A New Understanding of an Old Tradition---New Year's

   

     Setting a New Year’s resolution is probably one of the most widely known traditions that we make. Some of us are successful at keeping them. Some of us (ahem....yes, that means me) are not. The age old sentiment of starting a new year might be confusing for your little ones, but if you simply explain your own personal pledge for the upcoming year to them, you will most likely open the doors wide open for conversation. For those of you with older children, New Year’s resolutions can also provide you with an appropriate opportunity to discuss about areas where there is room for improvement. Here are some special books that you can share with your children or students that will not only offer them with a better understanding of this age-old tradition, but will make them welcome the fresh start that a New Year brings to us all!




Happy New Year, Corduroy! (for ages 2 to 5)
     Corduroy, one of the most beloved bears of children's literature (my son and I share a love for, A Pocket for Corduroy, author Don Freeman's follow up to his original classic, Corduroy), rings in the New Year with his stuffed animal friends in this delightful, sturdy board book.  The friendly, cuddly group gets together for a fun party where they enjoy playing games, drink delicious hot cocoa and count down the hours to midnight together!

Happy New Year, Corduroy!
Written by Don Freeman & Illustrated by Lisa McCue
Publisher: Penguin Group
Published in 2008
ISBN: 9780670063437
 

 

 

Squirrel's New Year's Resolution (for ages 5 to 8)

     In this delightfully illustrated picture book, little Squirrel looks forward to ringing in the New Year. As librarian Bear explains,“When we begin a new year, we make a fresh start," little Squirrel sets of on a path helping her fellow forest friends. From soothing sick Skunk to teaching Porcupine comedy, Squirrel helps her fellow woodland animals master their own resolutions. However, when it comes time from Squirrel to settle on a resolution of her own, she encounters great difficulty. Unfortunately for the well-meaning rodent, Squirrel struggles to find a resolution to claim as her very own, until her friend Rabbit reminds her that her caring actions towards all of her friends was her resolution, as she resolved to help each of her friends who encountered difficulty.

Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution

Written by Pat Miller and Illustrated by Kathi Ember

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company

Published in 2010

ISBN: 978-0807575918



A Happy New Year Day (for ages 6 and up)
      Author Roch Carrier shares memories of joyful New Year's celebrations of his childhood admist a time when the world was facing war during the 1940s.  Months before, he watched as his grandmother prepares her very own cherry wine from scratch, while villagers in this remote area of Canada painted their sleighs with great enthusiasm for use during the upcoming winter parade.  When New Years comes along, the village is ripe with activity and celebration, with lots of delicious food and joyful visits from friends and visitors from afar. 

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A Happy New Year Day
Written by Roch Carrier and Illustrated by Gilles Pelletier
Publisher: Tundra Books
Published in 1991
ISBN: 978-0887762673