Holiday-themed books will warm your spirits this Christmas

The holiday season is for friends, family, giving and receiving gifts and everything in between. And books are no exception. Below are just a few of this year's many new holiday-themed offerings.

PICTURE BOOKS

IF YOU TAKE A MOUSE TO THE MOVIES," by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond, HarperCollins (ages 4-8)

"If you take a mouse to the movies, he'll ask you for some popcorn. When you give him the popcorn, he'll want to string it all together. Then he'll want to hang it on a Christmas tree. …" Everyone's favorite mouse who loves cookies is back again for the holidays. Fun illustrations and addictive text will have kids reading and rereading through the holidays.

Along with "If You Take a Mouse to the Movies," Numeroff's books "If You Give a Pig a Party," "If you Give a Cat a Cupcake" and "If You Give a Moose a Muffin" and corresponding plush animals are also available through December at Kohl's stores and kohls.com for $5 each. Proceeds will go to the Kohl's Cares for Kids program, which benefits children's health and education initiatives nationwide.

— Jessica Harrison

"CHRISTMAS FOR A DOLLAR," by Gale Sears, illustrated by Ben Sowards, Covenant, $15.95. (all ages)

It's 1931 and the Kamp family is struggling to deal with not only the Depression, but also the death of their mother and the polio affliction of their brother. As Christmas approaches, their father brings home $1 in change, and that will be the basis of that year's holiday. In this tender, beautifully illustrated story (based on a true account), the Kamp children learn that money isn't what the season is all about, after all — that love and sharing can create their own miracles and make for the best kind of Christmas.

— Carma Wadley

"PENNY'S CHRISTMAS JAR MIRACLE" and "CHRISTMAS JAR REUNION" by Jason Wright and Ben Sowards, Covenant (all ages)

These two set the benchmark for Christmas giving. The jar has become a permanent fixture in many homes, as parents and children plan on saving and giving. These would be wonderful gifts for a family "that has everything" and children who can work together all year long for a rewarding outcome.

— Marilou Sorensen

"THE LITTLE GENERAL AND THE GIANT SNOWFLAKE," by Matthea Harvey, illustrated by Elizabeth Zechel, Tin House Books, $10.95 (ages 9-12)