At Tandem, we believe that books make for perfect gifts: you can give one or many, in different shapes and sizes, and the gift of a book is always more than just a book—it’s also an invitation to a conversation that children and their caring adults can share, over and over again.   

The titles below reflect the end-of-year season in the Northern hemisphere. Some usher the magic of winter time, some lift up themes of play and joy, and still others highlight the value of community and how people come together to celebrate special days and one another. 

For each book, we have provided a brief summary, the age range for which it is ideal (although reading picture books well into adulthood is a time-honored tradition at Tandem), and ‘talking tips’ to spark book-sharing conversations with your family or in your classroom.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Winter

Written and Illustrated by Eric Carle

This fun, rhyming children’s book is a winter-themed celebration, featuring Eric Carle’s beloved very hungry caterpillar.

Age level: 1 – 3

Talking Tip: Talk about wintertime outdoor activities that you and your family enjoy. 

A Winter Walk in the City

Written by Cathy Goldberg Fishman
Illustrated by Melanie Hall

With simple rhymes and counting patterns, this board book introduces children to sights, sounds, smells, and colors of the different holidays celebrated during this season.

Age level: 1 – 3

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about the different elements of winter (and the winter holidays) portrayed in the book. How does it compare with what you see in your community during the winter season? What’s similar? What’s different? 

‘Twas Nochebuena

Written by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
Illustrated by Sara Palacios

‘Twas Nochebuena and all through our casa,

every creature was kneading tamale masa…

In this sweet, bi-lingual retelling of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, the Latino holiday traditions of food, decorations, and songs are celebrated throughout. 

Age level: 3 – 5

Talking Tip: Every family celebrates holidays differently. Talk with your kids about what similarities and differences they see between your family and the family in the story.

Shante Keys and the New Year’s Peas

Written by Gail Piernas-Davenport
Illustrated by Marion Eldridge

It’s New Year’s day and Shanté Keys is ready to celebrate – but her grandma is out of black-eyed peas! In this rhyming story about tradition, Shanté learns about the foods and celebrations of her neighbors as she searches for cowpeas. Will she find them? Or, will her family have a year of bad luck? Read this gem of a story to find out!

Age level: 3 – 5

Talking Tip: What are the foods that are considered “lucky” in your family and community? Research and talk with your child about the stories behind these foods. How are they similar and different from the lucky foods of others in your community?

Twinkle, Twinkle, Winter Night

Written by Megan Litwin
Illustrated by Nneka Myers

This book captures the glowing warmth and cozy closeness of winter in the northern hemisphere, making it perfect for bedtime and sing-alongs on days when the sun goes to sleep early and winter wonders shine bright.

Age level: 3 – 6

Talking Tip: 

The book ends with these lines: 

Twinkle, Twinkle Winter Night

Everywhere you look… 

There’s LIGHT. 

What are the different ways in which your family and community lights up the winter season? What do you know about how other communities bring light into their end of year celebrations? 

Let’s Celebrate!: Special Days Around the World

Written by Kate Depalma
Illustrated by Martina Peluso

Join families and friends all over the world as they celebrate 13 special days in their diverse countries and cultures. Through rhyming text and vibrant illustrations Let’s Celebrate allows readers to explore the traditions that are celebrated on special days such as Spring Festival in China, Carnaval in Brazil, Diwali in India, plus many more!

Age level: 3 – 6

Talking Tip: What are the special days you celebrate with your family and friends? (Hint: It can include birthdays, sporting events, and other “non-traditional” special days as well.). How are they similar or different to the special days that are celebrated in the book?

The Birthday of the World: A Story about Finding Light in Everyone and Everything

Written by Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen
Illustrated by Rachell Sumpter

In this beautiful retelling of the beginning of the world’s creation, a young girl’s grandfather shares a story of how we are all connected. This quiet tale reminds us that we each have a light inside of us that can change the world.  

Age level: 3 – 6

Talking Tip: In the story, Neh-shuma-leh asks how we can find the light if it’s hidden within, and her grandfather responds that we can only see it with our hearts. Ask your child to describe the light they carry and how they might find the light in others.

Freedom Soup

Written by Tami Charles
Illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara 

Every year, Belle’s grandma cooks Freedom Soup…And every year, she asks Belle, “Know why they call it Freedom Soup?” When Belle replies, “Because it’s free?” Ti Gran laughs a loud, belly-deep laugh and begins to tell the story of their Haitian roots and the great revolution the soup represents. 

Age level: 4 – 6

Talking Tip: There are many cultural foods that tell the story of a community’s history, including your own! Spend time researching these foods and discussing them with your kids – and perhaps make a few of them together if they’re new to you.

Jaheem’s First Kwanzaa

Written by Zephaniah Martin
Illustrated by Bilal Karaca

It’s the first day of Kwanzaa, and Jaheem doesn’t understand why his family has to celebrate yet another holiday – can’t he just play his video games with his friend? Written by ten year-old Zephaniah Martin, Jaheem’s First Kwanzaa is a relatable story to both kids and adults about the importance of honoring one’s tradition and heritage.  

Age level: 4 – 6

Talking Tip: Talk with your children about the traditions your family honors, and discuss with them why they think they are important celebrate.

The Sugar Plum Bakers: And the 12 Holiday Treats

Written by Patricia Tanumihardja
Illustrated by Bonnie Lui

Winter is coming and the bakers are working hard to make and deliver 12 delicious treats from all around the world! Be sure to check out the final two pages for more information about the treats and a recipe to try at home.

Age level: 4 – 7

Talking Tip: What are your family’s favorite treats to bake and share during the winter season? Talk about your favorite foods and where your recipes come from. Have your recipes been passed down through your family or friends? What new recipes would you like to try together? 

Ten Ways to Hear Snow

Written by Cathy Camper
Illustrated by Kenard Pak

One morning, Lina wakes up to the silent sound of snow. As she walks to her grandmother’s house to make the family recipe for warak enab, she finds ten ways to pay attention to what might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: After reading this book, invite your child to close their eyes and listen: Can you find ten ways to hear the world around you? 

The ten ways of hearing snow helped Lina connect with her grandmother. How do you connect with your loved ones?

A Sled for Gabo

Written by Emma Otheguy
Illustrated by Ana Ramírez González 

Gabo, a young boy who is in a new town, is dying to join other kids on a snowy day as they coast down the hill on sleds. His hat is too small and he doesn’t have boots or a sled but, with the support of his resourceful family and neighbors, he is able to solve his problem and find a new friend in the process! 

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about Gabo at the beginning and at the end of the book: How was Gabo feeling when the story began? How did his feelings change? 

Has there been a time when your child (or you) felt one way about something, and then had your feelings change?

Snow Angel, Sand Angel

Written by Lois-Ann Yamanaka
Illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky

Growing up in Hawai’i, Claire has been surrounded by the ocean and mountains, but has never seen snow — and she learns how to celebrate the special joys of winter, in her own way, on the Big Island of Hawai’i.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip:  By spending time with her family and learning about the island of Hawai‘i, Claire develops a greater appreciation for the place she lives in. Talk with your child about the last time they connected with their land: what did they do? What did enjoy about it? What was something new they learned?

My Footprints

Written by Bao Phi
Illustrated by Basia Tran

Bullied by the kids at school, young Thuy and her two moms help her to find courage by recreating footprints in the snow of her favorite animals and monsters. This warm winter story shows us the joy and peace that comes with finding our own path when we don’t feel like we fit in. 

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip:  In his author’s note, Bao Phi explains how the inspiration for the story came from his own experience as a refugee bullied by others, as well as reflecting on difficult conversations he’s had with his own daughter. Ask your child the two questions he poses: When have you been cruel when you could have been kind? When have you been headstrong when you could have listened?

The Ninth Night of Hanukkah

Written by Erica S. Perl
Illustrated by Shahar Kober

Ultimately a story about community, kindness, and sharing, this story is also a delightful celebration of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah. When Max and Rachel can’t find their family’s menorah box, it is the help of their neighbors that saves the holiday.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip:  In the story, Max and Rachel discover a way to say ‘Thank you’ to the neighbors that helped them. How have your neighbors and friends helped your family? What are some ways you might be able to thank them?

Snow Doves

Written by Nancy Hartry
Illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard

Told only in pictures, this sweet story is about the power of friendship. Young Sami has just arrived to a new country only to discover he is afraid of the cold and chilly snow! Though they don’t speak the same language, Sami finds ways to communicate with his new friend Joy and to overcome his fears.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Wordless books are a great way to build your child’s comprehension skills. Have them tell you what they think is happening in the story, gently guiding them as they do. Afterwards, ask them how they might have helped Sami overcome his fear if they couldn’t use their words.