Non-Fiction Holiday Books

12/13/2021

Children grow when they learn about customs and traditions and the reasons behind them. Capstone has a great collection of library-bound books about various holidays, including two that are celebrated at the end of December.

Most people are familiar with Christmas, but children will learn about what the holiday means and how it is celebrated in different parts of the world in the book Christmas by Emily Raij. This book explains what Christians believe, including how Jesus came to be born in a stable in Bethlehem and was placed in a manger, and about the star in the sky that night that led the three kings to him. It shows the customs of people in places like Germany, France, Mexico, and more, and how in some countries and religions, Christmas is not celebrated on December 25 and why that is so. At the back, a detailed glossary offers pronunciation and definitions of words that may be new to readers as well as additional reading suggestions and online resources to learn more about the holiday. You can order this book by clicking here.

A newer holiday is explored in the book Kwanzaa by Artika R. Tyner. The book provides an excellent explanation of this holiday which many people may have heard of but may know little about. A celebration of African culture, Kwanzaa is honored from December 26 through January 1. Kwanzaa means “first in Swahili, and in Africa, this time of year would be the first harvest, so Kwanzaa commemorates that. The holiday includes rituals of lighting special candles and learning about specific traditions in African culture, such as Umoja, which means unity, Nia, or purpose, Ujima, collective responsibility, and Ujamaa, cooperative economics, and more. Houses are decorated with special items that represent different aspects of African culture and tradition. A table holds the kinara, the candleholder in which the seven ritual candles are placed. Fruit and vegetables are placed on the table to represent the harvest along with an ear of corn to represent each child in the family. People wear special clothes made of kente cloth and play traditional instruments during their celebrations. Customs differ regionally, but the theme is to celebrate African culture and come together as a people and learn about heritage. The informative book is on our website here.

Of course, we have many other holiday books to choose from; fiction, non-fiction, library-bound, Penworthy Prebound, and board books. Remember, all of our books are in stock and ship and invoice next day with no back orders! Click here to shop our wide selection of holiday books or click here to see our entire catalog. You can always call your Penworthy rep for suggestions and assistance!