The Holidays Provide Teachable Moments With Your Children

October 30, 2012

The holidays are right around the corner! I look forward to this time of year for many reasons, but one in particular is sharing holiday literature with my children. We have routine storytimes at our house, but I save some of our holiday classics for this time of year.

Thanksgiving provides an opportunity to share stories about our country's history and about giving thanks for the good in our lives. I recommend Why We Have Thanksgiving by Margaret Hillert and P is for Pilgrim by Carol Crane. Both books will give young children an understanding that there is more to Thanksgiving than eating and football. If you are looking for some holiday humor, check out 'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey and Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano.They both put a hilarious spin on the holiday, written from the turkey's point of view.

It's also important to remind children that there is more to Christmas than just receiving presents. Some holiday stories that will warm your heart are Rocking Horse Christmas by Mary Pope Osborne and Little Porcupine's Christmas by Joseph Slate. If you are in the mood for more holiday humor, check out Santa's Stuck by Rhonda Gowler Greene. It is one that is read repeatedly at my house.

Also, be sure to visit one of MCPL's branches in the coming weeks and make the holidays more special by sharing quality literature with your children!

Janet W.
North Independence Branch