Monthly Book Features

The library collection includes dozens of books relating to Christmas and winter. Some of them are featured here. We have the standard classics A Night Before Christmas, Twelve Days of Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and A Christmas Carol, as well as other familiar titles. Please take time to visit the library and enjoy the wonderful transformation Stephanie has made for the winter while choosing a special book to enjoy.

All books borrowed in December will be due back after the Christmas Break,
on Wednesday, January 4, 2012.

 

Here are our featured titles:

 

 

Aunt Olga's Christmas Postcards

By Kevin Major, Canadian author

Ages: 6 to 10

Great-great Aunt Olga has been a collector of Christmas postcards all her life. She's 95, and many of the cards come from very long ago. The Yuletide season is the occasion to share her postcards and her Christmas memories with her favourite niece, Anna. Decked out in red, Aunt Olga is not adverse to a little fun over tea, teaching Anna how to write her very own Christmas rhymes.

 

 

Christmas Song of the North

By Marsha Bonicatto

Ages: 4 to 10

Set to the musical theme of "Twelve Days of Christmas" this book introduces the intricate community of creatures who live in the North Country's winter landscape. Includes brief facts about each animal. Some of those included are: the ruffed grouse, snowy owl, deer mice, otters and wolves.

 

 

The Gift of the Magi

By Michael Neugebaur

Ages: 6 to adult

Classic story set in New York at the turn of the century, centres on a young couple and the sacrifices each must make in order to buy the other a gift. Based on a short story by O. Henry.

 

 

Nutcracker

By E.T.A. Hoffman

Ages: 6 to adult

Written in 1816 the Nutcracker has inspired artists and composers for decades. Magical story of the nutcracker in the shape of a man who became a prince. Sendak designed sets and costumes for Pacific Northwest Ballet and created the wonderful pictures in this book.

 

 

The Reader's Digest Book of Christmas

By Reader's Digest

Ages: All

Large volume divided into four parts: The Birth of Christ-a composite tale from Luke and Matthew illustrated by great art through the ages; History of Christmas-the birth of Christ had been foretold over 2000 years ago, the story of how Christmas came to pass and its international spread; Literature of Christmas-stories, poems and personal memoirs which capture the magic of the season: Christmas around the World-Mexico, Poland and the Philippines are among the countries highlighted as to customs and folklore of the season.

 

 

Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories

By Lucy Maud Montgomery, Canadian author

Ages: 8 to adult

Christmas and New Year's is a season of celebration and reflection, of taking stock of months gone by and looking forward to the year to come. Includes old favourites from the Anne books and some new tales.

 

 

The Snow Tree

By Caroline Repchuck

Ages: 4 to 10

A black bear cub wakes up to see snow for the very first time and begins a quest to find nature's colours. A host of animals help him in his search as they bring the colours of the forest to him, one by one. What the animals finally create together with their gathered treasures is a magical symbol of the Christmas season.

 

 

Christmas Things to Stitch and Sew

By Fiona Watt

Ages: 6 to 12

Includes directions for sparkly decorations, hanging stars, pretty gift bags and a reindeer collage. Focuses on step-by-step instruction for beginning sewers.

 

 

Hanukkah

By Valerie Bodden

Ages: All

Tells the background of how Hanukkah came into being and the significance of lighting candles for nine nights. It describes other customs followed during the holiday. Includes an index, glossary and further reading suggestions and websites. There is a recipe for a  marshmallow menorah.

 

 

Snowsong Whistling

By Karen Lotz

Ages: 6 to 10

As autumn turns into winter, there come the sounds of hot pies baking, red squirrels packing, sleigh bells jingling, and other seasonal reminders.

 

 

Winter

By Moira Butterfield

Ages: 6 to 10

Explains what winter is, why winter days become shorter and colder as well as how winter is celebrated around the world, and how wild animals survive in harsh winter weather. Includes stories and activities.

 

 

Winter Lights—A Season in Poems and Quilts

By Anna Grossnickle Hines

Ages: All

Celebrates the lights that brighten winter in poems and quilts. Includes portrayals of the moon, Northern Lights, and lights of Santa Lucia, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and Chinese New Year.

 

 

Dog sledder—Racing Across the Snow in Alaska

By Robyn Brode

Ages: 6 to 10

Photos of Alaska and illustrations accompany interesting facts about the famous Iditarod dog sledding race in simple text.