Additional December Book Suggestions - Grades 3-6
Generosity and Charity
Heyer, Marilee. The Girl, the Fish, and the Crown: A Spanish Folktale.
Viking Press, 1995. (4-6)
A selfish little girl is transformed into a fish, and then embarks on a great journey to restore the sea queen’s crown and her own honor. In the process she learns the meaning of compassion and generosity.
Jaffe, Nina. In the Month of Kislev: A Story for Hanukkah.
Illustrated by Louise August. Viking Child Books, 1992. (2-6)
Impoverished Mendel the Peddler and his children, along with a wise rabbi teach their wealthy and not-very-generous neighbor the meaning of charity. Humorous and wise.
Kimmel, Eric. “The Samovar” in Days of Awe.
Viking Child Books, 1991. (2-6)
A mysterious vagabond asks an old woman to care for his special silver urn (“samovar”) while he is gone. She does so at personal cost and inconvenience, but in the end is rewarded for her selflessness. A Jewish folk tale that embodies the virtue of charity.
Penn, Malka. Miracle of Potato Latkes.
Illustrated by Giora Carmi. Holiday, 1994. (K-4)
Poor woman opens her home to those in need and finds her latkes multiply.
Yep, Laurence. Tiger Woman.
Illustrated by Robert Roth. Bridge Water Books, 1995. (2-6)
A beggar approaches a selfish, old woman in the market and asks for some of her food. She replies: “I’m a tiger when I’m famished, so be gone! Old beggar vanish!” Her words come true! He vanishes and she turns into a tiger! A delightful and whimsical Shantung folk tale that speaks to many degrees of charity.
Service
Singer, Isaac Bashevis. Elijah the Slave.
Illustrated by Antonio Frasconi. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1970. (2-4)
Poor Tobias goes to the city to seek his family’s fortune. He meets the prophet Elijah, who offers his assistance if Tobias sells him as a slave. Reverent Tobias protests, but humble Elijah insists. Humble service to others brings about a happy ending.
Heyer, Marilee. The Girl, the Fish, and the Crown: A Spanish Folktale.
Viking Press, 1995. (4-6)
A selfish little girl is transformed into a fish, and then embarks on a great journey to restore the sea queen’s crown and her own honor. In the process she learns the meaning of compassion and generosity.
Jaffe, Nina. In the Month of Kislev: A Story for Hanukkah.
Illustrated by Louise August. Viking Child Books, 1992. (2-6)
Impoverished Mendel the Peddler and his children, along with a wise rabbi teach their wealthy and not-very-generous neighbor the meaning of charity. Humorous and wise.
Kimmel, Eric. “The Samovar” in Days of Awe.
Viking Child Books, 1991. (2-6)
A mysterious vagabond asks an old woman to care for his special silver urn (“samovar”) while he is gone. She does so at personal cost and inconvenience, but in the end is rewarded for her selflessness. A Jewish folk tale that embodies the virtue of charity.
Penn, Malka. Miracle of Potato Latkes.
Illustrated by Giora Carmi. Holiday, 1994. (K-4)
Poor woman opens her home to those in need and finds her latkes multiply.
Yep, Laurence. Tiger Woman.
Illustrated by Robert Roth. Bridge Water Books, 1995. (2-6)
A beggar approaches a selfish, old woman in the market and asks for some of her food. She replies: “I’m a tiger when I’m famished, so be gone! Old beggar vanish!” Her words come true! He vanishes and she turns into a tiger! A delightful and whimsical Shantung folk tale that speaks to many degrees of charity.
Service
Singer, Isaac Bashevis. Elijah the Slave.
Illustrated by Antonio Frasconi. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1970. (2-4)
Poor Tobias goes to the city to seek his family’s fortune. He meets the prophet Elijah, who offers his assistance if Tobias sells him as a slave. Reverent Tobias protests, but humble Elijah insists. Humble service to others brings about a happy ending.
