New Year is a time of new beginnings and resolutions. As children enter 2022 under the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic, we present a selection of four books to help them appreciate family bonds and develop healthy new habits and hobbies, writes R. Poornima Dilip

The Night before New Year’s

by Natasha Wing | Publisher: Grosset and Dunlap | Price: ₹325

This simple and endearing story encourages children to appreciate family bonding and celebrations. It narrates the story of a family that wants to welcome the New Year grandly by staying awake until the clock strikes 12. Everybody is in a festive mode, enjoying card games and cupcakes and trying their best to remain awake. So do they manage to stay up until midnight? How do the youngest family members manage to fight sleep? This attractivelyillustrated book is enjoyable reading for youngest children.

Happy New Year, Spot

by Eric Hill | Publisher: Warne | Price: ₹337

This picture board book ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, is one of a book series centred on the popular character Spot the Dog. In this story, Spot is too young to be permitted to stay awake till midnight, but he still finds a way to celebrate the New Year with his family. The adorable Spot is endearing to children as he experiments with different enjoyable activities in his quest to make the most of the New Year celebrations.

Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas

by Gail Pernas | Publisher: Albert Whitman and Company | Price: ₹571

The story of a young girl, Shanté Keys, and her New Year party is a great way to introduce children to differing cultures and traditions. Filled with bright, colorful illustrations, this book helps children understand multiculturalism and different food customs. Shanté’s grandma is getting the New Year dinner ready. She has cooked chitlins, baked ham, greens, and cornbread but forgotten the black-eyed peas. Little Shanté sets out to borrow blackeyed peas from neighbours to save the family dinner tradition. In her quest for peas, she also understands how people from different cultures and nationalities celebrate New Year.

Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution

by Pat Miller | Publisher: Albert Whitman and Company | Price: ₹579

This book provides children insights into the importance of making New Year resolutions. Set in a forest, all animals are busy making arrangements for a big New Year party. The kind and friendly squirrel asks the grizzly bear what a New Year resolution is, and how to make it. The delightful conversations between the innocent squirrel and bear stress the importance of making and keeping resolutions. Featuring thoughtfully detailed acrylic graphics to create a friendly woodland setting, this book is beautiful and though-provoking and provides some simple and interesting ideas for New Year resolutions.

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