Holiday Light
This month’s theme is light and, of course, holiday cheer!
December hosts the shortest day of the year. The darkness (and cold) can be tough. I picked books that will, hopefully, lighten moods and brighten nights.
No matter what holiday you celebrate this time of year – Joanna, Connor and myself hope it’s filled with books, baked goods and the best company!
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen
I know what you are thinking: “another Barnett & Klassen book, Michelle?!”
…I suppose I am a bit obsessed with the duo BUT this one is Joanna and Connor’s favorite holiday book. It comically guesses how Santa goes down the chimney. The reindeers trying to help him really add to the fun.
As a family, I like that it makes us laugh, makes us question and, in the end, makes us believe.
The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper & Carson Ellis
Susan Cooper’s poem celebrates the short day of the year – the winter solstice.
Yule has been celebrated throughout the ages. This book pays homage to that tradition. It spotlights the seasonality of our world, the joy in returning light, and our connections to the natural world.
Every year on December 21, our family has dinner by candlelight and reads this book. You are welcome to borrow this tradition, too!
Bright Winter Night by Alli Brydon & Ashling Lindsay
In Bright Winter Night, forest creatures (“no one hunter, no one prey”) come together in pursuit of the northern lights. Sound familiar? Not so long ago, Wisconsinites were trying to catch glimpses of those brilliant lights, too!
I love the color palette chosen by the illustrator. It perfectly sets the winter scene and compliments the author’s warm and cozy message of togetherness.
The Christmas Book Flood by Emily Kilgore & Kitty Moss
A Christmas book about books? Yes, please!
The Christmas Book Flood is based on the real Icelandic tradition of book sharing on Christmas. In a similar style to Bright Winter Night, the pictures really shine in this one demonstrating how “reading is magic—when you have the right book.”
Book flood on a budget? We don’t mind if you wrap library books! Just make sure they return to the book drop on time for others to spread the book flood.
Ray by Marianna Coppo
Joanna and Connor request Ray frequently!
Who knew a light bulb could be so lovable? Not me.
Ray follows a lightbulb’s journey from closet bulb to a lantern in the great outdoors.
I picked it because of the light theme and because, even though it’s set in the summer season, there’s a Christmas tree reference!
A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office Manager at Town Hall Library. She has two young children – Joanna (6) and Connor (4). All three have a deep love of books and voracious appetites for reading. Here they’ll share their monthly book recommendations.
