Seasonal Ideas

By Nancy Churnin

Sometimes when you feel overwhelmed by the demands of the season, stop and smell the ideas.
 
My book, The Queen and the First Christmas Tree, Queen Charlotte’s Gift To England (illustrated by Luisa Uribe, Albert Whitman) was kicked off by a question: how and when did the Christmas tree became popular? The book is the true story of kind Queen Charlotte, who introduced the tradition at a party for 100 children at Windsor Castle in 1800.
 
But there are many ways to seek out seasonal nonfiction ideas. Consider these three books by Nonfiction Ninjas:

Lisa Amstutz's Applesauce Day is a story about making applesauce. What favorite foods do you eat during the holidays you celebrate? What are your traditions surrounding making those foods that make them special? Books about the significance of making different foods have won great acclaim, including Watercress by Andrea Wang and Fry Bread: A native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard.

When your family opens presents, something may come into your home that could be book-worthy! Susan Holt Kralovansky's We Really, Really Want a Dog! gives a fun but clear-eyed view on what's involved in adopting a dog. Toys can inspire wonderful read, too. Consider Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton and The Marvelous Thing that Came from a Spring: the Accidental Invention of the Toy that Swept the Nation by Gilbert Ford.

Even if you’re too busy to do anything but get through the holidays but this year, keep a notepad and pen handy to jot down moments of wonder and curiosity. That could end up being the best present you give yourself!

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