are at an all-time low, and Nikolas may be the only person who can fix things-if only he can reach his father before it's too late. . . .

Happy Friday, and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: New Holiday Books

It's FRIDAY and time for Fast Five Fiction. The library is getting festive as we approach this holiday season. We've got Holiday books for all ages, picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction baking and craft books. This week I'm sharing some newer holiday books to our shelves. 

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

We Celebrate the Light by Jane Yolen

A celebration of seven different winter holidays observed in the US and the traditions that unite them all.

Diwali, Solstice, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, and Lunar New Year are visually depicted in turn, accompanying a stunning, read-aloud text that speaks of the traditions that link them all together. The warm yet accurate imagery is explained in simple secondary text on each spread, and further in the backmatter. Beloved author Jane Yolen and daughter, author Heidi Stemple, have crafted a loving and poignant story with true reverence for our shared traditions of celebrating light, love, food, and family. An empowering, informative, and inclusive holiday book for families of all traditions. 

Just Us by Molly Beth Griffin

What happens when a storm prevents all the relatives from coming in for the holidays? No Grandma, no aunts, no uncles, no cousins. No fun!

The family will have to adapt their traditions to versions that can be done on a smaller scale--from a more manageable stew dinner, a hike in the snow, or a game of cards instead of rowdy charades. Navigating disappointment with mindfulness and gratitude, the family pieces together a holiday full of new traditions, while still acknowledging that it's okay to miss the old ones.

A Dragon for Hanukkah by Sarah Mlynowski

On the first night of Hanukkah, my parents gave me a dragon...

So begins Hannah's holiday adventure, as she receives eight magical presents -- one for each night. There's a playful dragon, a gleaming treasure chest, a time travel machine, some rowdy unicorns... and much more. But are the gifts what they seem to be? When Hannah gathers with family and friends to light the menorah, play dreidel, and eat delicious latkes, she'll discover the true magic of the Festival of Lights.

Written with sparkling wit and wisdom by New York Times bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski (Whatever After; Upside-Down Magic), and illustrated with vivid, enchanting art by Ariel Landy, this inventive story celebrates both Hanukkah and the power of a child's imagination.

Includes fun, accessible backmatter that defines key Hanukkah terms!

Twelve Dinging Doorbells by Tameka Fryer Brown

A cumulative all-holiday carol packed to the brim with family, food, love, and Black joy,especially perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, graduations, and all family celebrations.

Every holiday, aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and neighbors come over to eat, sing, and celebrate life. But all our main character can think about is the sweet potato pie Granny makes just for her. As tables fill with baked macaroni and cheese, chitlins, and other sides a-steaming, she and Granny move the pie to keep it intact.The task becomes tricker as the room grows with dancing and card games and pie cravings. Just when all seems lost and there's no more pie, Granny pulls out a sweet surprise.

Written to the tune of "The Twelve Days of Christmas," Twelve Dinging Doorbells is exuberant. Author Tameka Fryer Brown's cumulative rhyme is impossible to resist, and the humorous details in Ebony Glenn's cut-paper collage will welcome readers to this party again and again.

Happy All-idays by Cindy Jin

All Season's Greetings and Happy ALL-idays! Learn how different families celebrate the winter season with this holiday card-inspired board book that captures the meaning of Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and more!

The time has come
to send holiday cheer
to family and friends
far and near.

We all celebrate the season
in our own special way.
Let's look at how families
prepare for each holiday!

Whether it's putting up the Christmas tree, lighting the menorah, or getting ready for Kwanzaa, this story proves that the holiday season is a special time for everyone and a great way to learn about different winter holidays and send cheer to everyone you know!

Happy Friday and happy reading!

What Should Oliver Read Next?

Hey there, fellow feline friends! It’s Oliver, back again with my thoughts on Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright submitted by the pawsome Clark. Thanks, Clark!

Let me tell you, this book is a real winter wonderland of joy! From the first page, I was drawn into Sneezy's chilly adventures. This snowman has a heart as big as a cozy cat bed! His desire to stay frosty and fabulous is quite relatable—though I must admit, I prefer a nice sunny spot over a snowbank any day. 

The story is purr-fectly playful, with Sneezy trying to keep himself cool. I purred with laughter at his hilarious antics, especially when he kept needing to cool down. Talk about a frosty dilemma! What I liked best about the book was its message about friendship, being true to yourself, and that it’s okay to be a little different.

If you’re looking for a delightful read, this book is the cat’s whiskers! It’s a paw-sitively charming tale that will have you feeling all the warm fuzzies. You’ll find it and tons of other seasonal-themed picture books in our children’s department.

Until next time my friends, stay cozy and curious! 

Oliver

Fast Five Fiction: New Christmas Picture Books

It's FRIDAY and time for Fast Five Fiction. The library is getting festive in anticipation of our Holiday Party and Santa Visit. As we approach this holiday season we've got Holiday books for all ages, picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction baking and craft books. This week I've got some Christmas picture books new to our shelves. 

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho by William Boniface

In a much-anticipated new companion to the beloved and bestselling classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, the rollicking alphabet chant gets a holiday twist.

A told B,
and B told C,
"I'll meet you in the branches
of the Christmas tree."

In this holiday alphabet rhyme, the crew of beloved letters gets their chance to shine as decorations on the Christmas tree!

Christmas at Hogwarts by J.K. Rowling

"Christmas was coming. One morning in mid-December, Hogwarts woke to find itself covered in several feet of snow."

So begins Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and the heartwarming story of Harry Potter's first Christmas at Hogwarts. From the Great Hall decked with magnificent fir trees to cozy evenings in the Gryffindor Common Room to the joy of presents on Christmas morning, it's a holiday filled with warmth, friendship, good food, and magical surprises that Harry will never forget.

With text drawn directly from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and luminous illustrations by artist Ziyi Gao, this favorite moment from one of the most beloved books of all time is now fully illustrated for the whole family to enjoy. Sure to be treasured by Harry Potter fans of all ages, Christmas at Hogwarts is the perfect gift, destined to become an enchanting new holiday tradition

Busy Betty & the Perfect Christmas Present by Reese Witherspoon

Sweet cinnamon, biscuits, it's Christmas! It's the busiest time of year, just like Busy Betty!

This year, Betty is going to get everyone in her whole family the perfect Christmas present. But when Betty looks in her piggy bank, she doesn't even have two coins to clank together! Then Betty has the most amazing idea: she and Mae will transform their lemonade stand into . . . a Christmas cookie stand!

But getting people to come out in snowy, blowy weather is harder than they thought. Will Betty ever find the perfect Christmas presents for her family? Or will she realize she had the answer all along?

From Academy Award-winning actress, founder of Hello Sunshine, and bestselling author, Reese Witherspoon comes Busy Betty: an exuberant, smart, and larger-than-life character who encourages young readers to tackle each obstacle with enthusiasm, excitement, and big ideas. With fun and vibrant illustrations from Xindi Yan, Busy Betty & the Perfect Christmas Present is the perfectly perfect Christmas time read-aloud!

Santa's First Christmas by Mac Barnett

We all know that Santa makes everyone's dreams come true every Christmas, but it turns out that he needs a little help getting into the holiday spirit himself. Instead of letting Santa get right back to work after he returns home to the North Pole on Christmas morning, his loyal elves want to make sure he experiences the same Christmas cheer he provides for others. With the perfect tree, lots of delicious treats, and, of course, presents, Santa experiences the magic of Christmas for the very first time.

Beloved children's book creators Mac Barnett and Sydney Smith have unveiled Santa unlike ever seen before, and as a result, created a merry new Christmas classic.

The Gingerbread House Jack's Family Ate by Kelly DiPucchio

A hilarious, wacky Christmas tale from the New York Times bestselling author, Kelly Dipucchio, based on the classic children's rhyme, The House That Jack Built!

This is the house Jack's family ate!

This is the mother who's wrapping up gifts

while secretly munching on marshmallow drifts

on the house Jack's family ate.

Join Jack's wacky family as they try to build a gingerbread house for Santa Claus... if only they can stop eating it! Gumdrops, marshmallows, and chocolate bars fly everywhere in this sweetly chaotic tale about a multi-generational family preparing excitedly for Christmas! For a humor-filled alternative to The Night Before Christmas!

Read and laugh out-loud with this perfect holiday title. A bonus recipe for a festive graham cracker house in the back!

Happy Friday and happy reading!