Picture Books Perfect For The Holiday Season 

The holiday season is approaching, and it’s time to stock up on some illustrated books for holidays from around the world! 

Brea Lawton –
Recommendations Young Readers
A young girl sits reading with a book open in her lap. There are Christmas lights in the background

As we get closer to the end of the year, it is time for people all over the world to start celebrating their respective holidays. Whether these are holidays you and your family celebrate or not, learning about other cultures encourages the celebration of diversity and leads to a more inclusive society. These picture books for holidays around the world are a great place to start!

Thanksgiving: Apple Cake: A Gratitude by Dawn Casey 

Apple Cake by Dawn Casey, book cover depicting a girl is walking outside with a cake in her hand next to a dog
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While collecting ingredients for her family to make an apple cake, a little girl gives thanks for everything along the way. This book encourages children to be grateful for the world around them and includes a recipe for an apple cake, making it perfect for Thanksgiving.

Hanukkah: Little Red Ruthie: A Hanukkah Tale by Gloria Koster

A girl in a red coat with a basket walks through a snowy forest. Behind a tree, a wolf watches her
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This is a Jewish Red Riding Hood retelling, perfect for the holiday season! Ruthie sets out to spend Hanukkah with her grandmother. In her basket is sour cream and applesauce to go with the potato latkes. But, along the way, she runs into a big wolf!

Kwanzaa: Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington

A rabbit in a nightgown jumps up while his family stands behind him.
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When Li’l Rabbit’s grandmother is sick, his family decides they won’t celebrate Rabbit’s favorite part of Kwanzaa: the big feast of Karamu. So, to ensure Granna can still participate, he finds a special treat for her. And, while looking all over, he meets Groundhog, Momma Field Mouse, and the frogs along the way. 

Christmas: A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa’s Tasty Trip Around the World: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids by M.E. Furman

Children from all over the world sit in front of a table with all different types of cookies. In the background, Santa flies in his sled
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This book explores what children from all around the world leave out on Christmas Eve for Santa. From the Philippines and puto seko cookies to honey-spice cookies in Russia, this book will open your mind to how people all over celebrate Christmas. Included at the end are recipes for some of the cookies featured in this book so that you can make your own! 

Each of these illustrated books is enjoyable to children and adults alike. Make sure to add these books to your list as the holidays approach! 

Looking for other cute books to read this holiday season? Click here! 

Here are some more children’s books to look into! 

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