“Jackie's Gift”

The holiday season is upon us, and with so few weeks to go, I'm cutting down the lead of my story to make room for an additional book review to help you keep on top of terrific books for this special time of the year.

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Books to BorrowThe following books are available at many public libraries.

“Winter's Gift” written and illustrated by Jane Monroe Donovan, Sleeping Bear Press, 32 pages; read aloud: age 4 and 5 and older; read yourself: age 7 and 8 and older.An old man lived on a small farm in the woods. It was Dec. 24th, and a blizzard, had covered everything in white.Christmas Eve had always been a wonderful time for the man and his wife. Each year they would decorate their tree and place the star on the top — the symbol of hope.This year was different, for the man's wife had died months ago, and he no longer had hope.As he prepared his dinner, he heard a sound outside and went to investigate, finding a mare lying in the snow.He gently helped her to her feet and led her to his barn where he warmed her and gave her food and drink. Exhausted, he fell asleep on the hay. When he woke on Christmas morning, he found a very special gift, and for the first time in a long while, he found himself looking forward to the next day.An outstanding book in both story and illustration, this selection resounds with compassion and joy.

“The Chanukah Guest” by Eric Kimmel, illustrated by Giora Carmi, Holiday House, 32 pages; read aloud: age 2 and 3 and older; read yourself: age 7 and 8.Bubba Brayne, age 97, always made her delicious latkes for her friends at Chanukah. This year was special and she made twice as many because the rabbi was coming.While Bubba Brayne cooked, the delicious aroma of her latkes wafted through the forest and awakened Old Bear from his sleep.Old Bear followed his nose to Bubba Brayne's house, and knocked on the door. Bubba Brayne didn't see or hear very well at her age, and thinking her visitor was the rabbi, welcomed Old Bear into her home.After lighting the menorah and a game of dreidel, the two feasted on latkes until they were all gone. Old Bear left, and soon Bubba Brayne heard another knock at the door. It was the rabbi — the real rabbi — along with everyone from the village!A wonderfully entertaining story with delightful illustrations, this book is a great choice for Chanukah, the holidays or anytime.

<B>Library: </B>Butler Public Library, 218 N. McKean St.<B>Library Director: </B>Lori Campbell<B>Youth Services Librarian: </B>Peter Bess<B>Choices this week: “Maisy Goes to the Library”</B> by Lucy Cousins; <B>“Fun Dog, Sun Dog”</B> by Deborah Heiligman; <B>“Moosekitos”</B> by Margie Palatini<B>Books to Buy</B>The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>“Jackie's Gift: A True Story of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Jackie Robinson” </B>by Sharon Robinson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis, Viking, 2010, 32 pages, $16.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 4 and older; read yourself: age 8 and 9.In 1948, young Steve Satlow lived in Brooklyn and loved baseball, especially his home team, the Brooklyn Dodgers. Steve couldn't believe his good luck when his favorite player, Jackie Robinson, moved in only two doors away.Steve and Jackie Robinson became friends, and at Christmastime, when Jackie learned that Steve and his family didn't have a Christmas tree, Jackie decided to buy one for them. What Jackie didn't know was that the Satlows didn't celebrate Christmas — they were Jewish.A true story, this heartwarming and funny book is a celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah, and friendship.<B>“Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus” </B>by Chris Plehal, illustrated by James Bernardin, Harper, 2010, 32 pages, $16.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 and 8.In 1897, 8-year-old Virginia was eagerly looking forward to Christmas. This year she had even made her own Santa Claus book. When her book was being shown to other excited children in her neighborhood, one nasty girl made fun of Virginia and told her that there was no Santa Claus.Virginia decided she would prove there was a Santa Claus. She wrote to the editor of The Sun newspaper and asked him to tell her the truth, and his reply warmed the hearts of children and adults everywhere.Based on actual events, this wonderful, warm story is just right for Christmas cheer.<B><I>Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at the following website: www.greatestbooksforkids.com.</I></B>

"Yes Virginia"