December is a magical time when people connect with friends, family and people in their community. In the spirit of the season, I’m sharing some gems that inspire me to spread peace and cheer by connecting with people around me. I’ve included some questions for kids that may help bring out the spirit connection in them as well. Hope you enjoy these gems as much as I do!
HAPPY PIG DAY
By Mo Willems (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
This fabulous book helps kids (and adults) explore the sensitivities or questions that may arise when sharing or learning about a holiday. I’ve used this book for Pride, Eid, as well as December holidays (Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hannukah time) because it encourages children to be authentic about their excitement as well as emotions related to being unsure of how to relate to it all.
In this story, Piggie is thrilled about the fabulous things you can do on Happy Pig Day. Gerald, his elephant friend has never heard of this day and is curious to learn. As more and more pigs arrive however, Gerland begins to feel left out and leaves the festivities. Piggie then seeks him out to ask if he’s okay. Gerald explains how he does not have a snout, is gray, is an elephant and feels like he doesn’t belong. Pigge than shares a new perspective – “Happy Pig Day is not just for pigs, it’s for anyone who loves pigs!” At this point Gerald sees that not everyone at the celebration is a pig. He feels welcomed and then excited to celebrate with his friend.
Questions for Kids:Are there any holidays you are learning about from your friends, classmates or family members? Do you have any questions about how they celebrate? What are some ways you can help your friend feel joyful and special on their special day? Do you have a favorite holiday? What are some traditions from your favorite holiday that you would like to share with frinds, classmates or neighbors? If you could create your own special holiday what would it be?
GOOD MORNING/BUENOS DIAS
Written by Meritxell Marti
Illustrated by Xavier Salomo
This super fun (and sturdy) board book is always a hit at story time with children ages 1-7! Each page features an interactive push and slide illustration in which readers are greeting something or someone in English and Spanish. Characters include a rooster, some neighbors, a baker, and even a cheery alarm clock. I think it’s a great reminder that we can spread the spirit of cheer on any day, simply by greeting our neighbors with a warm and cheery good morning.
Question for Kids: Who do you usually say good morning to every day? How does it feel when people greet us with a good morning and a smile? How do you think people feel when we greet them with a big smile and good morning? Who are some people we come across in our day that we can greet with a smile and good morning?
WHAT’S COOKING AT 10 GARDEN STREET
By Felicita Sala
Cooking a meal can be one of the greatest forms of love, and this story/recipe book shows us what that love can look like globally! The book starts with a neighbor walking past 10 Garden street and smelling something delicious. Each page then features a gorgeously illustrated kitchen and neighbor creating something scrumptious and traditional that reflects their particular heritage. Every page also has an actual recipe you can try with family or friends! At the end, all the neighbors get together and share a meal in the garden. A fabulous recipe book that definitely inspires me to share a meal with my neighbors as well!
Questions for Kids: Is there a recipe you’d like to try? What kinds of things do you see in the different kitchens? What are some special food that you like to make with your family? What are some foods that you have tried at a friend or family member’s home that you would like to learn more about? Would you be interested in maybe organizing a potluck? Who could we invite and what could we make? What are some things we might want to ask someone before making them food? (Dietary preferences, etc).
The Rabbit Listened
By Cori Doerrfeld
Holidays can be an emotionally difficult time for many people. We may be missing the presence of a friend, family member or loved one who is no longer a part of our lives. The Rabbit Listened is an excellent way to explore emotions that may come when it feels like things may be falling apart. The story starts off with a child named Taylor who creates something amazing! Suddenly things come crashing down, and various animals come to offer support. The chicken, for example, asks if Taylor wants to talk about it, and a bear comes by and asks if Taylor wants to roar about it. Each animal represents a different way of dealing with the situation, but Taylor does not feel like doing any of these things. Eventually, a rabbit comes by, sits quietly, and listens. And because the rabbit listens, Taylor begins to express various emotions until eventually a feeling arises of wanting to build again. Kids love this book for all kinds of reasons – not only because it gives them some language to help express themselves, but also includes fun animal voices.
Questions for Kids: Does this story remind you of anything you have experienced? Which animal do you feel most connected to? What are some different things we can do when it feels like things are crashing down? Have you ever seen a friend feeling upset? What is one way we can help?
Peace
By Wendy Anderson Halperin
Based on one of my favorite quotations from Lao Tse, this beautifully illustrated book shows us how peace in the world is connected to creating a sense of peace within ones home and heart. The concept of world peace can sometimes be really overwhelming, butthis book helps children explore the different ways that we can practically bring peace to what and whom we are already connected – our hearts, homes, neighbors, etc. Illustrations include acts of kindness and service such as sharing an umbrella with a child, planting trees or showing someone how to use a computer.
Questions for Kids: What examples of peace do you see in the book? What are some ways that you see people around you practicing peace? What are some things we can do to bring a feeling of peace inside our hearts? Our homes? How can we build a culture of peace with our neighbors and in our community?
Infinite Gems 