The Best Eid Ever. Asma Mobin-Uddin, illustrated by Laura Jacobsen, $22.00 (ages 7-9)

It's Eid, and at the prayer hall, Aneesa meets two sisters who are refugees. With their father, they have fled from their war-torn country. Aneesa can't stop thinking about the girls and what Eid must be like for them. That's when Aneesa comes up with a plan to help the girls celebrate Eid and make it the best Eid holiday ever.

Celebrating Chinese Festivals. Sanmu Tang, $18.95

This collection of legends, poems, recipes, and activities explains the special customs, delicious foods and unique rituals of Chinese traditions and holidays.

Celebrating Ramadan. Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith, $8.95

This beautiful photo-essay is a wonderful introduction to the special month of Ramadan.

Chinese New Year’s Dragon. Rachel Sing, $7.99

Chinese New Year is always special — but this year there is magic in the air!

Cinco de Mayo: Celebrating the Traditions of Mexico. Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith, $6.95

What’s not to love about Cinco do Mayo? Parades, food, music, family and friends – this wonderful photo essay shows all the joys of this special holiday.

Dashing Through the Snow: a Canadian Jingle Bells. Helaine Becker & Werner Zimmerman, $16.99

When Sasquatch upsets Santa's sleigh, everyone gets the wrong presents. But that doesn't stop them from having a great time! Join in the merriment and mayhem as a wild (and familiar) cast of Canadian characters take over the Christmas holidays once again. With the same jolly rhymes and infectious energy that made A Porcupine in a Pine Tree an instant classic, this Canadian twist on "Jingle Bells" is the must-have, must-give book for the holidays.

Diwali. Nancy Dickman, $7.95 (ages 6-10)

Learn about Diwali and the story of Rama and Sita, and how Diwali is celebrated today.

Eight Candles to Light: a Chanukah Story. Jonny Zucker & Jan Barger Cohen, $8.50

This charming picture book for younger children describes a typical family's celebration of the Jewish Festival of Light. After Dad reads the kids a story from Jewish history, the family sings and lights the candles. The kids spin their dreidels, and all exchange gifts. At last the family sits at the dinner table, where they eat, drink, talk, and laugh. This delightful picture book depicts a typical Jewish family as they celebrate one of the year's most important holidays.

Faith: Five Religions and What They Share. Richard Steckel & Michele Steckel, $18.95 (ages 8-12)

This kid-friendly exploration of faith provides a superb overview of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. Young readers will learn about different aspects of each, including historical origins and beliefs, holy texts, religious clothing and places of worship. They will also find out about the values, customs and symbols all five religions share, such as the golden rule, charity, prayer and candles. Straightforward, simple text makes the content interesting and accessible, as do the vivid photos of children around the world. Parents and teachers will find FAITH: FIVE RELIGIONS AND WHAT THEY SHARE an invaluable tool for teaching respect for people of different beliefs.

Festivals Around the World Series

Chinese New Year. Grace Jones, $26.99

Eid ul-Fitr. Grace Jones, $26.99

Holi. Grace Jones, $26.99

Hanukkah. Grace Jones, $26.99

Learn about the diverse and vibrant festivals that are celebrated around the world. This series envcourages children to consider religious beliefs and cultural practices via easy to read text and informative, colourful images.

Filipino Celebrations: a Treasury of Feasts and Festivals. Liana Romulo, $18.95

Filipino Celebrations brings to life the festivals and celebrations of this diverse island nation. Perfect for families looking to share the unique culture of the Philippines, Filipino Celebrations includes activities such as games, songs, crafts and recipes which encourage children to participate and learn while having fun.

Food and Faith. Susan Reuben & Sophie Pelham, $24.50

Children from six religions tell their stories through words and photographs, making an engaging and visually appealing introduction to this important aspect of religion. The book covers six major religions: Judaism, Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Buddhism and looks at celebrations, rules, fasting, and food and drink in rituals. Also included are authentic recipes for pancakes, honey cake, pakoras, coconut barfi and puris.

Four Special Questions: a Passover Story. Jonny Zucker & Jan Barger Cohen, $8.50

Here is a simple and delightful introduction to the Jewish festival of Passover, suitable for even the youngest children. Follow a family as they prepare for and celebrate their festival of freedom.

Hanukkah Delight! Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Amy Husband, $9.99 (ages 1-4)

Whimsical bunnies celebrate Hanukkah in this charming rhyming board book describing all the Hanukkah rituals beloved by Jewish kids.

Happy Eid al Fitr: the Sweet Festival. Joyce Bentley, $17.99

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of Ramadan fasting and this book let's children discover how people around the globe celebrate this important festival and what it means to them, with age-appropriate language. The history, preparation and celebration of the festival are all visualised with beautiful photography, capturing the many ways in which this festival is marked. This approach offers children a visually arresting and diverse introduction to one of the most celebrated religious festivals.

Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Christmas with Carols, Presents and Peace. Deborah Heiligman, National Geographic Kids, $8.99

With dazzling photographs and lively, lyrical text, this book introduces young readers to historical and cultural aspects of the Christmas holiday. Kids will get diverse and unique viewpoints about this very special day. With fascinating facts, a recipe, and Common Core-alignment activities, reading and learning about Christmas adds to the excitement in preparing for it.

Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur with Honey, Prayers, and the Shofar. Deborah Heiligman, National Geographic Kids, $8.99

Celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur examines how these Jewish High Holy Days are celebrated worldwide. Rosh Hashanah, known as the Jewish New Year, is a time for reflection and resolution. On Yom Kippur, also called the Day of Atonement, Jews fast, pray, and ask God's forgiveness for their sins. Deborah Heiligman's lively first-person text introduces readers to the sounding of the shofar, the holidays' greeting cards, prayers, and special foods. Rabbi Shira Stern's informative note puts the High Holy Days into wider historical and cultural context for parents and teachers.

Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Hanukkah with Light, Latkes, and Dreidels. Deborah Heiligman, National Geographic Kids, $8.99

With dazzling images and engaging text, readers learn about the historical and cultural significance of Hanukkah and why it is celebrated around the world. From the lighting of the menorah to the special foods that are shared to the spinning of the dreidels, they'll get insights about this holiday's traditions and the Jewish faith. This book also offers fascinating facts, a recipe, and a Common Core-aligned activities.

Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Diwali with Sweets, Lights, and Fireworks. Deborah Heiligman, National Geographic Kids, $8.99

Beautiful, dynamic photographs and brief, lively text introduce readers to the joyous holiday of Diwali, evoking the celebrations of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world. In Deborah Heiligman's inviting global odyssey we learn that Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and of light over darkness. Although celebrated differently in different places, Diwali is universally viewed as a time of great joy, celebrated with fireworks, sweets, and gifts. Celebrate Diwali brings to life the holiday's traditions, food, and celebration rituals. The informative back matter includes Diwali recipes, a glossary, a Diwali card game, a map, and a resource list of books and Web sites.

Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Deborah Heiligman, National Geographic Kids, $8.99

Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the fast's end, are sacred times for millions throughout the world. Celebrate Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr examines the reasons for the month-long dawn-to-dusk fast and observes some of the wide variety of celebrations at the end of the fast worldwide.

A Homemade Together Christmas. Maryann Cocca-Leffler, $23.99

A family of adorable pigs decides that this year they will make their gifts to each other for Christmas rather than buy gifts. Each family member is excited to try. Momma makes breakfast, Dad makes a blanket, and sister Rosie sings a song. But the littlest pig struggles to come up with an idea. What can he make?

How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? Jane Yolen & Mark Teague, $18.99

Full of fun and the antics a young dinosaur might get up to, this delightful book celebrates the eight days and nights of Chanukah.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas? Jane Yolen & Mark Teague, $18.99

From decorating the tree to wrapping presents, little dinosaurs love to celebrate Christmas — and everything about it. With ornaments on the branches and carolers singing at the door, the spirit of Christmas is finally here and filling the hearts of families everywhere. But when the stockings are hung on the chimney, and the cookies are left out for Santa, how can little dinosaurs go to sleep? It's so exciting! How can they possibly calm down and behave? 

Is It Passover Yet? Chris Barash, illustrated by Alessandra Psacharopulo, $23.99

It’s time to clean the house, set out our best dishes, and fill our homes with food and family to celebrate the joyous holiday of Passover! In this sweet story, join one family as they gather with loved ones to share the joy of togetherness and freedom that Passover brings.

Japanese Traditions: a Year of Seasonal Japanese Festivities. Setsu Broderick, Willamarie Moore, $19.95

In this delightful look at Japanese culture and family life, the author shares her warm childhood memories of many Japanese customs, such as gathering around the kotatsu to stay warm, throwing soybeans to keep away ogres and hanging handmade teru-teru-bozu dolls out the window to stop the rain. There are also many traditional Japanese games, toys, foods and celebrations taught through the illustrations. JAPANESE TRADITIONS provides a magical feast for children of all ages.

Kevin's Kwanzaa. Lisa Bullard, illustrated by Constanza Basaluzzo, $8.95

Kevin's family is celebrating the seven days of Kwanzaa! Kevin helps his mom decorate the Kwanzaa table. They light candles with Grandma and Grandpa and learn a special word each day. They talk about working together and solving problems. On the sixth day, everyone eats and dances at a big feast!

Lailah's Lunchbox: a Ramadan Story. Reem Faruqi, illustrated by Lea Lyon, $10.95

Lailah is in a new school in a new country, thousands of miles from her old home, and missing her old friends. When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is finally old enough to participate in the fasting but worried that her classmates won’t understand why she doesn’t join them in the lunchroom. Lailah solves her problem with help from the school librarian and her teacher and in doing so learns that she can make new friends who respect her beliefs.

Latkes and Applesauce: a Hanukah Story. Fran Manushkin & Robin Spowart, $7.99

The Menasche family enjoys a joyous holiday celebration despite a scarcity of food. Includes notes on Hanukkah, a bibliography, a recipe for making latkes, and rules for playing dreidel.

Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat: a Chanukah Story. Naomi Howland, $8.99

Let's Celebrate! Festival Poems from Around the World. Edited by Debjani Chatterjee & Brian D'Arcy, $16.50

This exciting anthology of poems celebrates festivals all over the world. From Chinese New Year to Carnival, from Thanksgiving to Holi, and from Purnima to Diwali. The anthology features explanations of the festivals at the back of the book and colorful and atmospheric illustrations by Shirin Adl.

Lighting a Lamp: a Diwali Story. Jonny Zucker, 9.50 (ages 4-6)

Diwali is the Hindu five-day festival of lights that welcomes in the lunar new year. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin, or Aasho, which occurs in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. Cheerfully attractive color illustrations supplement a simply-told story of the holiday’s origins and a description of the festivities that are part of that holiday. 

Mog’s Christmas. Judith Kerr, $9.99

The house is full of strange bustling noises and peculiar smells. Everyone is busy hanging holly and blowing up balloons, and where is that tree going? Disconcerted by all the unusual activities, Mog escapes to the roof, and there she stays... until, unexpectedly, she returns with a bump!

My First Chinese New Year. Karen Katz, $7.99

Chinese New Year is a time of new beginnings. Follow one little girl as she learns how to welcome the coming year in this lively introduction to a special holiday.

Nonna’s Hanukkah Surprise. Karen Fisman, $7.99

Rachel loves visiting her Italian grandmother, even though Nonna celebrates Christmas and Rachel and her parents celebrate Hanukkah. Rachel plans to share Hanukkah with her whole family, so when Rachel's special menorah goes missing, Nonna steps in to save the day.

PASSOVER: Festival of Freedom. Monique Polak, $24.95 (ages 9-12)

During Passover, Jews are reminded of how, more than three thousand years ago, their ancestors emerged from slavery to become free men and women. Bestselling author Monique Polak explores her own Jewish roots as she tells the Passover story, which reminds us that the freedom to be who we are and practice our religion, whatever it may be, is a great gift. It also teaches us that if we summon our courage and look out for each other, we can endure and overcome the most challenging circumstances. Enlivened by personal stories, Passover reminds us that we can all endure and overcome the most challenging circumstances.

Pete the Cat Saves Christmas. James Dean & Eric Litwin, $21.99

'Twas the day before Christmas and Santa was ill.
In the cold winter wind he had caught a bad chill.
Will Christmas be canceled? Will it come to that?
"Never!" cried Santa.
"Let's call Pete the Cat!"

A Porcupine in a Pine Tree: a Canadian 12 Days of Christmas. Helaine Becker & Werner Zimmerman, $16.99

Christmas, as only Canadians can celebrate! Where else do Mounties frolic, squirrels enjoy a fine game of curling, and hockey players mark the season as lords-a-leaping? This hilarious, tongue-in-cheek re-setting of the popular Christmas carol is the perfect gift for Canadians new and old, young and young-at-heart.

Ramadan and Id-ul-Fitr. Nancy Dickmann, $8.50

Beautiful photographs and simple text teach children all about Ramadan and Id-ul-Fitr.

Ramadan Moon. Na'ima Robert & Shirin Adi, $8.99

Ramadan, the month of fasting, doesn't begin all at once. It begins with a whisper. And a prayer. And a wish. Muslims all over the world celebrate Ramadan and the joyful days of Eid-ul-Fitr at the end of the month of fasting as the most special time of year. This lyrical and inspiring picture book captures the wonder and joy of this great annual event, from the perspective of a child. Accompanied by Iranian inspired illustrations, the story follows the waxing of the moon from the first new crescent to full moon and waning until Eid is heralded by the first sighting of the second new moon. 

Rookie Read-About Holidays: Chanukah. Trudi Strain Trueit, $6.99

This book introduces young readers to the traditions and festivities of Chanukah. Colorful photos and simple text encourage children to read on their own - as they enjoy the celebration.

Rookie Read-About Holidays: Christmas. Trudi Strain Trueit, $6.99

Introducing the youngest readers to the traditions and festivities of Christmas. Colorful photos and very simple nonfiction text encourage children to read on their own as learn the history behind some beloved Christmas traditions.

More books in the Rookie Read-About Holidays series:

• Rookie Read-About Holidays: Chinese New Year. David Marx, $6.99
• Rookie Read-About Holidays: Diwali. Trudi Strain Trueit, $6.99
• Rookie Read-About Holidays: Easter. David Marx, $6.99
• Rookie Read-About Holidays: Passover. David Marx, $6.99
• Rookie Read-About Holidays: Ramadan. David Marx, $6.99
• Rookie Read-About Holidays: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. David Marx, $6.99

Rosh Hashanah Is Coming! Tracy Newman, illustrated by Viviana Garofoli, $9.99 (ages 1-4)

This sweet board book celebrates the Jewish New Year.

The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice. Wendy Pfeffer, illustrated by Jesse Reisch, $6.99

The beginning of winter is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of the year. Long ago, people grew afraid when each day had fewer hours of sunshine than the day before. Over time, they realized that one day each year the sun started moving toward them again. In lyrical prose and cozy illustrations, this book explains what the winter solstice is and how it has been observed by various cultures throughout history. Many contemporary holiday traditions were borrowed from ancient solstice celebrations. Simple science activities, ideas for celebrating the day in school and at home, and a further-reading list are included.

The Sound of Kwanzaa. Dimitrea Tokunbo, $21.99

Discover what Kwanzaa is all about as journey through each night of this festive holiday.

The Story of Divaali. Jatinder Verma, illustrated by Nilesh Mistry, $9.99

Discover the powerful and captivating story of how Divaali, the Indian festival of lights, was born. This rendition of the age-old Indian epic The Ramayana is brimming with action and adventure, drama and triumph.

That's Not My Reindeer. Fiona Watt & Rachel Wells, $11.95

A touchy-feely book with simple, repetitive text, bright, colourful illustrations and textures to touch and feel on every page. Suitable as a Christmas present, it can help very young children develop language and sensory skills.

That's Not My Santa. Fiona Watt & Rachel Wells, $11.95

Here is a long-awaited festive addition to the best-selling and award-winning touchy-feely series. The enduring appeal of Rachel Wells' illustrations and the opportunity to touch a variety of textures make these books baby and pre-school classics. Very young children will enjoy the bright and colourful illustrations while the different texture patches help develop sensory awareness.

Under the Ramadan Moon. Sylvia Whitman & Sue Williams, $7.95 (ages 4-6)

Beautiful illustrations help introduce the reader to Ramadan — a time of prayer, fasting, reflection with family and friends, and helping others in need.