Holiday Nonfiction

Briefly discusses the history and customs connected to the celebration of Thanksgiving in the United States.

Classic Christmas carols are perfect for reflecting on the true meaning of the season. Away in a Manger captures the tender birth of Jesus that first Christmas night. Born in a stable, Mary sweetly puts Jesus on a bed of hay as animals gaze upon the Christ-child. Included is the verse “Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, and take us to heaven to live with Thee there.”

Whether it's Halloween or just an opportune time for home theatricals, every so often an occasion calls for fake blood. But how do you make fake blood? We have the recipe.

Hanukkah is about celebrating! Often called the Festival of Lights, the eight-day celebration honors a miracle that happened long ago. During Hanukkah, people light the menorah. They sing songs. They gather with family and friends to eat special food and give gifts. Listeners will discover how a shared holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in all sorts of ways.

Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Across the country, people observe the day with speeches, poetry readings, festivals, picnics, street fairs, and family reunions. It is a day for people to come together and continue working toward equality.

Christmas is about celebrating! It is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus. Some people mark the holiday with Christmas trees and other decorations. People gather with family and friends to eat meals and give gifts. Listeners will discover how a shared holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in all sorts of ways.

Kwanzaa is about celebrating! It honors African American heritage. Some people mark the holiday by lighting the kinara. Families and friends gather to eat a big feast. Listeners will discover how a shared holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in all sorts of ways.

It's fall, and it's time to visit the pumpkin patch! Take a close look at pumpkins, learn how to pick a pumpkin, and have some fun on a hayride too. Kids will experience what it's like to visit a pumpkin patch.

Young listeners learn about the early traditions which have led to our present-day celebration of Valentine's Day.

A true story of a mother’s love, kept alive through gifts, letters, and time. When Genevieve (Gwen) Kingston lost her mother at age eleven, she was left with more than memories. Her mother had prepared a chest filled with handwritten letters and carefully chosen gifts—for the birthdays and...

Learn the story of Jesus’ birth and celebrate His birthday with songs and stories. Children will learn about the angel Gabriel telling Mary she is going to have a baby, why Mary and Joseph needed to return to Bethlehem, the humble birth of Jesus in a stable, the angels who told the shepherds the Good News, and the wise men who followed the star to bring Jesus gifts. Young hearts will learn that God sent His Son, Jesus, as a special gift to everyone.

This traditional English Christmas carol was first published in 1780 and still delights children and families today. Each new verse builds upon the last, making this cumulative poem fun for young learners to chant along with, and count each of the twelve days of creative gifts given by “my true love.” As each verse ends with “…and a partridge in a pear tree,” children will become familiar with the words and easily remember this engaging poem.

Join Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the angels as they celebrate the birth of Jesus. This fabulous book teaches young listeners about Jesus’ birth and the real meaning of Christmas.

¡Celebra la historia inspiradora de la Resurrección de Jesús reescrita espacialmente para niños pequeños y familias! Jóvenes lectores aprenderán sobre la ultima semana de vida de Jesús y como Él murió por nuestros pecados. La Historia de la Pascua describe a Jesús montando un burro hacia la ciudad de Jerusalén mientras el pueblo le grita, “¡Hosanna! ¡Bendito el que viene en nombre del Señor!” Después, Jesús esta en el templo y voltea las mesas porque la gente no estaban adorando a Dios.

Spooky ghouls greet guests, chattering skeletons stalk the streets, and blazing jack-o'-lanterns light up the night. It must be Halloween! This chilling collection of fun, creepy scenes contains hundreds of hidden items. Are you up to the challenge? Put your seeking skills to the test with Halloween Hunt.

From opening gifts to visiting Santa, Christmas is a magical time of year. Get into the holiday spirit in J Is for Jingle Bells.

Star-shaped decorations called parols decorate walls. People gather for a feast called Noche Buena. Singing groups called cumbancheros fill the streets. These are the sights and sounds of Christmas in the Philippines. Come explore the many Philippine traditions that bring people of this country together at Christmas.

How do you celebrate your birthday? Do you have a party? Do you go out to eat? Learn all about fun things to do on your special day.

Birthdays are full of streamers, balloons, and presents. Get ready to celebrate in C Is for Cake!

Let’s celebrate Thanksgiving Day by singing songs and learn why the turkey is such an amazing bird. Did you know that only male turkeys gobble? Or that wild turkeys are intelligent, sensitive, and social animals? Kids will learn that wild turkeys sleep in trees and can fly up to 55 mph for short distances. Turkey jokes will make everyone laugh around the Thanksgiving Day table. Grab a fork and spoon and drive right into a delicious dish of learning!