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In the spirit of the holidays, for the next three weeks I will suggest 10 titles worth checking out. This week it’s books to get readers in the holiday spirit. Next week will be gift books for kids, and the following week will be gift books for adults. The recommendations mean the books have something special: a great story, fantastic artwork, terrific photographs or a worthwhile message for all ages.
“The Nutcracker” (Sterling, $17.95). E.T.A. Hoffman’s classic becomes two stories as retold by John Cech. With bold, stunning illustrations by Eric Puybaret.
“Norman Rockwell’s Christmas Book” (Abrams, $24.95). Originally published in 1977, it’s full of stories, poetry, carols and Rockwell’s endearing illustrations. Make it a family treasure.
“Bruce Bruce the Hanukkah Moose” (Howard’s House, $19.99). Howard and Elaine Behnken’s lesson on the Jewish holiday for kids. Comes with a CD. Illustrated by Allison Reimold. (Visit brucebrucethemoose.com)
“A Christmas Promise” (Ballantine, $18). A Christmas mystery for Anne Perry fans, who gives us a holiday miracle starring two girls from London’s slums and a donkey.
“Peter Rabbit: A Winter’s Tale” (Penguin, $21.99). Usually naughty Peter and Benjamin Rabbit do a good deed in this story based on Beatrix Potter’s stories. A pop-up surprise comes at the end.
“A Season of Gifts” (Dial Books, $16.99). Young people’s book by Richard Peck is the third featuring Grandma Dowdel, who takes a new family under her wing.
“A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Books” (Everyman’s Library, $18). Charles Dickens’ “Carol” is familiar to most, but four other holiday stories by him are in this volume. For reading aloud as a family.
“The Night Before Christmas” (Sterling Innovation, $14.95). Clement Moore’s poem is illustrated with rich, traditional art by Tom Browning.
“The Night Before Christmas” (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, $16.99). The familiar verse, retold and illustrated by Rachel Isadora, is set in an African village. Illustrations influenced by African art.
“Christmas Memories” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, $17.95). A treat for all ages with stories, art, activities and other fun stuff from each decade, 1920s to 1960s. A baby boomer must-have.
Contact the writer:
444-1067, carol.bicak@owh.com
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