Book Review: 'A Joyful Christmas' by James Ransome

✰✰✰✰✰ This beautiful treasury is one that you will want to have on your bookshelf for years to come. It is divided into two parts: Soul and Heart, with a bridge story about the history of Christmas. Selections include both new stories as well as classics along with spiritual themes. This book takes a look at what makes Christmas special to so many. Also, this compilation of stories, songs and poems focus on the historical significance of this Christian holiday.

The Bottom Line: This Christmas treasury features a little of everything: songs, poems, and stories old and new. With beautiful, seasonal illustrations, this book is sure to be enjoyed by the young and the young at heart. Highly recommended holiday reading throughout the season.

Details: A Joyful Christmas: A Treasury of New and Classic Songs, Poems, and Stories for the Holiday collected and illustrated by James Ransome. Hardcover picture book published by Henry Holt and Co. in 2010. 80 p. ISBN: 978-0-8050-6621-0  

Book Review: 'The Ninth Night' by Erica S. Perl

✰✰✰✰½ When a moving company temporarily misplaces a box of treasured holiday items, a family makes the best of it. Without their family menorah, Hanukkah candles, latkes, gelt, and wrapping paper, the eight days of Hanukkah are nice, but yet don’t quite feel like Hanukkah. Nevertheless, new neighbors help out the best they can by sharing birthday candles and french fries. Inspired by the helper candle, the shamash, the family decides to thank their new friends and neighbors on the ninth day with a special celebration.

The Bottom Line: This clever story of friendship and sharing invites the reader to start a new tradition after reading this picture book. Kober’s humorous illustrations are engaging and fun. Highly recommended holiday reading for storytime for kids ages 4 -8.

Details: The Ninth Night of Hanukkah written by Erica S. Perl & illustrated by Shahar Kober. Picture book published by Sterling Children’s Books in 2020. 40 p. ISBN: 978-1-4549-4088-3