Holiday Nonfiction

A vast array of poems old and new joyously celebrates each special day of the year, telling of New Year's resolutions, Valentine's Day love, Easter parades, Fourth of July fireworks, and more. Featuring verse from favorites like Walt Whitman, Jack Prelutsky, and Langston Hughes and poetic lyrics from the likes of Cole Porter and Oscar Hammerstein, plus heartfelt introductions by Julie Andrews describing favorite family holiday moments, this is the perfect collection for families to share together.

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!

In this compilation of six Christmas themes, you will learn about: The story of Advent; the history of the first Christmas; the story of celebrating the Nativity; the importance of the Twelve Days of Christmas; the origins of Christmas customs; and the different Christmas traditions around the world.

Every year you probably celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December. Someone may have told you that this is the day of Jesus' birth. But nobody actually knows when he was born! The Bible does not give us a date for the birth of Jesus. So early Christians took the date of important ancient festivals and placed Christmas around the same time.Before Christianity, the Romans had a winter festival called Saturnalia, which took place for one week in mid-December.

Christmas trees and Christmas cards seem to be an essential part of the holiday season. So it may surprise you to know they are both relatively recent traditions in the United States and Britain!

Every November, the United States celebrates Thanksgiving Day. But what actually happened at the first Thanksgiving? And when did it happen? Discover the facts and find out the fiction surrounding one of America’s favorite holidays.

In September 1620, 102 brave travelers and their crew stepped upon a ship called the Mayflower in England. Most were members of a religious group now known as the Pilgrims. They were bound for North America to start a new life. They endured many hardships and made many tough choices. Now the choices are yours. Would you rather suffer from seasickness or from skin sores caused by scurvy? Would you rather have been a crew member navigating the ship in stormy seas or cramped into the living quarters just along for the tumultuous ride? It's your turn to pick this or that!

Happy birthday! Let's celebrate! All around the world people are turning another year older. What are some ways birthdays are celebrated in Asia? Or in South America? Discover the ways people celebrate birthdays in this engaging series that develops kids' understanding of our diverse global community and their place in it.

Have you ever wanted to make a jack o' lantern? Where do you start? You're about to learn how to make it happen, step by messy step!

Classic Christmas songs are sung by children, for children, in this festive holiday book perfect for young singers. From the fun arrangement of “Jingle Bells,” to the traditional sweet-sound song “Silent Night,” children will enjoy singing along to these traditional Christmas songs.“My First Book Of Christmas Carols” is sure to become a family favorite as children end with an a capella version of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”

Thomas's recording of this holiday classic is considered the first official audiobook. You'll hear the author's recollection of a holiday in the seaside town of his youth as well as some of his most celebrated poems, including "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night."

It’s time to celebrate Christmas. There’s so much to do! Make cookies and decorate the Christmas tree. Have dinner with your family. Exchange presents. This important Christian holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

Decorations made of straw cover your Christmas tree. A girl dressed in a crown of candles sings songs as she visits people’s homes. People gather together to exchange gifts called julklappar. These are the sights and sounds of Christmas in Sweden. Come explore the many Swedish traditions that bring people of this country together at Christmas.

Do you crack open a piñata on your birthday? Do you eat long noodles? Learn all about different birthday customs of children around the world.

It’s time to celebrate Kwanzaa! Light the kinara. Eat a big feast with your family. During Kwanzaa, people come together. They celebrate African-American heritage.

How many candles will be on your birthday cake this year? What flavor of cake will you eat? Learn all about cakes you can enjoy on your special day.

A yule log burns brightly in a fireplace. Children pop open Christmas crackers to get a surprise. Families enjoy treats such as mince pie and plum pudding. These are the sights and sounds of Christmas in England. Come explore the many English traditions that bring people of this country together at Christmas.

What kind of games will you play at your birthday party? From musical chairs to sack racing, games make birthdays fun. Learn about indoor and outdoor games to play on your special day.

Get ready to hop, dance, and sing along to this fun-filled song/audiobook combo. Upbeat lyrics and a catchy melody makes “Birthday Bee Bop” a party and classroom favorite!

Apart from opening presents, the best part about any birthday is the delicious cake! This fun-filled song/audiobook combo tells how a mother plans to build a massive birthday cake. Upbeat lyrics and a catchy melody makes “Ten Layer Birthday Cake” a party and classroom favorite!