Holidays with a Tail E-Book

Kelly Bouldin Darmofal

• Herausgeber: Loving Healing Press
• Kategorie: Für Kinder und Jugendliche
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Seitenzahl: 19

Beschreibung

Young Alex is beyond excited on Christmas Eve. He knows that Christmas celebrates the birthday of Jesus Christ, and he cannot wait for tomorrow to come--he wants a puppy of his own to play with and love. On Christmas Day, he opens a large box with, yes, a puppy inside. Alex names him Zipper! However, when grandparents come bearing gifts, Zipper bounds out of the open door. Mother and Alex then begin a neighborhood adventure as they search for a runaway dog and meet neighbors with different winter holiday celebrations and traditions: the Hindu Diwali, the Jewish Hanukkah, the Latinx Las Posadas and the African-American Kwanzaa. Alex then returns home for a Christmas feast, happy with his new canine companion and the knowledge that his neighborhood is filled with amazing people who are more alike than different.
"Kelly Darmofal takes her readers on an unexpected Christmas journey that leads her readers to discover the beauty of our diverse winter holidays! Holidays with a Tail: A Tale of Winter Celebrations is a book to read aloud to all!"
--Debbie McIntyre, Principal of Jefferson Elementary School
"With warmth and cheer, Darmofal captures Christmas Day in Holidays with a Tail: A Tale of Winter Celebrations. A day of adventure for a boy becomes a day of learning and connecting with others for a deeper understanding of cultures and traditions that differ from his own. A great holiday read!"
--Emily M. Cagle, Media Specialist at Meadowlark Elementary School
"With vibrant illustrations and easy to understand language, the author introduces us to five holiday celebrations enjoyed by families of different cultures. This book is non-judgmental and depicts appreciation for the differences among us. While it is intended for children, parents might also learn something new. Holidays With a Tail is a valuable resource if we plan to raise our children with an acceptance of diversity."
--Dr. Laurie Zelinger, Child Psychologist, Author of Please Explain Vaccines to Me Because I HATE SHOTS!

Leseprobe

Holidays with a Tail: A Tale of Winter Celebrations

Copyright © 2021 by Kelly B. Darmofal. All Rights Reserved.

Illustrated By Brad A. Calhoun

ISBN 978-1-61599-615-5 paperback

ISBN 978-1-61599-616-2 hardcover

ISBN 978-1-61599-617-9 eBook

Published by

Loving Healing Press

5145 Pontiac Trail

Ann Arbor, MI 48105

www.LHPress.com

[email protected]

Tollfree 888-761-6268

FAX [phone]

Distributed by

Ingram (USA/CAN/AU), Betram’s Books (UK/EU)

This book is dedicated to my son Alex.

Foreword

When teaching at a multicultural elementary school, I have sorely needed a book like this for my students. Holidays with a Tail is the perfect read aloud for a classroom comprised of myriad ethnicities and traditions. My hope is that with this culturally diverse story, children will learn a greater appreciation for the entire holiday season.

The boldfaced words in the text are later defined in the glossary at the end of the story. The reader may wish to discuss such words and definitions with students prior to reading.

Once there was a boy named Alex who had dreams of a new puppy to run and play catch with. Having just moved to the suburbs from the city and having no brothers or sisters, Alex would return home from school alone, with no one to play. “A dog would be a lasting playmate, available at a clap or whistle,” he thought.

As Alex snuggled in bed one cold Christmas Eve, his thoughts set on his heart’s truest wish. Alex knew his life would be full with a fuzzy, four-legged friend to accompany him on his daily adventures. As Alex imagined, his visions turned to dreams as he fell fast asleep.

When morning finally arrived, Alex could hear the soft sounds of voices laughing and the exchange of holiday wishes downstairs in the front hall. He pushed himself up and rolled out of bed. With the brush of a comb and a gigantic yawn, Alex rushed downstairs to see if Santa Claus had come!

Rounding the corner, Alex immediately spotted a huge, red box with holes poked in the top. As he ran towards the gift, the box suddenly jumped and whined before toppling to one side. Alex’s heart raced, for he knew what was inside. An adorable puppy zipped out of the box.