Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

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Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho

by William Boniface (Author), Julien Chung (Illustrator)

Brief summary: The ABCs are back with a Christmas Tree instead of a coconut one. In rhyme and rhythm, the letters decorate the tree while noticing the “shape” presents underneath.

Comments: Fun to say and chant aloud. Based on “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom”(1989).

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

A Mouse Family Christmas book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

A Mouse Family Christmas 

by Deborah Underwood (Author), Leah Hong (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Hugo the mouse and his family are getting ready for Christmas Day by decorating their tree in the attic. Curious, Hugo ventures downstairs to see the large tree, only to find it completely bare. William, an elderly man, spots Hugo and lifts him up, thinking aloud whether to put him outside in the storm. However, he ultimately lets the little mouse return to his family. Grateful for his kindness, the mice come together to repay William for his gesture.

On Christmas Day, William shares his dinner with new friends because his family cannot arrive until later due to the storm.

Comments: This a lovely story about giving and sharing during the Christmas season.

The illustrations were created in gouache and colored pencil on watercolor paper.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

We Celebrate the Light book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

We Celebrate the Light 

by Jane Yolen (Author), Heidi E. Y. Stemple (Author), Jieting Chen (Illustrator)

Brief summary: This nonfiction book describes seven winter holidays: Diwali, Solstice, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, and Lunar New Year. Each holiday is briefly explained in lyrical stanzas and illustrated with beautiful two-page spreads.

Comments: This would be a superb introduction for teachers to use for a winter holidays unit.

The illustrations were digitally created in Photoshop with a tablet.

It’s important to note that at the beginning of the book, each holiday is named in the upper left corner of the page, followed by some factual information on the bottom right of the next page. However, halfway through the book, the pattern changes. While the text remains relevant to the illustrations, it shifts to a new format that emphasizes the connections between the holidays.

I appreciate the diversity in the illustrations, especially how they highlight family gatherings for celebrations.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nations Retelling of the Christmas Story  book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nations Retelling of the Christmas Story 

by Terry M. Wildman (Author), Hannah Noel Buchanan (Illustrator), Holly Buchanan (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Creator’s Mighty One appears to Bitter Tears, a young woman, and tells her that the Great Spirit has chosen her to have a son whom she will name Creator Sets Free. He Gives Sons and Bitter Tears embark on a long journey through the desert to a cave where she gives birth. Many come to visit this special baby.

Comments: This retelling of the birth of Jesus draws upon the rich tradition of Native oral storytellers. It has been adapted to reflect the perspectives of the First Nations people of North America. For further insights into the translation, please refer to the “Note from the Author” at the back of the book.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*I received a free copy of this book.

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.