Books about Holidays Around The World: 2024 Updated Guide to Essential Reading

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The Christmasaurus

by Tom Fletcher

The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher is a heartwarming and magical tale that takes readers on an enchanting journey into the world of Christmas. This delightful book on holidays around the world follows the story of a young boy named William Trundle, who forms an extraordinary bond with a dinosaur called the Christmasaurus. As they embark on an adventure filled with wonder and excitement, they encounter a cast of colorful characters and experience the true spirit of the holiday season. With themes of friendship, family, and the magic of Christmas, this book about holidays around the world is perfect for readers of all ages. Tom Fletcher’s imaginative storytelling and charming illustrations make The Christmasaurus a festive and joyous read that captures the essence of the holiday season.

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The Nutcracker

by E.T.A. Hoffmann

The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann is a classic holiday tale that takes readers on a magical journey into a world of wonder and enchantment. This beloved story follows young Clara as she receives a nutcracker as a Christmas gift and is transported into a fantastical realm where toys come to life, battles are fought, and the spirit of the holiday season fills the air. With its themes of love, bravery, and the magic of the season, The Nutcracker is a timeless book about holidays around the world that continues to captivate readers of all ages. Hoffmann’s vivid imagination and lyrical prose bring this holidays around the world book to life, making it a perfect read for the festive season.

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Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Christmas: With Carols, Presents, and Peace

by Deborah Heiligman

Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Christmas: With Carols, Presents, and Peace by Deborah Heiligman is a captivating book about holidays around the world. It takes readers on a global journey to explore the diverse ways in which Christmas is celebrated. Through vivid descriptions and beautiful illustrations, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into the customs, traditions, and festivities associated with this joyous occasion. Heiligman’s insightful storytelling and attention to detail provide a rich and immersive reading experience, making it a perfect choice for anyone interested in learning about holidays around the world. From caroling to gift-giving, and from religious ceremonies to cultural practices, this book beautifully captures the spirit of Christmas across different countries and cultures. It’s a heartwarming and educational read that celebrates the universal themes of love, generosity, and peace.

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The Polar Express

by Chris Van Allsburg

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is a magical and enchanting book about holidays around the world. The story follows a young boy who embarks on a thrilling adventure aboard a mysterious train headed for the North Pole. Throughout the journey, the boy encounters a series of extraordinary events and meets new friends, all while experiencing the wonder and magic of the holiday season.

Van Allsburg’s captivating storytelling and stunning illustrations bring the holidays around the world to life, capturing the imagination of readers of all ages. The Polar Express is a timeless classic that celebrates the spirit of the season and the joy of believing in the magic of Christmas. This heartwarming tale is perfect for families to share and enjoy together during the holiday season.

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Hanukkah in Alaska

by Barbara Brown

Hanukkah in Alaska by Barbara Brown is a captivating and heartwarming book about the celebration of the Festival of Lights in a unique setting. This delightful book on holidays around the world takes readers on a journey to Alaska, where a Jewish family embraces the spirit of Hanukkah amidst the cold and snow. The story beautifully captures the essence of the holiday, emphasizing the themes of faith, resilience, and community. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling, the book about holidays around the world provides a glimpse into how different cultures celebrate and find joy during the holiday season. Whether you’re familiar with Hanukkah or simply curious about how it’s celebrated in Alaska, this holidays around the world book offers an enriching and enjoyable reading experience for all ages.

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The Legend of Old Befana

by Tomie dePaola

The Legend of Old Befana, written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola, is a charming book about holidays around the world. This heartwarming story follows the Italian tradition of La Befana, a kindly old woman who delivers gifts to children on the eve of the Epiphany. Old Befana is known for her generosity and her endless search for the Christ child. Through lively illustrations and vivid storytelling, dePaola captures the spirit of this book on holidays around the world, offering readers a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of Italy. This timeless tale of love, faith, and the magic of giving is perfect for readers of all ages, and it’s a delightful addition to any collection of holidays around the world books.

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The Night Before Christmas

by Clement C. Moore

The Night Before Christmas, written by Clement C. Moore, is a beloved classic that captures the magic and excitement of Christmas Eve. This timeless tale follows a family as they prepare for the arrival of Santa Claus, describing the anticipation and wonder of the holiday season. The story is filled with vivid imagery and charming rhymes, making it a delightful read for both children and adults. With its heartwarming message and festive spirit, The Night Before Christmas is a perfect addition to any collection of books about holidays around the world. This enchanting story has become a cherished tradition for many families, and continues to capture the joy and magic of the holiday season for readers of all ages.

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The Snowman

by Raymond Briggs

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs is a heartwarming picture book about a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life. Together, they embark on a magical adventure, flying through the night sky and visiting various festive scenes, including a snowman party and meeting Father Christmas. The book beautifully captures the innocence and wonder of childhood, and is a beloved classic that has been enchanting readers of all ages for decades. With its charming illustrations and evocative storytelling, The Snowman is a perfect read for the holiday season, offering a delightful escape into a world of imagination and joy.

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The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story

by Gloria Houston

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story is a heartwarming tale of love, hope, and resilience set in the Appalachian Mountains. This captivating book about holidays around the world follows the story of Ruthie and her mother as they prepare for Christmas during World War I. Despite the challenges they face, they are determined to fulfill their promise to the town by providing the perfect Christmas tree for the church. Through their unwavering spirit and the support of their community, they find a way to make their Christmas dreams come true. This beautifully written story captures the true spirit of the holiday season and the importance of coming together in times of hardship. With its rich Appalachian setting and timeless message, The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming holiday tale.

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The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice

by Wendy Pfeffer

The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer is a fascinating book about the winter solstice, a significant event celebrated in many cultures around the world. Pfeffer’s engaging text and vibrant illustrations beautifully capture the magic and wonder of this celestial event, as well as the diverse ways it is celebrated globally. Readers will learn about the science behind the solstice, as well as the cultural traditions and customs associated with it. This book on holidays around the world is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in learning about different cultural celebrations and the natural phenomena that inspire them. It’s a perfect addition to any library or classroom, offering a rich exploration of the winter solstice and its importance in various cultures.

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The Legend of the Poinsettia

by Tomie dePaola

The Legend of the Poinsettia, a beautifully illustrated book about holidays around the world by Tomie dePaola, tells the story of a young girl named Lucida who is too poor to buy a gift for the Christmas procession in her Mexican village. Feeling ashamed, she gathers weeds and brings them to the church, where a Christmas miracle unfolds. As she places the weeds at the feet of the manger, they transform into vibrant, red poinsettias, dazzling the villagers and creating the beloved holiday tradition. This heartwarming tale not only celebrates the spirit of giving and the magic of Christmas, but also offers a glimpse into Mexican culture and traditions during the holiday season. A perfect addition to any collection of books on holidays around the world, The Legend of the Poinsettia is a timeless classic that captivates readers of all ages with its enchanting storytelling and enchanting illustrations.

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The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story

by Lemony Snicket

The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story by Lemony Snicket is a humorous and heartwarming tale about a latke who feels out of place during the holiday season. This witty and charming book on holidays around the world follows the latke as he embarks on a journey to find where he truly belongs, encountering various Christmas symbols along the way. Through clever storytelling and delightful illustrations, readers are taken on a festive adventure that celebrates the diversity of holiday traditions. With its clever twist on the classic holiday story, this book about holidays around the world is a delightful and unique addition to any holiday book collection, offering a fresh perspective on the joy and magic of the festive season.

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The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

by Susan Wojciechowski

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski is a heartwarming tale that takes readers on a journey of love, loss, and redemption during the holiday season. Set in a small village, the story follows Jonathan Toomey, a lonely and grumpy woodcarver, who is known as the “Gloomy Toomey” by the local children. When a widow and her son ask him to carve a nativity set, Jonathan reluctantly agrees, and through their interactions, he begins to open up and heal from his past pain. This touching story beautifully captures the spirit of Christmas and the power of kindness, forgiveness, and connection. The book is a perfect addition to any collection of holiday stories and is a heartwarming reminder of the true meaning of the festive season.

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The Story of Kwanzaa

by Donna L. Washington

The Story of Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington is a fascinating book about the cultural holiday of Kwanzaa. This book on holidays around the world provides an engaging overview of the history and traditions of Kwanzaa, a celebration of African heritage and community. Through lively storytelling and colorful illustrations, readers will learn about the origins of Kwanzaa and how it is celebrated with the lighting of the Kinara, the sharing of the Nguzo Saba (seven principles), and the exchange of meaningful gifts. This book about holidays around the world is a wonderful way for children to discover and appreciate the diversity of traditions and customs celebrated around the globe.

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The Mitten

by Jan Brett

The Mitten by Jan Brett is a delightful book about holidays around the world that tells the story of a young boy named Nicki who loses his white mitten in the snow. As various woodland animals discover the cozy mitten, they each decide to take refuge inside, from a tiny mouse to a big bear. The story is beautifully illustrated with intricate details, showcasing the animals’ antics as they all squeeze into the mitten. Set in the snowy countryside, this heartwarming tale is perfect for winter reading and introduces young readers to the concept of sharing and kindness. Jan Brett’s charming retelling of this Ukrainian folk tale will captivate readers of all ages and make for a perfect addition to any holiday book collection.

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The Legend of Saint Nicholas

by Demi

The Legend of Saint Nicholas by Demi is a captivating book about the origins and traditions of the beloved figure of Santa Claus. This beautifully illustrated book on holidays around the world takes readers on a journey through the life of Saint Nicholas, from his humble beginnings as a young boy to his legendary acts of kindness and generosity. Demi’s masterful storytelling brings to life the enchanting tales of Saint Nicholas, making this a perfect book about holidays around the world for readers of all ages. With its rich cultural and historical context, this holidays around the world book is a delightful way to learn about the origins of one of the most cherished figures of the holiday season.

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The Night of Las Posadas

by Tomie dePaola

The Night of Las Posadas by Tomie dePaola is a heartwarming book about holidays around the world that follows the beloved tradition of Las Posadas in a small village in Mexico. The story centers around Sister Angie and Brother Cosimo as they prepare for the annual reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging. As they face a snowstorm and other obstacles, the community comes together to ensure that the celebration goes on as planned. Through beautiful illustrations and a touching narrative, dePaola captures the spirit of community, generosity, and the joy of coming together during this special time of year. This book on holidays around the world is a delightful exploration of the Mexican Christmas tradition of Las Posadas and a celebration of the universal themes of love, kindness, and the holiday spirit.

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The Hanukkah Mice

by Ronne Randall

The Hanukkah Mice by Ronne Randall is a delightful children’s book about a family of mice who celebrate Hanukkah in their cozy little home. This heartwarming story follows the mice as they prepare for the holiday, lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, and enjoying delicious latkes and jelly doughnuts. The charming illustrations and engaging storyline make this book a perfect choice for young readers learning about the traditions of Hanukkah. This book is a wonderful addition to any collection of books on holidays around the world, introducing children to the customs and celebrations of the Jewish holiday in a fun and accessible way. The Hanukkah Mice is a joyful and educational read that celebrates the spirit of the holiday season and teaches children about the importance of tradition and family.

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The Twelve Days of Christmas

by Jan Brett

The Twelve Days of Christmas by Jan Brett is a delightful picture book that brings to life the classic holiday song. With her intricate and colorful illustrations, Brett takes readers on a journey through the enchanting world of Christmas, featuring a variety of festive animals and whimsical settings. This captivating book is a perfect addition to any collection of holiday-themed books, offering a unique and imaginative take on the traditional song. Whether you’re looking for a charming story to share with your family during the holiday season or a beautiful gift for a loved one, The Twelve Days of Christmas is sure to be a treasured addition to your collection of books on holidays around the world.

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The Diwali Gift

by Shweta Chopra & Shuchi Mehta

The Diwali Gift is a heartwarming children’s book that takes readers on a journey through the festival of Diwali, also known as the festival of lights. Written by Shweta Chopra & Shuchi Mehta, this beautifully illustrated book captures the essence of the holiday, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Through the story of a young girl named Samaira, readers will learn about the traditions, customs, and significance of Diwali, making it a perfect addition to any collection of books about holidays around the world. The Diwali Gift is a delightful way to introduce children to the diversity of cultural celebrations and the importance of spreading joy and positivity. This charming book is a must-have for anyone looking to explore and celebrate holidays around the world.