Additional December Book Suggestions - Grades K-3
Generosity and Charity
Armstrong, Jennifer. Chin Yu Min and the Ginger Cat.
Crown, 1993 (2-4)
Arrogant, self-important woman turned humble and generous by clever cat. Works well with ancient China units in 2nd and 4th grades).
Best, Cari. Three Cheers for Catherine the Great.
Illustrated by Giselle Potter.SquareFish, 2003 (K-2)
Sarah’s Russian immigrant grandmother, Catherine, announces she wants “no presents” for her birthday celebration. Sarah struggles to think of a present that she could give, but not buy. She watches her grandmother’s every move and decides that helping her to read and write English would be the greatest gift. An endearing story of gifts that come from the heart, of the struggles of immigrant life, and of a child’s desire to give.
Bruchac, Joseph. Gluskabe and the Four Wishes.
Illustrated by Christine Nyburg Shrader. Dutton Child Books, 1995. (3)
Abenaki tale in which selfishness and pride bring about downfall.
Chinn, Karen. Sam and the Lucky Money.
Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu. Lee and Low Books, 1995. (2-5)
Sam is eager to spend his lucky money received on Chinese New Year. Everything he wants seems to cost more than he has. A poor stranger then teaches him the value of what he has and Sam sees a good way to use his money.
Cooney, Barbara. Miss Rumphius.
Puffin Books, 1994. (K-3)
Touching story of a woman set on giving something back to the world, making the world more beautiful.
DePaola, Tomie. The Legend of Bluebonnet.
Putnam Publishing Group, 1996. (1, 3) A Plains Indian girl offers her favorite doll to the gods as a way of ending the drought and famine threatening her people.
DePaola, Tomie. The Legend of the Poinsettia. Puffin, 1997. (K-3)
Tomie dePaola’s bold artwork brings this touching tale to life. A poor Mexican child is too embarrassed to enter the Christmas procession for the Baby Jesus, because she has no gift to offer. Urged by a kindly stranger to take part, she gathers a bouquet of weeds, and upon presentation at the crèche, the humble stems are transformed to a magnificent bouquet of poinsettias.
Dharma Editorial Staff. Heart of Gold: A Jataka Tale.
Illustrated by Rosalyn White. Dharma Publishing, 1989. (K-2)
In this Buddhist tale, Heart-of Gold, a generous and wealthy man, is put to the test when the god Shakra takes away his wealth. Shakra wants to discover if Heart of Gold will remain generous and compassionate even in poverty. Bright and beautiful illustrations.
Forest, Heather. Baker’s Dozen: A Colonial American Tale.
Illustrated by Susan Gaber. August House, 2013. (1)
Set in colonial New York, a stingy baker learns the meaning of generosity from an old woman. This is a legend of how we got 13 in a baker’s dozen.
Hassall, Neil. The Heavenly Horse.
Illustrated by Maureen Hyde. Green Tiger, 1992. (2)
Sad, self-consumed emperor of China is told an unusual tale about a heavenly horse and learns to relinquish his selfish grip on his throne.
Jaffe, Nina. In the Month of Kislev: A Story for Hanukkah.
Illustrated by Louise August. Puffin, 1995. (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.
Killilea, Marie. Newf.
Illustrated by Ian Schoenherr. Putnam Publishing Group, 1992. (K-1)
Newfoundland hound befriends and rescues small feline friend. Illustrations too beautiful for words.
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.
Pfister, Marcus. The Rainbow Fish.
North-South Books, 1992. (K-1)
Selfish fish overcomes his vanity and manages to share his most prized possession (his silver stripes) with others.
Sabuda, Robert. The Blizzard’s Robe. Simon and Schuster, 1999. (K-3)
Sabuda’s stunning artwork and deft prose bring to life this Arctic legend of the origin of the northern lights. In the midst of a storm, Teune, a young robemaker, saves her Arctic tribe by building a great fire. In the process she angers the god Blizzard whose robe she burns. He cries out to her at night, pleads for a replacement, and promises a rich reward for a new robe. Risking the anger of her people, Teune makes him a fine robe, and he in turn provides the gift of the Aurora Borealis for this “People Who Fear the Winter Night.” Using a deep, vibrant palette and batik technique, Sabuda tells the story of compassion, generosity, and wonder.
Silverstein, Shel. The Giving Tree.
Harper Collins, 2004. (K-3)
A tree gives its very life for its friend.
Tazewell, Charles. The Littlest Angel.
Illustrated by Paul Micich. Ideals, 1991. (2-4)
The smallest angel in heaven gives up his most prized possession as a gift for the Christ child.
Tolstoy, Leo. Papa Panov’s Special Day.
Illustrated by Tony Morris. Lion USA, 1988. (K-3)
A poor old cobbler has a vision that the Christ child will come to him on Christmas Day. The only ones to come are a poor woman, a cold street-sweeper, and a hungry friend. He extends hospitality to each, but ends the day disappointed—only to discover that indeed his wish came true!
Weiss, Jim. “A Christmas Carol and Other Favorites.”
CD. Greathall Productions, 1996. (K-6)
Weiss’s fine retelling of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, as well as O.Henry’s Gift of the Magi give new depth to the spirit of love that animates the holiday season.
Wilde, Oscar. The Selfish Giant.
Illustrated by Saelig Gallagher. Putnam, 1995. (2-6)
An embittered old man, a “giant,” shoos children out of his garden and cannot be bothered with their laughter or joy. His heart is moved to compassion and he is changed by the plight of a small child. Superb illustrations.
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.
Yolen, Jane. Tea With an Old Dragon: A Story of Sophia Smith, Founder of Smith College. Illustrated by Monica Vachula. Boyds Mills Press, 1998. (K-3)
Five-year-old Louisa hears that “the old dragon is coming!” and doesn’t run away. Instead she sets out to find her. Louisa is surprised to discover that seventy-one-year-old Sophia Smith is “the old dragon!” This charming story of a crotchety old lady, who nonetheless opens her home to a little girl, encourages her to take piano lessons, and urges her to learn more than counting and embroidery, is a lovely testimony to both independence of mind and generosity of spirit.
Service
Marston, Elsa. The Fox Maiden.
Illustrated by Tatsuro Kiuchi. Simon and Schuster, 1996. (1-4)
In this lovely Japanese folktale, Yuri, a fox-turned-maiden, explores the world of human beings. As a maid servant, she grows attached to the family she serves, and comes to love her fellow man-servant, Haruo. She also comes to understand that the forest is really her home. When her master and his family learn her secret (that she is really a fox), they are outraged and try to kill her. This tale puts one in mind of the Little Prince’s reminder: “You are forever responsible for that which you have tamed.” Both Yuri and Haruo take the adage seriously.
Rabin, Staton. Casey Over There.
Illustrated by Greg Shed. Harcourt Brace, 1994. (2-4)
Set in World War I, a younger brother waits, watches, and writes to President Wilson, hoping for the return of his older brother who is fighting overseas. Superb illustrations. Themes of service to country and the ties that bind.
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.
Armstrong, Jennifer. Chin Yu Min and the Ginger Cat.
Crown, 1993 (2-4)
Arrogant, self-important woman turned humble and generous by clever cat. Works well with ancient China units in 2nd and 4th grades).
Best, Cari. Three Cheers for Catherine the Great.
Illustrated by Giselle Potter.SquareFish, 2003 (K-2)
Sarah’s Russian immigrant grandmother, Catherine, announces she wants “no presents” for her birthday celebration. Sarah struggles to think of a present that she could give, but not buy. She watches her grandmother’s every move and decides that helping her to read and write English would be the greatest gift. An endearing story of gifts that come from the heart, of the struggles of immigrant life, and of a child’s desire to give.
Bruchac, Joseph. Gluskabe and the Four Wishes.
Illustrated by Christine Nyburg Shrader. Dutton Child Books, 1995. (3)
Abenaki tale in which selfishness and pride bring about downfall.
Chinn, Karen. Sam and the Lucky Money.
Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu. Lee and Low Books, 1995. (2-5)
Sam is eager to spend his lucky money received on Chinese New Year. Everything he wants seems to cost more than he has. A poor stranger then teaches him the value of what he has and Sam sees a good way to use his money.
Cooney, Barbara. Miss Rumphius.
Puffin Books, 1994. (K-3)
Touching story of a woman set on giving something back to the world, making the world more beautiful.
DePaola, Tomie. The Legend of Bluebonnet.
Putnam Publishing Group, 1996. (1, 3) A Plains Indian girl offers her favorite doll to the gods as a way of ending the drought and famine threatening her people.
DePaola, Tomie. The Legend of the Poinsettia. Puffin, 1997. (K-3)
Tomie dePaola’s bold artwork brings this touching tale to life. A poor Mexican child is too embarrassed to enter the Christmas procession for the Baby Jesus, because she has no gift to offer. Urged by a kindly stranger to take part, she gathers a bouquet of weeds, and upon presentation at the crèche, the humble stems are transformed to a magnificent bouquet of poinsettias.
Dharma Editorial Staff. Heart of Gold: A Jataka Tale.
Illustrated by Rosalyn White. Dharma Publishing, 1989. (K-2)
In this Buddhist tale, Heart-of Gold, a generous and wealthy man, is put to the test when the god Shakra takes away his wealth. Shakra wants to discover if Heart of Gold will remain generous and compassionate even in poverty. Bright and beautiful illustrations.
Forest, Heather. Baker’s Dozen: A Colonial American Tale.
Illustrated by Susan Gaber. August House, 2013. (1)
Set in colonial New York, a stingy baker learns the meaning of generosity from an old woman. This is a legend of how we got 13 in a baker’s dozen.
Hassall, Neil. The Heavenly Horse.
Illustrated by Maureen Hyde. Green Tiger, 1992. (2)
Sad, self-consumed emperor of China is told an unusual tale about a heavenly horse and learns to relinquish his selfish grip on his throne.
Jaffe, Nina. In the Month of Kislev: A Story for Hanukkah.
Illustrated by Louise August. Puffin, 1995. (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.
Killilea, Marie. Newf.
Illustrated by Ian Schoenherr. Putnam Publishing Group, 1992. (K-1)
Newfoundland hound befriends and rescues small feline friend. Illustrations too beautiful for words.
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.
Pfister, Marcus. The Rainbow Fish.
North-South Books, 1992. (K-1)
Selfish fish overcomes his vanity and manages to share his most prized possession (his silver stripes) with others.
Sabuda, Robert. The Blizzard’s Robe. Simon and Schuster, 1999. (K-3)
Sabuda’s stunning artwork and deft prose bring to life this Arctic legend of the origin of the northern lights. In the midst of a storm, Teune, a young robemaker, saves her Arctic tribe by building a great fire. In the process she angers the god Blizzard whose robe she burns. He cries out to her at night, pleads for a replacement, and promises a rich reward for a new robe. Risking the anger of her people, Teune makes him a fine robe, and he in turn provides the gift of the Aurora Borealis for this “People Who Fear the Winter Night.” Using a deep, vibrant palette and batik technique, Sabuda tells the story of compassion, generosity, and wonder.
Silverstein, Shel. The Giving Tree.
Harper Collins, 2004. (K-3)
A tree gives its very life for its friend.
Tazewell, Charles. The Littlest Angel.
Illustrated by Paul Micich. Ideals, 1991. (2-4)
The smallest angel in heaven gives up his most prized possession as a gift for the Christ child.
Tolstoy, Leo. Papa Panov’s Special Day.
Illustrated by Tony Morris. Lion USA, 1988. (K-3)
A poor old cobbler has a vision that the Christ child will come to him on Christmas Day. The only ones to come are a poor woman, a cold street-sweeper, and a hungry friend. He extends hospitality to each, but ends the day disappointed—only to discover that indeed his wish came true!
Weiss, Jim. “A Christmas Carol and Other Favorites.”
CD. Greathall Productions, 1996. (K-6)
Weiss’s fine retelling of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, as well as O.Henry’s Gift of the Magi give new depth to the spirit of love that animates the holiday season.
Wilde, Oscar. The Selfish Giant.
Illustrated by Saelig Gallagher. Putnam, 1995. (2-6)
An embittered old man, a “giant,” shoos children out of his garden and cannot be bothered with their laughter or joy. His heart is moved to compassion and he is changed by the plight of a small child. Superb illustrations.
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.
Yolen, Jane. Tea With an Old Dragon: A Story of Sophia Smith, Founder of Smith College. Illustrated by Monica Vachula. Boyds Mills Press, 1998. (K-3)
Five-year-old Louisa hears that “the old dragon is coming!” and doesn’t run away. Instead she sets out to find her. Louisa is surprised to discover that seventy-one-year-old Sophia Smith is “the old dragon!” This charming story of a crotchety old lady, who nonetheless opens her home to a little girl, encourages her to take piano lessons, and urges her to learn more than counting and embroidery, is a lovely testimony to both independence of mind and generosity of spirit.
Service
Marston, Elsa. The Fox Maiden.
Illustrated by Tatsuro Kiuchi. Simon and Schuster, 1996. (1-4)
In this lovely Japanese folktale, Yuri, a fox-turned-maiden, explores the world of human beings. As a maid servant, she grows attached to the family she serves, and comes to love her fellow man-servant, Haruo. She also comes to understand that the forest is really her home. When her master and his family learn her secret (that she is really a fox), they are outraged and try to kill her. This tale puts one in mind of the Little Prince’s reminder: “You are forever responsible for that which you have tamed.” Both Yuri and Haruo take the adage seriously.
Rabin, Staton. Casey Over There.
Illustrated by Greg Shed. Harcourt Brace, 1994. (2-4)
Set in World War I, a younger brother waits, watches, and writes to President Wilson, hoping for the return of his older brother who is fighting overseas. Superb illustrations. Themes of service to country and the ties that bind.
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.