Book Guide:
December, 2024
Cozy Reads for Deserving of Celebration: Winter Book Recommendations
As the days grow colder and the lights start to twinkle, winter becomes a season rich with celebration, reflection, and connection. This curated list of books is designed to help every reader feel seen and celebrated, featuring stories and characters that honor a variety of holidays from November through February. While it doesn’t cover every tradition, it offers a thoughtful starting point for inclusive, joyful reading all season long—whether you're gathering with loved ones or curling up solo with a good story.
Picture Books
Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto and Ed Martinez
“Too Many Tamales” by Gary Soto is a heartwarming holiday story that blends laughter, tradition, and a gentle lesson in honesty. When young Maria helps her family prepare tamales—a cherished tradition during the holiday season—she sneaks a moment to try on her mother’s ring. But when the ring goes missing, a frantic (and funny) search begins with the help of her cousins. This story beautifully captures the spirit of family gatherings, the handing down of cultural traditions, and the deep, unconditional love that weathers even the messiest mistakes.
Dasher by Matt Tavares
“Dasher” by Matt Tavares offers a magical reimagining of the origin story behind Santa’s famous reindeer team. Told through the eyes of a brave young doe, this beautifully illustrated tale follows Dasher as she escapes a life in a traveling circus to chase her dream of snowy skies and starlit nights. Along the way, she discovers friendship, freedom, and the power of hope—and her journey ultimately brings her whole family together in a way that forever transforms Christmas. A heartfelt story that reminds readers of the courage it takes to follow your dreams and the joy of creating new traditions.
Eight Nights, Eight Lights by Natalie Barnes
“Eight Nights, Eight Lights” by Natalie Barnes and Andrea Stegmaier is a beautiful introduction to Hanukkah, told through the eyes of a child. Over the course of eight nights, readers visit eight different families, each sharing their own meaningful traditions—from lighting the menorah to enjoying special foods and songs. With warm, inclusive illustrations and thoughtful storytelling, this book celebrates both the shared spirit and the unique ways Hanukkah is honored across homes. It’s a wonderful read for families looking to learn about or connect more deeply with this joyful holiday.
Playing with Lanterns by Helen Wang and Wang Yage
“Playing with Lanterns” offers a luminous glimpse into the joy and tradition of Chinese New Year through the eyes of a young girl named Zhao Di. As she and her friends race through their village with brightly colored lanterns gifted by their uncles, readers are drawn into the vibrant festivities that culminate in the Lantern Festival (元宵节, Yuán Xiāo Jié)—a celebration marking the close of the Lunar New Year. With stunning illustrations and lyrical storytelling, this book captures the excitement, symbolism, and beauty of a tradition that honors letting go of the old and welcoming the new with hope and light.
Thankful by Elanie Vickers
Though the holiday it honors may fall a little earlier in the season, I couldn’t leave out Thankful—a stunning picture book that beautifully captures the spirit of gratitude. With gentle, relatable moments and cozy illustrations, the story begins with the simple tradition: “On the first day of snow, we make a thankful chain.” From there, readers follow the characters as they add slips of paper each day, reflecting on what they’re thankful for until the family gathers for their big holiday celebration. This book mirrors a cherished tradition I’ve carried in both my home and classroom, and I encourage others to do the same. Thankful is more than a seasonal story—it’s an invitation to slow down, notice the good, and celebrate gratitude all winter long.