Holiday Books for Every Reader

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This article was originally published by Mesa Verde Living Magazine.

‘Tis the season to gather, do acts of kindness, and to give. These holiday moments we share

with family and friends bring joy and contentment as our year comes to close and our next

chapter begins. This month, in the spirit of the season I met up with friend and local bookstore

owner, Michelle Pierce, who reopened the Lido Village Books at its new location at 3424 Via

Lido in Lido Marine Village. We came up with a list of festive and fun books for kids of every

age. Below, we unwrap what these great books are all about.

Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson: A wonderful book for babies, Pierce said, “in

lilting rhymes, Bear’s friends keep him up to see Christmas, learning the power of friendship and

community.”

Countdown to Christmas by Greg Paprocki: Another great book for babies, “Paprocki has

some of the best retro illustrations around; Christmas is coming!!!” Said Pierce, “and here littles

are learning to countdown from 10 by finding the hidden objects in the charming scenes.”

Hello, World! Arctic Animals by Jill McDonald: In winter, our family enjoys books about polar

animals. An engaging and fun book that teaches kids about arctic animals, this is a great one for

babies and toddlers.

A Very Mercy Christmas by Kate DiCamillo: “Mercy is back in a picture book!” Pierce shared.

“When Stella wants to go caroling for the holidays, she has a terrible time getting someone to go

with her, but Christmas can bring miracles!” (Ages: 4-8 years)

K is for Kwanzaa by Juwanda G. Ford: An alphabet book that explains the traditions of

Kwanzaa to kids of all ages with colorful illustrations. My kids and I have learned so much from

this cute book. (Ages: 4-8 years)

The Tree That’s Meant to Be by Yuval Zommer: “Zommer’s illustrations are like nothing you

have seen before,’ explained Pierce. “Known for his science books, this one is about a lonely

tree who learns the power of what it means to be loved.” (Ages: 4-8 years)

Hanukkah Cookies With Sprinkles by David A. Adler: A cute book about a community that

helps a lonely man during Hanukkah, sharing kindness, joy, and cookies. (Ages: 6-9 years)

Calpurnia Vet: Goats for Christmas by Jacqueline Kelly: “Callie & Travis need sheep for the

Christmas Pageant but the town is low on sheep, so they substitute for goats,” said Pierce. “Full

of misadventures and innocent fun, the Calpurnia Vet series is sure to delight the sweetest of

new readers.” (Ages: 6-10 years)

Our Friend Hedgehog: A Place to Call Home by Lauren Castillo: “The seasons are changing

and fall is giving way to winter when Hedgehog meets another Hedgehog for the first time,”

shared Pierce. “Friend? Foe? Family? Hedgehog goes on an adventure to understand that

families come in all shapes and sizes and some are chosen.”(Ages: 6-10 years)

The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher: “When Santa finds an egg that has been frozen in the

ice for thousands of years, he sits on it in wonder of what it could be. William Trundle has

always wanted a dinosaur, so when Santa brings him a real one instead of a stuffed one,

adventure begins.” (Middle Grade)

The Way Past Winter by Kiran Millwood Hargrave: “Inspired by European Folklore,” this book

“explores topics of grief, inner strength, and unbreakable bonds of friendship,” explained Pierce.

“A book about magic, an eternal winter, and the determination of one girl to bring her family

together.” (Middle Grade)

The Christmas Clash by Suzanne Park: “Chloe and Peter dislike each other and their families

are rival business owners in the same mall,” shared Pierce. “When developers give eviction

notices to all the businesses before Christmas to put in condos; Chloe and Peter must put aside

their differences to save the mall and their families.” (Young Adult)

Sugaring Off by Gillian French: “A dazzling new novel about love and loss for mature readers;

Owl is her freest in the mountains and on her family’s sugar farm. She is partly deaf from a

childhood trauma that sent her father to prison; this sugar season brings a magnetic young man

hired to help, her father released from prison and a girl murdered. It is up to Owl to find the

answers,” said Pierce. (Young Adult)