By CHRISTINE LYNCH
Winter is a great time of year to snuggle in with a book, and even better if you can read with your child or grandchild. Happily, there are shelves upon shelves of children’s books written for the winter solstice holiday season.
Some books tell about another culture’s way of celebrating the season, such as the Scandinavian Saint Lucia’s Day, or Kwanzaa, the harvest celebration observed throughout Africa, North and South America, and the Caribbean. All people need celebrations, and each individual culture has its unique holidays or particular ways to celebrate special occasions. Stories open up these worlds, whether you have family members from a particular culture or want to learn about a different heritage.
Instead of re-reading familiar holiday books, perhaps take the opportunity to find some about another’s heritage. Maybe try reading a family favorite in a new language. “Polar Express,” Chris Van Allsburg’s classic, has been translated into languages worldwide. Not all of the readers in those countries celebrate Christmas as a holiday, still they know and love this enchanting tale about the power of believing.
Below are suggestions for holiday or winter solstice books in a few languages. These are just a small fraction of the many cultures around us, as space does not allow a more thorough list.
We have many places to locate books, including the wonderful local book stores that serve the Cape or some specialty gift stores. Readers can borrow works from the Cape’s extraordinary libraries, where books are available as a hardcopy or can be downloaded onto a device.
Over at Eight Cousins Books, Falmouth’s Main Street bookstore for both adults and children, the staff makes sure that every reader discovers the book they hope to take home. Co-owner Sara Hines curated a large stack of seasonal suggestions, many included below. Once you’ve gathered some books, settle into your cozy spot with steaming cups of cocoa.
Celebrations of Light
“Diwali” by Sital Gorasia Chapman, illustrated by Darshika Varma
The author lets us in on Diwali, a huge holiday celebrated in India. A five-day Celebration of light over darkness, good over evil.
“Winter Light” by Aaron Becker (a board book)
“The Shortest Day” by Susan Cooper, illustrated by Carson Ellis
Both of these weave stories about our northern winter solstice.
Eight Cousins also has Spanish language books that tell about Dawali, Chanuka, and the Winter Solstice.
African American and other cultures
“Together for Kwanzaa,” by Juwanda G. Ford
A family plans to be together to enjoy this seven-day harvest feast acknowledging community, family, and cultural values.
“The Night Before Kwanzaa” by Natasha Wing and Jewell Kirsti; illustrated by Amy Wummer
Chinese
“Chinese Festivals (Part 8) Winter Solstice Festival, by YiYi Quo
Winter Solstice, 40 Chinese Poets,” by Jin Zhong
Mexican
“Between us and Abuela,” by Mitali Perkins; illustrated by Sara Palacios
A tale of the times about a family wishing to be together for Christmas, dealing with crossing the border into the United States.
Native American
“Native American Night Before Christmas,” adapted and written by Gary Robinson; illustrated by Jesse T. Hummingbird
This humorous Native take on a familiar Christmas Eve tale begins
“’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the tipi
Not a creature was stirring—nothing crawly, nothing creepy.”
Colorful illustrations enhance the yarn. A glossary of terms is included.
“Circle of Wonder” by N. Scott Momaday
With a celebrated author known for his thoughtful, lyrical writing, along with stylistic artwork, this Native American Christmas story is based on a spiritual experience he had as a youth living in Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico. “It was the moment of Christmas and of a spirit that transcends time.”
Portuguese
Bilingual “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Sally M. Veillette
“I Love Winter, Eu Amo Inverno” English-Portuguese bilingual children’s book in Brazilian Portuguese by Shelley Admont.
Tale of a little bunny who has to learn what to do about winters being cold.
Note: Ms. Admont’s book has been translated in many different languages
Swedish
“Lucia Morning in Sweden” by Ewa Rydaker; Illustrator, Carina Stahlberg
The story of Santa Lucia seen through the eyes of three children in modern-day Sweden. One of the most beloved and celebrated traditions of the Swedish people, Lucia Day also means that Christmas approaches
“The Yule Tomte and the Little Rabbits: A Christmas Story for Advent” by Ulf Stark; Eva Ericksson, illustrator
A funny Christmas story of a grumpy tomte (tomtens are Yule elves) and hopeful little rabbits, told in 25 short chapters, to be enjoyed on each evening of Advent.
“How to Make a Swedish Christmas!” by Helen Ingeborg. A charming book with recipes, songs and folk tales of Tomte and Julbock, the legendary goat that brings children gifts.
Ukrainian
“Baba’s Babushka : A Magical Ukrainian Christmas” by Marion Mutala
This folk tale conveys the meaningful message of hope, heritage, and family. For families of Ukrainian heritage, “From St. Nicholas to Christmas” can be read by a Ukrainian speaker.
Have fun seeking out books for your own family’s backgrounds or to learn about how different people celebrate this wintry season