The winter holidays bring us the gifts of slowing down, gathering with loved ones, and sharing stories. Here are three newly published Children's books that I’m especially excited to see added to our holiday collection!
It’s tamalada day, and everyone has gathered to make tamales for the holidays! Everyone in the families shares the tasks of kneading the masa, spreading the fillings, and wrapping them up. At the end of the celebration, just one tamale remains…and all three kids at the tamalada want it. What follows is a hilarious, over-the-top series of tamale-themed challenges (including a dance-off and a luchador moment) as they compete for the prize. This book is SO much fun and the illustrations by Teresa Martinez are expressive and engaging. There's a surprise ending where someone unexpected gets to enjoy that coveted last tamale!
This glowing picture book introduces readers to the seven principles of Kwanzaa! Each spread highlights how Black families across the African diaspora honor the holiday—gathering for meals, lighting the kinara, exchanging handmade gifts, and celebrating creativity and community. It’s a welcoming, inclusive window into the meaning of Kwanzaa and a lovely read-aloud for anyone who might be learning about the holiday for the first time. The authors' poetic, rhyming words pair so well with the gorgeous illustrations by Sawyer Cloud.
Told in eight adorable poems—one for each night of Hanukkah—this book captures the small, special moments that make the holiday feel magical: the flicker of candles in the window, the smell of frying delicious latkes, sharing songs and stories, and even the occasional mishap (like lighting a makeshift “bananukkiah” when plans go awry). Each poem is paired with a short, thoughtful note explaining the traditions behind the scenes. Soft, luminous artwork by Leanne Hatch makes the story feel especially cozy and sweet!
Whether you’re introducing little readers to new cultural traditions or celebrating your own, there's a fantastic children's book for the occasion. Come visit us at Nashville Public Library to check them out!
