Ramadan Kareem by M. O. Yuksel, illustrated by Hatem Aly (HarperCollins, 40 pages, ages 4-8). Kids around the world celebrate Ramadan from the sighting of the crescent moon that marks the beginning to the next crescent a month later that signals that it’s time for the Eid celebration. In between, some of them fast for the first time, give money and food to neighbors, enjoy feasts before sunrise and after sunset, and attend mosque to pray and study the Qur’an. Eid means family gatherings, feasting, and gift giving, as the kids look forward to celebrating Ramadan again next year. Includes additional information, as well as a glossary and a list of three resources.

This book is packed with information, as well as colorful illustrations by Hatem Aly, for whom I’ve had a soft spot since The Inquisitor’s Tale. One fun feature is that 13 flags are hidden in the pictures, showing where in the world that celebration is taking place, although I wish this had been introduced at the beginning of the book instead of the end. I also wish I had seen this book in time for Ramadan this year, but file it away as one to purchase for 2025.

Juneteenth Is by Natasha Tripplett, illustrated by Daniel J. O’Brien (Chronicle Books, 40 pages, ages 4-8). A young girl shows readers how her family celebrates Juneteenth. The day starts with a parade, then continues to a big extended family gathering for a feast that features red food and drink. Grandparents remind everyone that red represents the color of suffering and give a quick synopsis of the history of the day, “the history lesson not taught in school.” At the end of the day, the family gathers for a photo, and the girl reminds readers, “Juneteenth is for all of us. We are America.” Includes information and resources on the significance of red in the celebration of Juneteenth.

Another beautifully illustrated book that serves as an excellent introduction to Juneteenth for younger readers. It’s a good mix of family fun and remembrance of the reasons for observing the day. Although the information about the significance of red is interesting, I would have liked more about the history of the holiday.

For those who celebrate Easter (March 31 in 2024): Elijah’s Easter Suit by Brentom Jackson, illustrated by Emmanuel Boateng (Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 32 pages, ages 4-8). Every Easter, Reverend White gives a special “Hallelujah” to the congregant who’s got the most spectacular Easter outfit. Elijah’s determined to win, but the stores around town don’t have anything that looks just right. Feeling defeated, Elijah asks previous winners Mother Green and Deacon Brown for advice. They tell him that Easter’s not about winning a competition, but about new beginnings and remembering their culture. They share how when they were kids, they often wore homemade Easter outfits, not being allowed to shop in local stores. Inspired, Elijah makes an outfit from fabrics that have happy memories for him and wows the crowd on Easter morning with his colorful patchwork suit. Hallelujah!

Verdict: A definite winner with funny illustrations depicting Elijah in a variety of interesting outfits on his shopping spree, but also offering a heartwarming message about community and being true to yourself.

For those who celebrate Eid (on or around April 9 in 2024): The Most Exciting Eid by Zeba Talkhani, illustrated by Abeeha Tariq (Scholastic, 24 pages, ages 4-8). When they spot the new moon, Safa and her family start to get ready for Eid al-Fitr. Safa is excited to wear new clothes, get gifts, and get together with family. In the morning, all her wishes start to come true, and she enjoys her presents, especially a new bike. Her cousin Alissa wants a turn, but Safa doesn’t feel like sharing. Later, Safa’s mother takes her through the neighborhood to distribute gifts, and Safa realizes that sharing is one of the best parts of Eid. After a big dinner at the grandparents’, Safa is ready to go home and ride bikes with Alissa.

Verdict: A cute story that introduces several aspects of Eid, in what appears to be a Pakistani family. It definitely has a Scholastic book club vibe to it, and unfortunately, only seems to be available in paperback.

For those who celebrate Passover (April 22-April 30 in 2024): Afikoman, Where’d You Go? A Passover Hide-and-Seek Adventure by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, illustrated by Noa Kelner (Rocky Pond Books, 40 pages, ages 4-8). Kids at a seder dinner search for the elusive afikoman through every room of the house and yard. Sharp-eyed readers will see the afikoman character hiding on every busy page. He’s finally caught, everyone gets a prize, and dinner continues, but the sneaky afikoman is seen riding away in one of the cars on the last page, wishing everyone, “Happy Pesach!”

Verdict: The bouncy rhyming text and Where’s Waldo style illustrations provide a lot of holiday fun, with details about Passover included in the glossary at the beginning, as well as being woven into the story and pictures. Spell check is telling me that the correct spelling is afikomen, but both the title and the glossary of this book use afikoman.

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Summary: Marta suspiciously eyes La Rosca de Reyes, the cake made specially for Three Kings Day. It looks delicious, but she knows there’s a plastic baby hidden inside, the Niño Dios. In past years, she’s sampled others’ slices, but this year, the relatives say she’s big enough for her own piece. She’s worried that she’ll accidentally swallow the baby, causing it to grow inside her like a seed. Marta resolves not to eat her cake, but one by one, the other family members eat theirs, and the baby Jesus isn’t found. Finally, Marta can’t stand it. She takes a huge bite, and chomps right down on the baby. Everyone cheers, and Marta goes to bed that night feeling pleased that she was so brave and promising herself to eat two slices next year. 40 pages; ages 4-8. 

Pros: A fun and funny celebration of Three Kings Day, and a girl who overcomes her fears and finds her courage rewarded.

Cons: It honestly does feel a little creepy to have a baby baked into a cake.

My Bollywood Dream by Avani Dwivedi

Published by Candlewick

The Light Within You by Namita Moolani Mehra, illustrated by Kamala Nair

Published by Two Lions

Summary: Two kids share their experiences in India. In My Bollywood Dream, a girl who dreams of being a filmmaker enjoys an evening at a Mumbai cinema with her family. As they drive to the theater, she imagines turning what she sees in the city streets into Bollywood-style film scenes. Everyone enjoys the movie, and during the final number, the entire audience gets out of their seats to sing and dance. The last page shows the narrator as an adult behind the camera. Includes an author’s note about her own Bollywood experiences.

In The Light Within You, Diya is back in India for a visit from her new home in the United States. She’s excited to see her grandmother, Nani, and to celebrate Diwali, a holiday that the kids in her new school know nothing about. Diya enjoys the festive preparations with Nani, with whom she is able to share some of her struggles with her new life. Nani reminds her that Diwali is about light and encourages Diya to discover her inner light to shine at her new school. The last page shows Diya sharing Indian souvenirs with her new classmates. Includes an author’s note with additional information about Diwali, a glossary, and Diya’s Diwali affirmation, a poem that celebrates the inner light. Both books 40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros: Both books will make readers want to visit India, with their descriptive text and especially the colorful illustrations that celebrate Bollywood and Diwali. Each one is empowering in its own way, focusing on the protagonist’s gifts and encouraging her to share them with others.

Cons: It felt like Diya might still have some struggles ahead of her.

Published by Abrams Books for Young Readers

Summary: Noah lives in New York; his cousin Nora lives in Aotearoa New Zealand. When they talk on the phone, they like to argue about which one of them is upside down. When Nora discovers that Noah celebrates Hanukkah in the winter, and Noah learns that it’s summer in New Zealand, each is convinced that their holiday is better. They set up a shared photo album to settle the score and start posting pictures each day. During the days, Noah eats pastrami on rye, learns Spanish, and throws snowballs, while Nora eats hokeypokey in a cone, practices te reo Māori, and does cannonballs into the water. But each night is the same as they light candles, say Hebrew prayers, and eat potato latkes. On the last night, they receive each other’s gifts, a shirt with “World’s Best Cousin” printed upside down. 40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros: A cute Hanukkah story about two feisty cousins who enjoy debating each other while also appreciating their friendship and the interesting aspects of the other’s life. The story cleverly weaves in details of both the holiday and life in New York and New Zealand.

Cons: A map showing the two locations would have been a nice addition.

Otto the Ornament by Troy Cummings

Published by Random House Books for Young Readers

Elves Are the Worst! by Alex Willian

Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

Summary: Otto the Ornament knows his dazzling looks should earn him a front and center position on the Christmas tree. When the other ornaments try to take him down a notch, Otto goes looking for another tree. His journey into the world leaves him battered, without his former shine and glitter. A chance encounter with a familiar ornament sends Otto back home where he’s happy to find a place on the tree and simply reflect some of the holiday light onto the other ornaments.

The goblin from Elves Are the Worst! may be familiar to those who have read Alex Willian’s books declaring unicorns, dragons, and yetis as the worst. Elves, he tells the reader, may seem hard-working and perfect, but in reality, they hang out in trees baking cookies, pour bowls of the world’s loudest cereal, or just sit on a shelf all day. When he stops by the North Pole to show that a goblin can do what the elves there do, he learns that caring for reindeer and making toys are actually pretty tough tasks. Elves aren’t perfect, after all, just good at the teamwork needed to get everything ready for Santa’s big night. Both books 40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros: Two fun, cartoon-style books for the holidays that deliver their message about playing well with others with plenty of humor. Kids will be delighted to find either Otto or a bunch of elves under the tree.

Cons: Probably not destined to become holiday classics.

Published by HarperCollins

Summary:  Tiny Cactus has a special place in her family, especially with the little girl who greets her every morning with, “Hello, my little cupcake,” and tucks her in each evening saying, “Who’s the sweetest bonbon?”  When it’s time to decorate for Christmas, Tiny Cactus is as excited as the little girl, but as the weeks go by, there are more distractions–especially the big shimmery Christmas tree–and less time for a little cactus.  Tiny Cactus wishes that she could have some sort of decorations, and she keeps making her wish as the holiday draws nearer.  On Christmas Eve, a window blows open and snowflakes swirl in on top of the cactus.  As they melt away, the cactus can still feel their magic.  The next morning, there’s a surprise…Tiny Cactus turns out to be a Christmas cactus who has found a way to make her own decorations.  40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  A cute and slightly quirky Christmas story with a subtle message about making your own wishes come true.

Cons:  I would have enjoyed a photo of an actual Christmas cactus.

Published by Candlewick

Summary:  The dynamic Barnett-Klassen duo ponder the question of the title with a whole brainstorm of ideas.  Does Santa cinch up his belt or shrink to the size of the mouse?  Does he ever get stuck partway down and need a kick from the reindeer?  And what about those homes without chimneys?  Does he turn into a letter and drop through the mail slot?  Or slip through the pipes and come out the faucet?  And don’t even get started on how Santa goes back up the chimney!  However it is accomplished, the narrator concludes, we’re all so glad he can do it.  32 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  Get ready for some ho-ho-ho’s when you share this book with kids, who will no doubt be inspired to come up with some new ideas about Santa to add to Mac Barnett’s list.  Jon Klassen takes the idea and runs with it, and readers will love the images of Santa dripping through the faucet and flattening himself to go under the door.

Cons:  We can speculate, but we will never know for sure.