✰✰✰✰✰ The Baby Jesus was just like all babies. He cried. On the night Jesus was born, the manger animals took turns trying to lull Him to sleep. Nothing worked until a curious kitten nuzzled Jesus's neck and began to purr. Soon the crying stopped, and Jesus and the kitten bonded. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
The Bottom Line: This refreshing and tender take on the traditional Christmas story was inspired by one of Leonardo da Vinci's drawings of La Madonna del Gatto. Soft and beautiful watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations by Any June Bates set the tone perfectly. This picture book about friendship is one you will treasure with your child for years to come. Very highly recommended for bedtime or storytime reading with kids ages 4 – 8.
Details: The Christmas Cat written by Maryann Macdonald & illustrated by Amy June Bates. Hardcover picture book published by Dial Books for Young Readers in 2013. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-8037-3498-2
✰✰✰✰✰ The Knoodle family wants to follow their rabbi's wise advice and give perfect gifts to celebrate Hanukkah, gifts that will be treasured forever. As each person draws a name, they choose a gift that they themselves would like to have. However, when everyone opens their gifts, no one is happy. How can this be? They did just what the rabbi said, didn't they? Fortunately, the rabbi arrives just in time, and with a extra help from Little Yekl, the Knoodle family has a celebration they will remember for many years to come.
The Bottom Line: This holiday treasure is one that you will read with your little one again and again. The lively and colorful illustrations are sure to make you smile as kids learn about what it takes to choose the perfect gift. Highly recommended for holiday reading and storytimes.
Details: The Best Hanukkah Ever written by Barbara Diamond Goldin & illustrated by Avi Katz. Hardcover picture book published by Marshall Cavendish Children in 2007. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-7614-5355-0
