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December, the month of our “light in the darkness” holidays, is a time when Americans have historically turned their hearts toward miracles of deliverance and their thoughts toward the needs of others. Jews celebrate Hanukkah with its traditions of “mitzvah” and Hanukkah geld. Christians celebrate Christmas and place special emphasis on the needy and the works of charity. Some African Americans celebrate Kwanzaa with its attendant themes of generosity. The Salvation Army, and numerous other charitable organizations have made December a time to focus their energies on the needs of the poor and the vulnerable.
Below we showcase books that highlight our themes of generosity, service, and charity. Those virtues require having eyes to see the needs of those around us. The Little Match Girl poignantly turns children's hearts toward a hungry street child who goes unnoticed, while The House that Jane Built introduces students to a clear-eyed heroine, who saw the misery around her and took energetic action. Visit the Decmber Heroes section for a fuller listing of holiday-themed books.
Below we showcase books that highlight our themes of generosity, service, and charity. Those virtues require having eyes to see the needs of those around us. The Little Match Girl poignantly turns children's hearts toward a hungry street child who goes unnoticed, while The House that Jane Built introduces students to a clear-eyed heroine, who saw the misery around her and took energetic action. Visit the Decmber Heroes section for a fuller listing of holiday-themed books.
Through quality literature, children should come to appreciate that true charity involves empathy, making the good of the other our own.
December Recommendations
The following books are a small sampling of the books recommended in the Resource Guide.
These stories radiate the virtues of generosity, service, and charity.
For more holiday-themed and faith-specific stories, see the Holiday Section
in the Heroes - Lives to Learn From page.
(grade levels indicated in parentheses)
Additional suggestions by virtue for K-3 ; Additional suggestions for 3-6
The following books are a small sampling of the books recommended in the Resource Guide.
These stories radiate the virtues of generosity, service, and charity.
For more holiday-themed and faith-specific stories, see the Holiday Section
in the Heroes - Lives to Learn From page.
(grade levels indicated in parentheses)
Additional suggestions by virtue for K-3 ; Additional suggestions for 3-6
Oskar and the Eight Blessings. Richard and Tanya Simon.
Illustrated by Mark Siegel. Roaring Book Press, 2015. (K-4)
Generosity, Charity, Kindness
Young Oskar has fled Germany during the Holocaust (1938) and arrives in New York City to live with an aunt he’s never met. Arriving on the seventh day of Chanukkah, cold and hungry, with only a photograph of his aunt and an address, Oskar finds the city enormous and his journey frightening. With the kindness of many strangers, the young boy walks the hundred blocks to his new home. A gorgeously illustrated, profoundly moving story of a boy's journey and NYC at its finest: a diverse people not afraid to extend kindness. Or as Oskar’s father says: “Even in bad times, people can be good. You have to look for the blessings.” This book could be enjoyed by older children as well because the message is timeless and the drawings of New York are intricate.
Illustrated by Mark Siegel. Roaring Book Press, 2015. (K-4)
Generosity, Charity, Kindness
Young Oskar has fled Germany during the Holocaust (1938) and arrives in New York City to live with an aunt he’s never met. Arriving on the seventh day of Chanukkah, cold and hungry, with only a photograph of his aunt and an address, Oskar finds the city enormous and his journey frightening. With the kindness of many strangers, the young boy walks the hundred blocks to his new home. A gorgeously illustrated, profoundly moving story of a boy's journey and NYC at its finest: a diverse people not afraid to extend kindness. Or as Oskar’s father says: “Even in bad times, people can be good. You have to look for the blessings.” This book could be enjoyed by older children as well because the message is timeless and the drawings of New York are intricate.
The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree. David Rubel. Illustrated by Jim LaMarche. Random House, 2011
(K-4) Generosity, Service, Compassion
The spirit of giving comes to life in this fictional tale set in the depths of the Depression. A young boy, Henry, and his father cut down spruces to sell in Rockefeller Center (1931). The family is living in a shack outside of New York, but they donate several large left-over trees to construction workers who allow them to sell on their site. The workers return the favor by building a true home for the boy’s family with wood from their construction site. Henry is so touched by their actions that he plants a pinecone next to the home which becomes a very large spruce. Years later he’s approached to donate his tree to Rockefeller Center, and can only bring himself to part with it when he learns that at season’s end, its timber will be used to build a home for a family in need. Gorgeous illustrations and wonderful background on the Rockefeller Center tree.
(K-4) Generosity, Service, Compassion
The spirit of giving comes to life in this fictional tale set in the depths of the Depression. A young boy, Henry, and his father cut down spruces to sell in Rockefeller Center (1931). The family is living in a shack outside of New York, but they donate several large left-over trees to construction workers who allow them to sell on their site. The workers return the favor by building a true home for the boy’s family with wood from their construction site. Henry is so touched by their actions that he plants a pinecone next to the home which becomes a very large spruce. Years later he’s approached to donate his tree to Rockefeller Center, and can only bring himself to part with it when he learns that at season’s end, its timber will be used to build a home for a family in need. Gorgeous illustrations and wonderful background on the Rockefeller Center tree.
The Chanukkah Guest. Eric A. Kimmel
Illustrated by Giora Carmi. Holiday House, 1990. (K-2) Generosity
Eric Kimmel’s humorous and charmingly illustrated tale of a nearly blind, elderly lady who lives in the forest and fixes potato latkes for the first night of Chanukkah, expecting the rabbi as her guest. In walks a bear instead, drawn from his slumber by the tantalizing aroma. She mistakes him for the rabbi, and a wonderful tale of hospitality and humor follows.
Illustrated by Giora Carmi. Holiday House, 1990. (K-2) Generosity
Eric Kimmel’s humorous and charmingly illustrated tale of a nearly blind, elderly lady who lives in the forest and fixes potato latkes for the first night of Chanukkah, expecting the rabbi as her guest. In walks a bear instead, drawn from his slumber by the tantalizing aroma. She mistakes him for the rabbi, and a wonderful tale of hospitality and humor follows.
Winter Candle. Jeron Ashford. Illustrated by Stacey Schuett.
Creston Books, 2014. (K-3) Generosity, Service, Hope
A touching “light in the darkness story” of five families of different faiths and ethnic origins in a single New York apartment building. They rely on each other when they find themselves missing a candle for key celebrations: the Super passes a stubby, misshapen candle from Nana Clover (for her Thanksgiving table) and she to the Danziger’s (for their Sabbath), to the Eriksons (for Santa Lucia) to an African American family celebrating Kwanza, to a Muslim family concerned their father won’t find his way home in a snowstorm. Glowing artwork and a heartwarming “out of many, one” theme.
Creston Books, 2014. (K-3) Generosity, Service, Hope
A touching “light in the darkness story” of five families of different faiths and ethnic origins in a single New York apartment building. They rely on each other when they find themselves missing a candle for key celebrations: the Super passes a stubby, misshapen candle from Nana Clover (for her Thanksgiving table) and she to the Danziger’s (for their Sabbath), to the Eriksons (for Santa Lucia) to an African American family celebrating Kwanza, to a Muslim family concerned their father won’t find his way home in a snowstorm. Glowing artwork and a heartwarming “out of many, one” theme.
The House that Jane Built: A Story about Jane Addams. Tanya Lee Stone. Illustrated by Kathryn Brown. Henry Holt & Co., 2015 (K-3) Service, Generosity, Compassion
Why would a wealthy young woman abandon a life of privilege and pour her resources and herself into clothing, feeding and educating the poor? Because even as a young child, Jane had eyes to see those in need, and a desire to serve them. This is an inspiring, beautifully written portrayal of the life of Jane Addams, founder of Hull House, which served Chicago’s destitute and immigrant communities at the turn of the century. Muted watercolors perfectly portray the period.
Why would a wealthy young woman abandon a life of privilege and pour her resources and herself into clothing, feeding and educating the poor? Because even as a young child, Jane had eyes to see those in need, and a desire to serve them. This is an inspiring, beautifully written portrayal of the life of Jane Addams, founder of Hull House, which served Chicago’s destitute and immigrant communities at the turn of the century. Muted watercolors perfectly portray the period.
The Best Kind of Gift. Kathi Appelt.
Illustrated by Paul Brett Johnson. Harper Collins, 2003. (K-2) Generosity
When a small town sets out to welcome their new parson with a “pounding” (a pound of this, a pinch of that), little Jory wants to give Brother Harper a special present. What should it be? He attempts to imitate various of his elders’ gifts, each of whom have their own talents, but learns that the best gift is one that he alone can fashion and “comes directly from the heart.” (In this case: a bag of perfect skipping stones that Jory collected).
Illustrated by Paul Brett Johnson. Harper Collins, 2003. (K-2) Generosity
When a small town sets out to welcome their new parson with a “pounding” (a pound of this, a pinch of that), little Jory wants to give Brother Harper a special present. What should it be? He attempts to imitate various of his elders’ gifts, each of whom have their own talents, but learns that the best gift is one that he alone can fashion and “comes directly from the heart.” (In this case: a bag of perfect skipping stones that Jory collected).
Erandi’s Braids. Antonio Hernandez Madrigal.
Illustrated by Tomie dePaola. Puffin, 2001 (K-3) Generosity, Sacrifice
Set in Mexico, this is the tale of a little girl whose hair is her pride and joy, but she will sacrifice her glossy tresses to help her mother who is in financial difficulty (and her act does not go unrewarded). Few are the stories that showcase sacrifice as an element of generosity; this one is beautifully done,
Illustrated by Tomie dePaola. Puffin, 2001 (K-3) Generosity, Sacrifice
Set in Mexico, this is the tale of a little girl whose hair is her pride and joy, but she will sacrifice her glossy tresses to help her mother who is in financial difficulty (and her act does not go unrewarded). Few are the stories that showcase sacrifice as an element of generosity; this one is beautifully done,
A Chair for My Mother. Vera B.Williams
Greenwillow, 1982. (K-3)Generosity
In this vibrantly illustrated story, a little girl saves diligently to help buy a chair for her hardworking mother. This is a touching story of a child’s devotion to her single mom, and her generosity of spirit.
The Christmas Candle. Richard Paul Evans
Illustrated by Jacob Collins. Simon and Schuster, 1998. (K-4)Generosity
This is the hauntingly illustrated story of a self-satisfied young man, who comes to understand that “all from great to small belong to one family.” Thomas is returning to his comfortable home on a cold Christmas Eve and shoves a beggar aside in order to enter the chandler’s shop. He needs a candle for his lantern to light his way home. The chandler warns him that the simple one he chooses, although inexpensive, may be costly. It is. The candle turns the face of each needy person into a family member, and by the time he returns home, Thomas has given away all, and even goes back to help others he was unable to assist. Simple but rich text and dramatic illustrations.
Illustrated by Jacob Collins. Simon and Schuster, 1998. (K-4)Generosity
This is the hauntingly illustrated story of a self-satisfied young man, who comes to understand that “all from great to small belong to one family.” Thomas is returning to his comfortable home on a cold Christmas Eve and shoves a beggar aside in order to enter the chandler’s shop. He needs a candle for his lantern to light his way home. The chandler warns him that the simple one he chooses, although inexpensive, may be costly. It is. The candle turns the face of each needy person into a family member, and by the time he returns home, Thomas has given away all, and even goes back to help others he was unable to assist. Simple but rich text and dramatic illustrations.
The Little Match Girl. Hans Christian Andersen. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Puffin, 2002. (1-4) Charity, Compassion
A sad tale at a bright time of the year, but this classic is worth retelling: poignant story of a poor child, sent to sell matches on the streets of a prosperous city. She has no shoes to protect her, nor coat to keep her warm, and busy holiday shoppers fail to notice her, as she lights for warmth the matches she was meant to sell. She sees in the flames visions of her grandmother, of hope, and love, but dies on the street, invisible to those who pass her. A heartbreaking cautionary tale urging us to be alert to the suffering around us, and to respond. Jerry Pinkney’s glowing illustrations convincingly set the Danish tale in a turn-of-the century American city.
A sad tale at a bright time of the year, but this classic is worth retelling: poignant story of a poor child, sent to sell matches on the streets of a prosperous city. She has no shoes to protect her, nor coat to keep her warm, and busy holiday shoppers fail to notice her, as she lights for warmth the matches she was meant to sell. She sees in the flames visions of her grandmother, of hope, and love, but dies on the street, invisible to those who pass her. A heartbreaking cautionary tale urging us to be alert to the suffering around us, and to respond. Jerry Pinkney’s glowing illustrations convincingly set the Danish tale in a turn-of-the century American city.
The Quiltmaker’s Gift. Jeff Brumbeau. Illustrated by Gail de Marcken. Scholastic, 2001. (2-4) Generosity, Gratitude
A splendid tale of “it is in giving that we receive.” A gifted quiltmaker lives in the misty blue mountains piecing quilts so beautiful that the rich line up to buy them. But the Quiltmaker makes them only for the poor, bestowing her quilts on those sleeping in the cold at night. When the greedy king of the realm decides he must have one, she challenges him to give away all his other possessions to receive this one gift. Eventually he does, thinking the quilt will make him happy, but he becomes happy long before – by giving his possessions to those in need. Spectacular illustrations accompany a text that shimmers too. This book could be read to younger children, but the length of the text (56 pages) makes this a fine second to fourth grade morning gathering read-aloud.
A splendid tale of “it is in giving that we receive.” A gifted quiltmaker lives in the misty blue mountains piecing quilts so beautiful that the rich line up to buy them. But the Quiltmaker makes them only for the poor, bestowing her quilts on those sleeping in the cold at night. When the greedy king of the realm decides he must have one, she challenges him to give away all his other possessions to receive this one gift. Eventually he does, thinking the quilt will make him happy, but he becomes happy long before – by giving his possessions to those in need. Spectacular illustrations accompany a text that shimmers too. This book could be read to younger children, but the length of the text (56 pages) makes this a fine second to fourth grade morning gathering read-aloud.
The Gift. Aliana Brodmann
Simon and Schuster, 1993. (2-4) Generosity
A young girl tries to figure out how to spend her Hanukkah geld, and comes to understand that the best gift is the gift she can give to others.
Simon and Schuster, 1993. (2-4) Generosity
A young girl tries to figure out how to spend her Hanukkah geld, and comes to understand that the best gift is the gift she can give to others.
Moishe’s Miracle: A Hanukkah Story. Laura Krauss Melmed
Illustrated by David Slonim. Chronicle Books, 2005 (2-4) Generosity
Moishe, a generous Jewish milkman living in a small village, is forever helping his neighbors. But his resentful wife insists his charity has left her without flour or money to make traditional potato latkes for Hanukkah. Moishe is literally sent packing to board with the cows, but he is rewarded for his efforts with a magical pan that makes latkes. He is also given a warning that he alone must use it. When his wife tries to use it, the hijinks begin…. Beautifully written, stunningly illustrated.
Illustrated by David Slonim. Chronicle Books, 2005 (2-4) Generosity
Moishe, a generous Jewish milkman living in a small village, is forever helping his neighbors. But his resentful wife insists his charity has left her without flour or money to make traditional potato latkes for Hanukkah. Moishe is literally sent packing to board with the cows, but he is rewarded for his efforts with a magical pan that makes latkes. He is also given a warning that he alone must use it. When his wife tries to use it, the hijinks begin…. Beautifully written, stunningly illustrated.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey. Susan Wojciechowski
Illustrated P. J. Lynch. Candlewick Press, 2007. (3-5) Generosity
Jonathan Toomey is a reclusive, no-nonsense wood-carver, whose insular life (he is a widower) is disturbed by the arrival of a young widow and her six year old son. They ask that he carve them a Nativity scene, and the widow requests that her son, who aspires to be a wood carver, be able to watch him work. Jonathan Toomey harumphs at first, but allows the child into his shop and heart, and finally, creates a wonder – extraordinary wooden sculptures of the Holy Family. The widow and her son (and the spirit of the holiday) are the ultimate miracle workers. By allowing Jonathan to give the gift of self and service, they call him back to, but beyond himself. Extraordinary text and illustration.
Illustrated P. J. Lynch. Candlewick Press, 2007. (3-5) Generosity
Jonathan Toomey is a reclusive, no-nonsense wood-carver, whose insular life (he is a widower) is disturbed by the arrival of a young widow and her six year old son. They ask that he carve them a Nativity scene, and the widow requests that her son, who aspires to be a wood carver, be able to watch him work. Jonathan Toomey harumphs at first, but allows the child into his shop and heart, and finally, creates a wonder – extraordinary wooden sculptures of the Holy Family. The widow and her son (and the spirit of the holiday) are the ultimate miracle workers. By allowing Jonathan to give the gift of self and service, they call him back to, but beyond himself. Extraordinary text and illustration.
The Well at the End of the World. Robert D. San Souci.
Illustrated by Rebecca Walsh. Chronicle Books, 2004. (3-6) Generosity, Compassion, Determination.
A Cinderella (or King Lear) story on steroids with writing so zingy you’ll soon be singing… Feisty princess Rosamund is not a looker, but “I prefer good books to good looks…I’ve no interest in a suitor who can’t look deeper than a dimple.” She runs the kingdom well, keeping her father’s accounts in good order and fixing the drawbridge whenever. The lonely King weds self-absorbed Princess Zantippa, who arrives with her beautiful but evil daughter Zenobia in tow. Predictable things happen. They banish Rosamund, squander the kingdom’s resources, send the ailing King to a deathbed from which he can escape only if he drinks water from the well at the end of the world. Rosamund accomplishes the task by being responsive to the needs of all along the way. Zenobia shows how not to do it. Though the plot is predictable, the writing is so clever and the illustrations so lavish that the tale is irresistible. Lots of text make this suitable for older children.
Illustrated by Rebecca Walsh. Chronicle Books, 2004. (3-6) Generosity, Compassion, Determination.
A Cinderella (or King Lear) story on steroids with writing so zingy you’ll soon be singing… Feisty princess Rosamund is not a looker, but “I prefer good books to good looks…I’ve no interest in a suitor who can’t look deeper than a dimple.” She runs the kingdom well, keeping her father’s accounts in good order and fixing the drawbridge whenever. The lonely King weds self-absorbed Princess Zantippa, who arrives with her beautiful but evil daughter Zenobia in tow. Predictable things happen. They banish Rosamund, squander the kingdom’s resources, send the ailing King to a deathbed from which he can escape only if he drinks water from the well at the end of the world. Rosamund accomplishes the task by being responsive to the needs of all along the way. Zenobia shows how not to do it. Though the plot is predictable, the writing is so clever and the illustrations so lavish that the tale is irresistible. Lots of text make this suitable for older children.
The Gift of the Magi. O. Henry
Illustrated by P. J. Lynch. Candlewick, 2009. (4-6) Generosity
Two penniless newlyweds, Della and Jim, seek the perfect gift for each other for Christmas. Each finds exactly the gift the other will love, but they have no money to purchase it unless they sell the treasures that mean the most to each of them personally. A poignant story of selfless giving, and a comedy of errors too.
Illustrated by P. J. Lynch. Candlewick, 2009. (4-6) Generosity
Two penniless newlyweds, Della and Jim, seek the perfect gift for each other for Christmas. Each finds exactly the gift the other will love, but they have no money to purchase it unless they sell the treasures that mean the most to each of them personally. A poignant story of selfless giving, and a comedy of errors too.
A Christmas Carol. Charles Dickens.
Illustrated by Robert Ingpen. Minedition, 2008. (4-6) Generosity, Service
Miserly, self-centered Scrooge learns to look beyond himself and his own well-being, when Christmas Eve affords him the opportunity to revisit his past, present, and peek ahead to his grim future if his life is unchanged. This unabridged version of Dickens’ classic tale weaves timeless text with outstanding illustration. Robert Ingpen’s warm, haunting, and evocative drawings grace almost every page. The combination of Dickens poignant story and Ingpen’s Rembrandt-like illustrations make this the perfect holiday read-aloud for the older grades.
Illustrated by Robert Ingpen. Minedition, 2008. (4-6) Generosity, Service
Miserly, self-centered Scrooge learns to look beyond himself and his own well-being, when Christmas Eve affords him the opportunity to revisit his past, present, and peek ahead to his grim future if his life is unchanged. This unabridged version of Dickens’ classic tale weaves timeless text with outstanding illustration. Robert Ingpen’s warm, haunting, and evocative drawings grace almost every page. The combination of Dickens poignant story and Ingpen’s Rembrandt-like illustrations make this the perfect holiday read-aloud for the older grades.
For an extensive bibliography of quality children's literature exemplifying these virtues,
see the Core Virtues Resource Guide.
Additional suggestions by virtue for K-3 ; Additional suggestions for 3-6
see the Core Virtues Resource Guide.
Additional suggestions by virtue for K-3 ; Additional suggestions for 3-6