Brooklyn Mom Karen Connell, founder of the blog A Child Grows in Brooklyn, lists her top three holiday stories for kids along with two new favorites that she'll be adding to her family's bookshelf this year.
Each year I make shelf space for holiday books by swapping out some of our regular ones -- these can include books about winter, the holidays, or just in the holiday spirit. I pull out our favorites from a back room but also make a trip to the bookstore or library to add to our collection (all prices listed below are from Amazon.com).
My classic choices
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats captures the wonder of snowfall-the sounds, tracks, and excitement, and the friends you make when rejoicing in it. ($13.59)
Zigazak! A Magical Hanukkah Night by Eric Kimmel One of my kids' favorites year-round-the devils are hilariously witty in their tricks but are outwitted by a reasonable and patient rabbi. ($18)
The Hat by Jan Brett is a classic about a hedgehog who, on a wintry day, gets stuck with a mitten on his head. It's delightfully funny, with illustrations rich in detail. ($11.55)
New to our holiday collection
The Magical Christmas Horse by Mary Higgins Clark features, not surprisingly, a suspenseful plot: a wooden horse that has been kept in an attic is missing. ($12.23)
The Hanukkah Hop by Erica Silverman is full of twisty, fun rhymes and retro illustrations. It's a time of skull caps and swinging! Love it. ($10.39)
Karen Connell, mom to a son, 5, and a daughter, 3, lives in Fort Greene and blogs at www.achildgrows.com.
Also see: NYMetroParents' Holiday Bazaar of Traditions, Memories, Insights, and Gifts
