The holidays bring chilly nights, twinkling lights, and the perfect excuse to cozy up with a good book. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Diwali, these beautifully illustrated stories capture the heart of the season — connection, kindness, and finding your place in the world. Here are four charming reads to share with children, friends, and loved ones this winter.
“The Snowflake”
By Benji Davies
 The Snowflake is a delightful tale that draws parallels between a snowflake’s journey and a little girl’s path as they work out where they fit in the world. This wonderfully illustrated book will transport readers to a snowy wonderland as they follow Noelle and the snowflake.
“The People Remember”
By Ibi Zoboi, illustrated by Loveis Wise
In “The People Remember”, Ibi Zoboi weaves the seven principles of Kwanzaa with Black history in America. With poetic text and stunning illustrations, young readers are introduced to Kwanzaa and its place in African-American history. It demonstrates how cultures can endure adversity, why that is important today, and why it matters to celebrate. A must-read for families.
“Binny’s Diwali”
By Thrity Umrigar, illustrated by Nidhi Chanani
“Binny’s Diwali” is about how Binny does her best to describe the magic of Diwali, India’s annual holiday festival of lights, to her classmates. It’s a story that both introduces young readers to Diwali and demonstrates the vulnerability of presenting a part of your identity to an audience.
“The Christmas Mitzvah”
By Jeff Gottesfeld, illustrated by Michelle Laurentia Agatha
“The Christmas Mitzvah” is the heartwarming story of how friends and loved ones blend their Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations into a festive symphony that emphasizes being with the people who matter most. Inspired by a true story, this book shows readers that celebrations are about the people we choose to spend them with.
