Hi Kid Lit Friends,
This is my final kid lit newsletter of 2022! Because of the holiday schedule, the next time I chat with you all will be January 8th (the day after my birthday!). I hope the holidays and the new year bring much joy, family, and friendship. And I really hope you all have the opportunity to curl up in a soft chair with a good book.
Bookish Goods
Triangle Book Holder by BlankCanvasByPotter
Oh, how I long for this! It’s the perfect bedside book holder with a little nook for eyeglasses, earrings you forgot to take off before getting cozy in bed, and other valuables you don’t want to lose track of. This comes in all sorts of different woods and finishes. $48+
New Releases
A Very Mercy Christmas by Kate DiCamillo, illustrations by Chris Van Dusen
Kid lit’s favorite pig is back, this time for a Christmas special. Stella wants to go caroling, but she is faced with vehement “no’s” from everyone she asks to join her. Thank goodness Mercy is up for the task!
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, illustrations by Marie-Alice Harel, translation by Ralph Manheim
This gorgeous illustrated edition of The Neverending Story comes with a slipcase and eight full-page color illustrations including a double-page spread. Check out other children’s books from The Folio Society, including A Christmas Carol, The Hundred and One Dalmatians, and The Roald Dahl Collection. I think the Folio Society publishes the most gift-able books!
Charlotte and the Nutcracker by Charlotte Nebres, illustrated by Alea Marley
This is inspiring true story of Charlotte Nebres, the first Black girl to play the role of Clara in New York City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. Charlotte spends hours and hours preparing for this historic performance, perfecting her leaps, turns, and expressions. When the curtain rises, she is ready!
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
It’s the season of coziness, hot chocolate, and reading under blankets. Here are some holiday books perfect for the cold season.
Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
This is an adorable book about mistaken identity! When the delicious smell of freshly made latkes lures a bear out of hibernation, Bubba Brayna, a fabulous cook whose eyesight is not so great, invites the bear in to spin the dreidel, light the menorah, and enjoy the latkes. When her guests and the rabbi arrive, they find that the meal they were so looking forward to has disappeared!
Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis, illustrated by Daniel Minter
When a father dies, his seven sons are given an unusual request: they must make gold out of seven spools of thread by sunset or they will be cast out of the family penniless. The brothers must work together in harmony to fulfill their father’s request, and the author incorporates the seven principles of Kwanzaa in the story.
Clarice Bean: Think Like an Elf by Lauren Child
This delightful book is filled with Clarice Bean’s amusing musings complemented with sweet illustrations. Clarice Bean is ready for Christmas, but it seems as if she’s the only one. Her parents are too exhausted to host their annual holiday party and her neighbors are grouchy. This is a year like no other, but can Clarice bring the Christmas spirit back?
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
It’s five days before Christmas, and the Vanderbeekers should be dreaming of sugar plums and candy canes. Instead, they find out they have to leave their home by the end of the year. Can they convince their recalcitrant upstairs neighbor/landlord to let them stay?
Book Riot’s Read Harder Challenge is in its ninth year, with a set of 24 tasks that invite readers to expand their worldview through books. Read one book per task, or do some multi-tasking by counting one book for multiple tasks. It’s all fine! The point of the challenge is to push yourself to expand your horizons. Thank you to Thriftbooks for sponsoring Read Harder 2023.
To find the tasks and subscribe to our newsletter for tips and recommendations, visit Read Harder 2023!
What are you reading these days?
Let me know! Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at KarinaBookRiot@gmail.com.
Wishing you a very happy holiday season and new year!
Karina
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