Cultural Holidays Around the World
Infotext books
Around the World in 80 Festivals
Explore festivals that celebrate food, history, culture, and religion a dizzying variety of ways: meet horse-riding gauchos, act out a pirate invasion, party in a parade, or how about burning a Viking longboat? You can throw tomatoes, enjoy a monkey feast, and see dazzlingly intricate ice sculptures. From 60-feet-high towers of buns to camel racing, there's a festival for everything.
Including a stunning central gatefold that opens out to reveal all 80 festivals, this book is a visual celebration of the huge variety of festivals that take place all across the world, from the more familiar to those you might never have heard of before.
Story of Divaali
Discover the powerful and captivating story of how Divaali, the Indian festival of lights, was born. This rendition of the age-old Indian epic The Ramayana is brimming with action and adventure, drama and triumph.
A Faith Like Mine: a Celebration of the World's Religions, Seen Through the Eyes of Children
A perfect book for children and parents to read together, A Faith Like Mine uses revealing photography and detailed personal accounts to give unique insight into the diversity of religious faith as experienced through the lives of children across the world.
Ten Holiday Jewish Children's Stories
These eminently tellable tales hold a unique fascination for both children and parents. Some of them are original gems the author has refined from her own imagination, others are classics that have become part of the Jewish home and its oral tradition.The stories highlight those aspects of each holiday which give it its special flavor, or yiddishe taam. Each telling reveals a new nuance of the holiday, a new meaning to enjoy and relish.Children will benefit from these stories in many ways: They will discover what the Rabbis meant when they said that Shabbat is A Taste Of Paradise. They will understand what Simchat Torah ecstasy is like in Dancing With Fire, and the grandeur of even the smallest of Hanukkah flames in Lost In The Woods. They will appreciate the importance of a Jewish name as the Passover tale, Elijah's Cup, unfolds, and the value of the Yom Kippur experience in The Secret Shofar Blasts.
Harvest of Light
The olive harvest in Israel is a special time. See how the tiny spring flowers blossom into green fruit, then ripen into shiny black olives. Watch the olives as they're gathered, sorted, and pressed into oil. Then celebrate Hanukkah with an Israeli family, as they use the oil to light their Hanukkah menorah. Come and enjoy the harvest of light.
Sarah's Passover
Sarah is excited to celebrate Passover! She helps get the house ready. At the seder, the special Passover dinner, she asks The Four Questions. After dinner, the children hunt for the matzah that Grandpa has hidden. Find out how families celebrate this Jewish holiday of freedom!
Celebrate Passover: With Matzah, Maror, and Memories
The most celebrated holiday in the Jewish Year, Passover commemorates the Exodus of Hebrew slaves from Egypt to freedom over 3,500 years ago. This colourful book explores the many forms that this weeklong celebration takes worldwide.
Celebrate Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr with Praying, Fasting, and Charity
Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the fast's end, are sacred times for millions throughout the world. Celebrate Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr examines the reasons for the month-long dawn-to-dusk fast and observes some of the wide variety of celebrations at the end of the fast worldwide. Deborah Heiligman's text examines the historical, religious, and cultural aspect of this Muslim holiday. The book's beautiful photographs are complemented with a map pinpointing the exact locations illustrated. The extensive back matter also includes a list of further resources such as books and Web sites, useful for the research student and paper writer in grades one to four.
Under the Ramadan Moon
Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the fast's end, are sacred times for millions throughout the world. Celebrate Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr examines the reasons for the month-long dawn-to-dusk fast and observes some of the wide variety of celebrations at the end of the fast worldwide. Deborah Heiligman's text examines the historical, religious, and cultural aspect of this Muslim holiday. The book's beautiful photographs are complemented with a map pinpointing the exact locations illustrated. The extensive back matter also includes a list of further resources such as books and Web sites, useful for the research student and paper writer in grades one to four.
My First Ramadan
Look! There is the new moon in the sky.
It's time for Ramadan to begin. Follow along with one young boy as he observes the Muslim holy month with his family.
This year, the narrator is finally old enough to fast, and readers of all ages will be interested as he shares his experiences of this special holiday.
Rashad's Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
For Muslims, Ramadan is a time for fasting, prayer, and thinking of others. Rashad tries to be good all month. When it's time for Eid al-Fitr, he feasts and plays! Find out how people celebrate this special time of year.
Let's Celebrate: Happy Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of Ramadan fasting and this book lets children discover how people around the globe celebrate this important festival and what it means to them, with age-appropriate language.
The history, preparation and celebration of the festival are all visualised with beautiful photography, capturing the many ways in which this festival is marked. This approach offers children a visually arresting and diverse introduction to one of the most celebrated religious festivals.
The People Remember: A Kwanzaa Holiday Book for Kids
The People Remember tells the journey of African descendants in America by connecting their history to the seven principles of Kwanzaa. It begins in Africa, where people were taken from their homes and families. They spoke different languages and had different customs.
Yet they were bound and chained together and forced onto ships sailing into an unknown future. Ultimately, all these people had to learn one common language and create a culture that combined their memories of home with new traditions that enabled them to thrive in this new land.
Powwow: A Celebration through Song and Dance
Powwowis a celebration of Indigenous song and dance. Journey through the history of powwow culture in North America, from its origins to the thriving powwow culture of today. As a lifelong competitive powwow dancer, Karen Pheasant-Neganigwane is a guide to the protocols, regalia, songs, dances and even food you can find at powwows from coast to coast, as well as the important role they play in Indigenous culture and reconciliation.
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
The Cherokee community is grateful for blessings and challenges that each season brings. This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation.
The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. Written by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, this look at one group of Native Americans is appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.
The Song Within My Heart
Renowned Native painter Allen Sapp's inspired and stunning artwork beautifully complements this sweet story of a boy preparing for his first powwow. The young boy's Nokum -- his beloved grandmother -- guides him through the events of the day and helps him to understand what the singing and dancing are about. Award-winning author David Bouchard adds rhythmic and informative text based on remembrances from Allen Sapp's own Cree childhood. A portion of the royalties for The Song Within My Heart will be donated to the Indian Federated College.
Potlatch
The traditions of the Tsimshian Indians, focusing on a potlatch.
A Calendar Of Festivals: Celebrations From Around The World
When kids go trick-or-treating on Halloween, they may not know that they are taking part in an ancient Celtic festival. A Calendar of Festivals is a compelling collection taking readers back to the origins of many festivals celebrated throughout the world-including the Jewish festival of Purim, Russian New Year, the Indian festival of Holi and, of course, Christmas.
Kwanzaa
The essays are organized in three topical areas, each with a brief introduction: the idea of democracy, democratic practice in Africa (mostly East Africa), and democracy and national development.
Kwanzaa
These beautifully illustrated, multicultural books teach children about the holidays and why we celebrate them. In addition to telling a good story, each colorful book contains songs, poems, crafts, recipes, fingerplays, and other activities that can be used during classtime.
My First Kwanzaa Book
This festive book introduces the history and practices of Kwanzaa--the annual week-long reunion of family and friends when millions of African-Americans celebrate their heritage. The first book about Kwanzaa written especially for young children.
K Is for Kwanzaa: A Kwanzaa Alphabet Book
- A great educational tool for teaching young children all about the Kwanzaa holiday.
- Teaches the alphabet in a unique way.
- Imparts valuable life lessons for all ages.
Celebrating Kwanzaa
Text and photographs depict how a Chicago family celebrates the African American holiday, Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa
This series meets National Curriculum Standards for: Science: Earth and Space Science, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives. Social Studies: Civic Ideals & Practices, Culture, Global Connections, Power, Authority, & Governance Production, Distribution, & Consumption Science, Technology, & Society
Chinese New Year
All about the history of the Chinese New Year, and how the holiday is celebrated today.
Chinese New Year: A Time for Parades, Family, and Friends
Chinese New Year first started to be celebrated more than four thousand years ago in China. It is now celebrated anywhere large groups of Chinese people live, in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. Readers find out about the origins of the holiday and the meaning of traditions such as the dragon parade, special foods, fruits, and flowers.
Ten Mice for Tet!
It's time for Tet! This vibrant, unique counting book introduces children to the rich traditions of the Vietnamese New Year. A playful village of mice lead young readers through the joyful celebration, as exquisitely embroidered illustrations recreate ten scenes of preparation, gift giving, feasting, and firework displays. With simple text followed by an informative afterword, Ten Mice for Tet is a joyful tribute to a special holiday.
Christmas Around the World
In Mexico at Christmas time, children carry candles in nine nights of parades. German children listen for Kris Kringle to bring presents on Christmas Eve. Families in Australia like a picnic on the beach. And in Ethiopia, Christmas is the time to play a hockey-like game called genna. Come take a trip around the world to see how this special time of year is celebrated in eight countries.
What Is Christmas? (I Like Holidays!)
How do people celebrate Christmas? Readers learn all about Christmas symbols and traditions in this fun and easy-to-read book. Readers learn how to make a strand of cranberries and popcorn for a Christmas tree, and then feed the birds when they are done using it.
Finding Christmas
Every year Julie finds the Christmas presents her parents hid: in the basement, under the bed, in the garage. But this year it's Christmas Eve and she has found nothing. NOTHING! She's worried -- will be there no presents at all?
Her investigation takes her to a mysterious box on the rooftop, which -- lo and behold -- houses all of the gifts! But, in classic Munsch style, she becomes trapped inside, creating the biggest surprise of all for her family on Christmas morning.
Fiestas: A Year of Latin-American Songs and Celebrations
Carefully crafted for both Spanish and English audiences, this radiant bilingual collection (a follow-up to the highly successful De Colores and Diez Deditos) includes over twenty holiday songs and rhymes gathered from Spanish-speaking countries. The songs focus on holidays that specifically honor Latin American culture-Cinco de Mayo, Carnival, C sar Ch vez Day-as well as on familiar fiestas celebrated around the world-New Year's, Christmas, Halloween, Mother's Day, and more.
Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras
Funny Bones is a book that tells the story of Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada, who is known for his calavera drawings. Calaveras are skeletons doing everyday tasks that have become synonymous with Mexico's Día de Muertos festival. The book explains the different artistic processes Lupe used and showcases his humorous observations about people through the calavera drawings.
Every Month Is a New Year: Celebrations Around the World
Happy New Year ... in July! This versatile collection of engaging original poems showcases New Year celebrations throughout the year and around the world.
In many places around the globe, the new year starts on January 1. But not everywhere! Chinese New Year is celebrated in January or February. Iranians observe Nowruz in March. For Thai people, Songkran occurs in April. Ethiopians greet the new year at Enkutatash in September. All these celebrations, and many others, have deep-rooted traditions and treasured customs.
Chinese kite festival = 中国风筝节
Happy New Year ... in July! This versatile collection of engaging original poems showcases New Year celebrations throughout the year and around the world.
In many places around the globe, the new year starts on January 1. But not everywhere! Chinese New Year is celebrated in January or February. Iranians observe Nowruz in March. For Thai people, Songkran occurs in April. Ethiopians greet the new year at Enkutatash in September. All these celebrations, and many others, have deep-rooted traditions and treasured customs.
Picture Books
One Candle
"Why do you think Grandma wants to do this every year?" I don't know for sure. But I think it has to do with being strong in the bad time and remembering it in the good time. For one family the traditional Hanukkah celebration has a deeper meaning. Amidst the food and the festivities, Grandma and Great-Aunt Rose begin their story-the one they tell each year. They pass on to each generation a tale of perseverance during the darkest hours of the Holocaust, and the strength it took to continue to honor Hanukkah in the only way they could.
Freedom Soup
Every year, Haitians all over the world ring in the new year by eating a special soup, a tradition dating back to the Haitian Revolution. This year, Ti Gran is teaching Belle how to make the soup -- Freedom Soup -- just like she was taught when she was a little girl. Together, they dance and clap as they prepare the holiday feast, and Ti Gran tells Belle about the history of the soup, the history of Belle's family, and the history of Haiti, where Belle's family is from. In this celebration of cultural traditions passed from one generation to the next, Jacqueline Alcántara's lush illustrations bring to life both Belle's story and the story of the Haitian Revolution.
Juneteenth for Mazie
Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty. She is ready to celebrate freedom. She is ready to celebrate a great day in American history. The day her ancestors were no longer slaves. Mazie remembers the struggles and the triumph, as she gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth.
The Shortest Day
As the sun set on the shortest day of the year, early people would gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles. They played music, bringing their own light to the darkness, while wondering if the sun would ever rise again. Written for a theatrical production that has become a ritual in itself, Susan Cooper's poem "The Shortest Day" captures the magic behind the returning of the light, the yearning for traditions that connect us with generations that have gone before -- and the hope for peace that we carry into the future.
The Christmas Mitzvah
Al Rosen, a Jewish man, takes on the jobs of his Christian neighbors on Christmas Eve and day so they can spend the holiday with their families, starting a tradition that lasts for decades. A mitzvah, as Al explains, is a good deed, especially apt on holidays. A strong cross-over read, this warm story is about kindness and differences bringing people together.
Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story
In this Wampanoag story told in a Native tradition, two kids from the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe learn the story of Wee chumun (corn) and the first Thanksgiving.
The Thanksgiving story that most Americans know celebrates the Pilgrims. But without members of the Wampanoag tribe who already lived on the land where the Pilgrims settled, the Pilgrims would never have made it through their first winter. And without Wee chumun (corn), the Native people wouldn't have helped.
All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom
Through the eyes of one little girl, All Different Now tells the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the slaves in the South. Since then, the observance of June 19 as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. This stunning picture book includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of important dates, and a glossary of relevant terms.
Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story
Now in paperback, this sweet tale follows Yasmeen, a seven-year-old Pakistani-American girl, as she celebrates the Muslim holidays of Ramadan , "The Night of the Moon" ( Chaand Raat ), and Eid. With lush illustrations that evoke Islamic art, this beautiful story offers a peek into modern Muslim culture - and into the ancient roots of its most cherished traditions.
Seven Special Somethings: A Nowruz Story
Kian can't wait for Persian New Year! His family has already made a haft-seen, and Kian's baba and maman told him that all the things on it start with S and will bring them joy in the new year. Kian wonders if he could add just one more S , to make his family even happier. Hmm . . . Sonny the cat's name starts with S --but Sonny knocks the whole table over! Can Kian find seven special somethings to make a new haft seen before his family arrives for their Nowruz celebration?
The Passover Guest
It's the Spring of 1933 in Washington D.C., and the Great Depression is hitting young Muriel's family hard. Her father has lost his job and her family barely has enough food most days-- let alone for a Passover Seder. They don't even have any wine to leave out for the prophet Elijah's ceremonial cup.
With no feast to rush home to, Muriel wanders by the Lincoln Memorial, where she encounters a mysterious magician in whose hands juggled eggs become lit candles. After she makes a kind gesture, he encourages her to run home for her Seder, and when she does, she encounters a holiday miracle- a bountiful feast of brisket, soup, and matzah, enough for their whole community to share. But who was this mysterious benefactor? When Muriel sees Elijah's cup is empty, she has a good idea.
Chloe’s Lunar New Year
It's almost Lunar New Year, and Chloe can't wait to celebrate! But first, Chloe and her family must prepare for the new year. They buy new shoes, lay out good-luck oranges in a bowl, decorate the red envelope, and make a crispy turnip cake. Everyone comes together to cook a fantastic feast, saving a plate for A-má, of course. Chloe enjoys the festive celebration and yummy food, but most of all, she loves spending time with her family.
Bringing In the New Year
This exuberant story follows a Chinese American family as they prepare for the Lunar New Year. Each member of the family lends a hand as they sweep out the dust of the old year, hang decorations, and make dumplings. Then it's time to put on new clothes and celebrate with family and friends. There will be fireworks and lion dancers, shining lanterns, and a great, long dragon parade to help bring in the Lunar New Year. And the dragon parade in our book is extra long-on a surprise fold-out page at the end of the story.
Many Days, One Shabbat
One light. Many candles. One challah. Many slices. A family gets ready to celebrate the Sabbath. It welcomes guests, enjoys a nice meal, and savors a few quiet moments together. Shabbat Shalom! Appealing watercolors add just the right touch to the festivities.
Happy Hanukkah, Corduroy
Corduroy's having a Hanukkah party for all of his friends. First they light the menorah, then they eat yummy potato pancakes. After they open presents, there's time for a game of dreidel. Introduce little boys and girls to all of the Hanukkah traditions with Corduroy, one of the most beloved children's books characters for the past five decades.
Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story
In an African village live seven brothers who make family life miserable with their constant fighting. When their father dies, he leaves an unusual will: by sundown the brothers must make gold out of seven spools of colored thread. If they fail, they will be left with no inheritance and turned out as beggars.Using the Nguzo Saba, or "seven principles", of Kwanzaa, Angela Shelf Medearis has written an unforgettable story that demonstrates how family members can pull together, for their own good and the good of the entire community.
Bisa's Carnaval
It's time for Carnaval and Clara cannot wait to celebrate her favorite holiday with family, but especially with her great-grandmother. Even if Bisa can't attend, Clara knows the Carnaval parade will still be special.Costumed lovingly by their bisa, everyone takes to the street for the annual parade. But even among all the colors, costumes, music, and dancing, something is missing . . . or is it someone?
To Carnival!: A Celebration in Saint Lucia
The sights, sounds and tastes of vibrant Saint Lucia come to life in this cumulative tale of a girl's journey to Carnival. When a series of unexpected delays disrupts her journey to the big parade, Melba must adjust both her expectations and her route to the festivities. Who will she meet and what will she learn along the way?
Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border
It's almost time for Christmas, and Maria is traveling with her mother and younger brother, Juan, to visit their grandmother on the border of California and Mexico.
For the few minutes they can share together along the fence, Maria and her brother plan to exchange stories and Christmas gifts with the grandmother they haven't seen in years. But when Juan's gift is too big to fit through the slats in the fence, Maria has a brilliant idea. She makes it into a kite that soars over the top of the iron bars.
Hannah and the Ramadan Gift
It's the first day of Ramadan and Hannah wants to be a part of this important month every way she can. But if she's too young to fast, how can she observe Ramadan? By saving the world, Dada Jaan tells her. And so Hannah learns that by helping her friends and neighbors and by showing kindness and generosity, she can make the world a better place.
Archie Celebrates Diwali
Archana loves her family's annual Diwali (deh-vah-lee) party, and this year she gets to share it with all her friends from school. She helps with the decorations and the food, and is eager for everyone to arrive. But once the party starts a thunderstorm kicks up and drenches the outside decorations and knocks out the power. Archie worries that everything will be ruined. How can there be a festival of lights without any electricity?
Festival of Colors
Spring is here, and it's almost time for Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors. Siblings Mintoo and Chintoo are busy gathering flowers to make into colorful powders to toss during the festival. And when at last the big day comes, they gather with their friends, family, and neighbors for a vibrant celebration of fresh starts, friendship, forgiveness, and, of course, fun!
Powwow Day
River wants so badly to dance at powwow day as she does every year. In this uplifting and contemporary picture book perfect for beginning readers, follow River's journey from feeling isolated after an illness to learning the healing power of community.
Additional information explains the history and functions of powwows, which are commonplace across the United States and Canada and are open to both Native Americans and non-Native visitors. Author Traci Sorell is a member of the Cherokee Nation, and illustrator Madelyn Goodnight is a member of the Chickasaw Nation.
The Christmas Quiet Book
The holidays are filled with joyful noise. But Christmas is sometimes wrapped in quiet: "Searching for presents quiet," "Getting caught quiet," and "Hoping for a snow day quiet." Irresistibly cute, soft colored pencil illustrations of bunnies, bears, and more paint a magical holiday picture indeed.
New Year at the Pier: A Rosh Hashanah Story
Izzy's favorite part of Rosh Hashanah is Tashlich, a joyous ceremony in which people apologize for the mistakes they made in the previous year and thus clean the slate as the new year begins. But there is one mistake on Izzy's "I'm sorry" list that he's finding especially hard to say out loud.
This Next New Year
Celebrating the Chinese New Year A young boy looks forward to Chinese New Year - also known as the Lunar New Year, the day of the first new moon. It is a time of hope, and you don't have to be Chinese to celebrate it! His best friend, Glenn, who is French and German, and his cousin Evelyn, part Hopi and part Mexican, like the food and the envelopes of money, while he celebrates the fresh start the day offers. He cleans the house to make room for luck, and is glad the palms of his hands itch - that means he is coming into money. Most of all, he vows not to say things such as "can't do / don't have / why me" because he has dreams he is ready to make come true.
The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah
Little Red Hen must make matzah for Passover. She asks her friends for help planting grains. "Sorry, bub," neighs Horse. "Think again," barks Dog. Of course, the Little Red Hen does it all herself. A classic tale gets a Jewish twist in this hilarious story.
The Shadow in the Moon
Two sisters and their grandmother celebrate a popular Chinese holiday with family. Their favorite part? Mooncakes, of course--along with Ah-ma's story of the ancient Chinese tale of Hou Yi, a brave young archer, and his wife, Chang'E. A long, long time ago, Hou Yi rescued the earth from the heat of ten suns. The Immortals rewarded him with a magic potion that could let him live in the sky with them forever. But when a thief tries to steal the potion, what will Chang'E do to keep it out of dangerous hands? The sisters are mesmerized by Ah-ma's retelling and the fact that the very mooncakes they enjoy each holiday are a symbol of this legend's bravest soul.
Ohana Means Family
Join the family, or ohana, as they farm taro for poi to prepare for a traditional luau celebration with a poetic text in the style of The House That Jack Built.
"This is the land that's never been sold, where work the hands, so wise and old, that reach through the water, clear and cold, into the mud to pick the taro to make the poi for our ohana's luau."
A Piñata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas
An award-winning author and a rising star artist have put a festive Latino twist on "The Twelve Days of Christmas," populating it with piñatas in place of partridges, plus burritos bailando (dancing donkeys), lunitas cantando (singing moons), and much more, all displayed in the most vivid colors imaginable. In this version a little girl receives gifts from a secret amiga, whose identity is a sweet surprise at the book's conclusion. There are things to find and count in Spanish on every page, with pronunciations provided right in the pictures and a glossary and music following the story. This joyous fiesta will warm even the coldest of hearts.
It's Diwali!
Count along in celebration of Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, in this luminous picture book from bestselling mother-son duo Surishtha and Kabir Sehgal. Count up to ten and back down again to the tune of "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe" while learning about the traditions that make Diwali a fun-filled festival! Celebrated during autumn harvest, Diwali symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. From sweet treats to intricate henna designs to exciting firework displays, kids will delight in this vibrant glimpse into the Festival of Lights.
Chapter books
Rudolfo Anaya's The Farolitos of Christmas
Rudolfo Anaya's Christmas writings include "The Farolitos of Christmas," a heartwarming story about a beloved holiday tradition, "Season of Renewal," which recounts timeless Hispanic and Native traditions in New Mexico, and "A Child's Christmas in New Mexico, 1944," a storied poem about a seven-year-old boy's Christmas morning seeking treats and attending midnight Mass. Anaya's collection is a snow globe of tradition, family, community, and love that will be cherished by children of all ages for years to come.
A Boy Called Christmas
Eleven-year-old Nikolas-nicknamed "Christmas"-has received only one toy in his life: a doll carved out of a turnip. But he's happy with his turnip doll, because it came from his parents, who love him. Then one day his father goes missing, and Nikolas must travel to the North Pole to save him.
Along the way, Nikolas befriends a surly reindeer, bests a troublesome troll, and discovers a hidden world of enchantment in the frozen village of Elfhelm. But the elves of Elfhelm have troubles of their own: Christmas spirit and goodwill are at an all-time low, and Nikolas may be the only person who can fix things-if only he can reach his father before it's too late...
