Christmas books brighten the season

Sharing holiday books throughout the entire month of December sets a mood for decorations, traditions and celebrations. The following new books will help children and their families enjoy the holiday season.

"A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A Pop-Up Book," by Charles Dickens and Chuck Fischer, Little, Brown and Co.; Pop Har/Bk edition, $30 (Ages 9-12)

Charles Dickens' timeless tale of a rich miser named Ebenezer Scrooge and his adventures with three ghosts on Christmas Eve is re-imagined in this exquisite pop-up book that parents and children will equally enjoy. Intricate pop-up scenes are accompanied by five removable, illustrated booklets. This rendition is as much a work of art as it is a classic book.— J.H.

"NONNA TELL ME A STORY: Lidia's Christmas Kitchen," by Lidia Bastianich and Laura Logan, Running Press Kids, $15.95 (ages 4-8)

When the grandchildren beg for stories about Christmas from her childhood in Istria, Nonna tells about their poverty, but above all she tells of the traditions begun years before in Italy. Bastianich, a chef on television,includes more than a dozen selected recipes that will brighten any holiday table. — M.S.

"IT'S CHRISTMAS, DAVID!" by David Shannon, The Blue Sky Press, $16.99 (ages 4-8)

It's hard to be good when the house is filled with presents, cookies and holiday decorations. For David, it seems like the only word he hears is, "No." Santa is watching. Can David be patient or will he end up with a lump of coal? The ups and downs of the season through David's eyes will resonate with readers young and old. — J.H.

"THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS," by Rachel Isadora, Putnam Juvenile, $16.99 (ages 4-8)

"The 12 Days of Christmas" take on an entirely new style when the classic Christmas carol is told from an African point of view. Colorful icons represent various gifts.

Collage illustrations made from kente cloth and cut paper create vibrant scenes that seem to jump off the pages.— J.H.

"LA NOCHE BUENA: A Christmas Story," by Antonio Sacre and Angela Dominguez, Abrams, $16.95 (ages 5 and up)

A child visits her Cuban relatives for the holidays in Miami, where palm trees and no snow seem strange. When the unique food is served, it too is foreign. But kindness wins out as the extended family becomes one.— M.S.