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⎯ Seasonal ⎯
The Best 60 Holidays Around the World Books for Kids
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As the holiday season quickly approaches, I am always on the hunt for ways to bring a bit of magic and diversity into the classroom! Holidays around the world books are the perfect way to promote inclusivity and spark curiosity in young minds! Whether it’s Diwali, Hanukkah, or Chinese New Year, these stories introduce children to rich traditions, colorful celebrations, and values of kindness and unity. These holidays around the world books and Christmas around the world books offer a unique opportunity to create joy and wonder while fostering cultural appreciation through the power of storytelling.
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Holidays Around the World Books: Hanukkah
Latkes and Applesauce by Fran Manushkin
The Menashe family enjoys latkes and applesauce during Hanukkah, but a sudden blizzard dashes their hopes of harvesting potatoes and apples in time. When a stray cat and dog appear in “Latkes and Applesauce,” there isn’t much food to share, yet kindness wins out, and they are welcomed inside. In the end, the dog—Latke—and the cat—Applesauce—come to the rescue.
Latke, the Lucky Dog by Ellen Fischer
A shelter dog named Latke is adopted by a family just in time for Hanukkah. “Latke, the Lucky Dog” follows Latke as he experiences his first Hanukkah with his new family, learning about the holiday’s traditions. Despite getting into a bit of mischief, like knocking over the menorah and eating the sufganiyot, Latke’s family is patient and understanding.
Recommended Resources:
Christmas Around the World Craft & Holidays Around the World Slides
All About Reindeer Activities & Reindeer Craft
Christmas Centers | Christmas Party | Christmas Escape Room Gingerbread Man Activities
Hanukkah Bear by Eric Kimmel
Bubba Brayna is known for making the best latkes in the village, and on the first night of Hanukkah, the delicious aroma of her cooking awakens a hungry, friendly bear from his hibernation. Curious, the bear wanders into town, and Bubba Brayna—who doesn’t see or hear very well—mistakes him for her rabbi. She invites the bear in to play dreidel, light the menorah, and enjoy a delicious meal. After her satisfied guest leaves, there’s another knock at the door—read “Hanukkah Bear” to find out who it could be!
More Hanukkah Holidays Around the World Books
- Runaway Dreidel by Leslea Newman
- The Story of Hanukkah by David Adler
- The Ninth Night of Hanukkah by Erica Perl
- Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas by Pamela Ehrenberg
Holidays Around the World Books: Los Posadas
The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie DePaola
In Mexico, the poinsettia is known as flor de la Nochebuena, or the flower of the Holy Night. During Christmas time, its vibrant red blooms light up the landscape like stars. This Mexican legend, “The Legend of the Poinsettia” tells the story of how the poinsettia came to be, born from a young girl’s selfless gift to the Christ Child.
‘Twas Nochebuena by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
It’s Christmas Eve, and you’re invited to a festive Nochebuena celebration! Join a family as they get ready for a night of laughter, love, and rich Latino traditions in “Twas Nochebuena.” Help make delicious tamales and hang vibrant adornos (decorations) on the walls. Sing joyful canciones (songs) together while enjoying warm champurrado (hot chocolate). After the midnight feast is served and the final gifts are opened, it’s time to celebrate with a cheerful, “Feliz Navidad, and to all a good night!”
The Night of Las Posadas by Tommie DePaola
Tomie dePaola’s stunning paintings from “The Night of Las Posadas” shine as brightly as the farolitos that illuminate the Plaza in Santa Fe for the Las Posadas procession, a tradition where Mary and Joseph seek shelter door to door on Christmas Eve. This year, Sister Angie, who usually oversees the celebration, is bedridden with the flu, and Lupe and Roberto, the couple set to play Mary and Joseph, are caught in a snowstorm. Just in time, a mysterious man and woman, unknown to anyone, step in to take their place in the procession, only to vanish before they can be thanked. That night, a Christian miracle occurs: when Sister Angie visits the cathedral and kneels before the statue of Mary and Joseph, wet footprints from the snow lead up to the statue.
More Los Posadas Holidays Around the World Books
- Celebrate Las Posadas by Marisa Boan
- A Pinata in a Pine Tree by Pat Mora
- Zetta the Poinsettia by Alma Hammond
- Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto
- Uno, Dos, Tres, Posada! by Virginia Kroll
Holidays Around the World Books: Diwali
Binny’s Diwali by Thrity Umrigar
In “Binny’s Diwali,” Binny is thrilled to share her favorite holiday with her class, but she has a hard time finding the right words. Taking a deep breath, she describes the fireworks that light up the night sky like stars, leaving trails of gold, red, and green. She talks about the delicious pedas and jalebis she enjoys and shows them clay lamps, called diyas, which are so beautiful that all the children exclaim in delight.
Diwali by Hannah Elliot
Every autumn, we come together with friends and family to light our most dazzling lanterns. It’s Diwali, the festival of lights! In this charming board book, readers discover that the five days of Diwali are a time to pray for a prosperous season, celebrate the special connections between siblings, and rejoice in the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
The Light Within You by Namita Moolani Mehra
Diya is thrilled to be traveling to India for Diwali, the Festival of Lights, especially since she’ll get to reunite with her beloved Nani, her grandma, whom she hasn’t seen since her family moved away. Upon arriving, Diya immediately feels at ease with Nani. They explore the bustling bazaar together and get ready for the festival. As Diya and Nani celebrate Diwali, Diya’s heart fills with joy in “The Light Within You.” But as her visit draws to a close, she wonders if there’s a way to take some of the light and magic of Diwali with her when she departs.
More Diwali Holidays Around the World Books
- Shubh Diwali! by Chitra Soundar
- Let’s Celebrate Diwali by Anjali Joshi
- Celebrating Diwali by Anjali Joshi
Holidays Around the World Books: Chinese New Year
Ruby’s Chinese New Year by Vickie Lee
Ruby has a special card she wants to give her grandmother for Chinese New Year. But who will help her deliver it to her grandmother’s house? Will it be clever Rat, strong Ox, or cautious Rabbit? As Ruby embarks on her journey in “Ruby’s Chinese New Year,” she encounters each of the twelve zodiac animals.
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas Natasha Yim
It’s Chinese New Year, and Goldy Luck’s mother asks her to deliver a plate of turnip cakes to the neighbors. When she finds the Chans aren’t home, Goldy decides to sample their rice porridge, try out their chairs, and test their beds—with comically disastrous results. “Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas” is one of those holidays around the world books that is great for making text-to-text connections.
How to Catch a Dragon by Adam Wallace
Do you have what it takes to catch a dragon? In “How to Catch a Dragon,” The How to Catch kids are on another adventure… this time trying to capture a dragon during the Chinese New Year festivities! Set in China during the Spring Festival, the clever dragon must evade numerous traps as the kids navigate through paper lanterns, red lunar envelopes, fireworks, and more!
More Chinese New Year Holidays Around the World Books
- Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon by Kat Zhang
- A Sweet New Year for Ren by Michelle Sterling
- Celebrate Chinese New Year by Carolyn Otto
- The Night Before Lunar New Year by Natasha Wing
- Bringing In the New Year by Grace Lin
Holidays Around the World Books: St. Lucia’s Day
Lucia Morning in Sweden by Ewa Rydaker
In the bustling Svensson household, everyone is preparing for Lucia Day, celebrated on December 13th in Sweden. “Lucia Morning in Sweden” explores the story of Santa Lucia through the eyes of three modern-day Swedish children. It captures their joyous activities with vibrant, full-page illustrations and includes sheet music, recipes, and sewing patterns for the traditional costumes worn on this special day.
The Tomten by Astrid Lindgren
“The Tomten” is a charming children’s book that tells the story of a small, gentle gnome-like creature called a Tomten. Set on a snowy farm, the Tomten watches over the animals and the farmstead during the quiet night. As he roams around, he reassures the animals with his kind presence, making sure they are comfortable and safe. His calm and caring nature brings a sense of peace to the farm.
Who Are You, St. Lucia? by Glenda Cedarleaf
“Who Are You, St. Lucia?” introduces readers to the traditions and story of St. Lucia, celebrated on December 13th. Through the eyes of a young girl, the book explores the Swedish holiday of Lucia Day, a festival that honors St. Lucia, the patron saint of light. The book provides insights into the customs associated with the holiday, including the wearing of traditional costumes, singing carols, and enjoying special treats like saffron buns and ginger snaps.
More St. Lucia’s Day Holidays Around the World Books
- Lucia Saint of Light by Katherine Bolger Hyde
- The Tomten and the Fox by Astrid Lindgren
- Tomten Saves Christmas: A Swedish Christmas by Linda Liebrand
Holidays Around the World Books: Kwanzaa
Together for Kwanzaa by Juwanda G. Ford
Kwanzaa is Kayla’s favorite time of year, but this year, a heavy snowstorm threatens to prevent her big brother, Khari, from arriving in time for the celebrations. Will Khari miss out on the festivities entirely, or will Kayla and her brother find a way to be together for Kwanzaa? “Together for Kwanzaa” is one of those holidays around the world books that is excellent for introducing children to Kwanzaa, including the traditions and practices that make this winter holiday so special.
The Night Before Kwanzaa by Natasha Wing
In “The Night Before Kwanzaa,” a young boy eagerly anticipates celebrating with his family. Each night, they light a candle, explore their history, and more! There are several holidays around the world books in this Night Before Series so be sure to check them all out!
Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington
Li’l Rabbit is excited to celebrate Kwanzaa with his family. However, when his grandmother falls ill, Li’l Rabbit is worried that the Kwanzaa celebrations might not go as planned. Throughout “Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa,” Li’l Rabbit learns about the principles of Kwanzaa, including unity, self-determination, and collective work and responsibility, and discovers the importance of coming together as a family and community during difficult times.
More Kwanzaa Holidays Around the World Books
- My Family Celebrates Kwanzaa by Lisa Bullard
- Seven Spools of Thread by Angela Shelf Medearis
- Kevin’s Kwanzaa by Lisa Bullard
Holidays Around the World Books: Ramadan
Ramadan by Hannah Eliot
In the ninth month of the year, when the first crescent moon appears in the sky, it’s time to celebrate Ramadan! “Ramadan” by Hannah Eliot introduces readers to Ramadan as a period for self-reflection, gratitude, and helping others.
The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard
Sophia is eager to fast for Ramadan this year. Her grandma explains that fasting makes a person feel sparkly—and Sophia loves sparkles. However, when her attempt at fasting doesn’t go as planned, Sophia has to find a different way to join in the celebration. “The Gift of Ramadan” is a heartwarming multigenerational family story that explores the various ways to participate in the Ramadan holiday.
Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi
Lailah has moved to a new school in a new country, far from her old home and missing her friends. With Ramadan starting, she’s excited to be old enough to fast but worries that her classmates won’t understand why she’s not joining them in the lunchroom. With help from the school librarian and her teacher, Lailah finds a way to address her concerns and discovers that she can make new friends who respect her beliefs. “Lailah’s Lunchbox” is one of those holidays around the world books that is a must-read!
More Ramadan Holidays Around the World Books
- Rashad’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr by Lisa Bullard
- Under the Ramadan Moon by Sylvia Whitman
- Tell me more about Ramadan by Bachar Karroum
Holidays Around the World Books: Christmas
In addition to the holidays around the world books shared above, you may also enjoy reading these Christmas around the world books to your little learners. Indulge in these eight Christmas traditions including Australia, America, Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, and Russia!
Australia
- Christmas in Australia by John Williamson
- An Aussie Night Before Christmas by Yvonne Morrison
America
- The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore
- The Nutcracker by Stephanie Spinner
Canada
- A Porcupine in a Tree by Helaine Becker
- Twas the Night Before Christmas in Canada by Jo Perry
England
- Katie’s London Christmas by James Mayhew
- The Queen and the First Christmas Tree: Queen Charlotte’s Gift to England by Nancy Churnin
France
- Christmas in France by Jack Manning
- Madeline’s Christmas by Ludwig Bemelmans
Germany
- Christmas in Germany by Jack Manning
- Cobweb Christmas by Shirley Climo
Italy
- Merry Christmas, Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
- The Legend of Old Befana by Tomie DePaola
Russia
- The Tale of Baboushka by Elana Pasquali
- Babushka: A Christmas Tale by Dawn Casey
Holidays Around the World Activities
Pair any of these holidays around the world books with these holidays around the world activities, featuring nine Christmas around the world and eight holiday celebrations!
More Holiday Activities
You might also love these gingerbread man escape room centers!
Celebrate the holidays with these low prep Christmas and winter party games, activities, and crafts!
These reindeer activities are also great for integrating all subject areas throughout the month of December!
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Ashley Sharp
As a dedicated Kindergarten teacher for nearly 20 years, I believe the words “fun, play, and creativity” can sit right alongside the words “developmentally appropriate, engaging, and rigorous.” Learning is meant to be fun and messy!
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