Great Holiday Books for Kids

The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming

Written by Lemony Snicket (Daniel Handler)

Illustrated by Lisa Brown

Picture book

Ages 5 and up

“AAAHHHHHHHH!!!”

This hilarious little book is a holiday story that takes you off the beaten path and uses humor to convey an important message. Here we learn about the origins and traditions of Hanukkah from a disgruntled latke (a potato pancake). As Latke runs around town, he keeps coming across Christmas symbols, such as strings of colored lights, candy canes, and pine trees, which lead him to explain over and over again that Hanukkah is not at all like Christmas. In the end, Latke learns that there is room in this world for all of us to celebrate our differences.

Find it at New Orleans Public Library: 3 copies system wide

Main Library: 219, Loyola Ave, 504.596.2560

Rosa F. Keller Branch: 4300 S. Broad, 504 596-2660

Find it at Jefferson Parish Public Library: 11 copies system wide

Written by Roseanne Greenfield Thong

Illustrated by Sara Palacios

Picture book

Ages 3-8

…and all through our casa, every creature was kneading tamale masa

This take off the classic ’Twas the Night Before Christmas follows a Latino family as they prepare for their Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) festivities. From colorful adornos to singing canciones to homemade buñuelos, this tale about tradition and the strength of family bonds is both humorous and lively. Thong rhythmically blends the English and Spanish text, and Palacios’s art conveys the spirit of the holiday season.

Find it at New Orleans Public Library: 5 copies system wide*

Main Library: 219, Loyola Ave, 504.596.2560

Children’s Resource Center: 913 Napoleon Ave, 504.596.2628

Mid-City Branch: 3700 Orleans Ave, 504.596.2654

Nix Branch: 1401 S. Carrolton Ave, 504.596.2630

Robert E. Smith Branch: 6301 Canal Blvd, 504.596.2638

Find it at the Jefferson Parish Public Library: 3 copies system wide
East Bank Regional, Lakeshore, North Kenner, West Bank Regional





Santa Calls

Written and Illustrated by William Joyce

Picture book

Ages 5 and up

Toyland was everything they wished for and more than they ever dreamed possible.

The Christmas of 1908 was not just any other Christmas for Art Atchinson Aimesworth; his sister, Esther; and his best friend, Spaulding Littlefeets. The three kids receive a mysterious package from Santa Claus requesting them to come North to Toyland. And this is the beginning of their Extraordinary Adventure! Their quest includes the Canine Brigade, Dark Elves, an Evil Queen, and lots of licorice. After a heroic battle, Santa safely escorts the kids back home, leaving them each a special gift. However, they still can’t figure out why Santa called. (The mystery isn’t revealed until the final page.) Joyce’s illustrations have a bit of an old-fashioned feel, evoking the period in which the story is set, but still retain his signature artistic style

Find it at New Orleans Public Library: 8 copies system wide*

Main Library: 219, Loyola Ave, 504.596.2560

Algiers Regional: 3014 Holiday Dr, 504.596.2641

Children’s Resource Center: 913 Napoleon Ave, 504.596.2628

East New Orleans Branch: 5641 Read Blvd, 504.596.0200

Milton H. Latter Memorial Library: 5120 St. Charles Ave, 504.596.2625

Find it at the Jefferson Parish Library: 3 copies system wide
East Bank Regional, Old Metairie