Holidays with a Tail: A Tale of Winter Celebrations

· Loving Healing Press
5.0
1 review
Ebook
34
Pages
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About this ebook

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!

"Holidays with a Tail is a sweet story that celebrates the beauty of diversity. As a teacher of multilingual learners, I appreciate the way Darmofal introduces various cultural traditions in a way that is comprehensible and accessible for children." -- Amy A. Talley, EL (English Language) Teacher at Jefferson Elementary School

"Holidays with a Tail starts with a classic story of a boy and his dog, and turns into a celebration of culture, all while providing insights into what makes each celebration special and unique. This book is existential, yet so accessible for children of all ages. In a world full of white noise titles, this book stands out as a unique opportunity to share what makes us human to the special children in your life." -- Katie L. Dowd, EC MAP Recourse Teacher at Jefferson Elementary School

"How wonderful to have a local author at Jefferson Elementary School!  This book celebrates diversity and differences that exist everywhere and will help kids to appreciate other cultures and families! --Anna Sabio, Media Coordinator at Jefferson Elementary School

Learn more at www.ImLostInMyMind.com  

From Loving Healing Press

Ratings and reviews

5.0
1 review
Sharon Martin
December 17, 2021
This was such a cute story to read, a really good book to read over the holidays giving children the chance to explore the different festivities, cultures, and traditions enjoyed by their neighbors. The colorful graphics compliment the tale as you chase around with Alex and his mom to find their new escapee puppy, meeting their neighbors as they go. Definitely promotes the friendly, positive feeling of this festive time of year, encouraging the acceptance of everyone who lives differently from yourself. I enjoyed reading about the different festivities and the history of them myself, I found the language is very easy to read and understand if a child is reading it too. With the addition of the glossary at the back, Kelly Bouldin Darmofal has ensured that the story can be fully understood by anyone who reads it. A lovely book promoting the different holiday festivities enjoyed by everyone.
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About the author

KELLY DARMOFAL holds a Masters Degree in Special Education and has been educating students for many years. Holidays with a Tail: A Tale of Winter Celebrations is her fourth publication. She met illustrator Brad Calhoun when they both taught at Summit School in Winston-Salem. Kelly's memoir Lost in My Mind: Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injury explains her interest in educating students with varied needs as well as all students excited to learn.Kelly currently teaches at Jefferson Elementary School which is one of the most culturally diverse schools in its district, representing over 50 countries and cultures. Kelly remarks: "I decided to write the book I needed but didn't have! Students who are Hindu, Jewish, African American, Arabic and Latin American clearly need a picture book to explain and depict the highlights of their holidays. My students and I love the variety of colors, celebratory foods, and lights that tie such holidays together.

BRAD CALHOUN is an art teacher at Summit School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. When he was growing up, Brad wanted to be an astronaut. He still enjoys studying Astronomy and Science, and he uses those subjects as a venue for creative inspiration and a chance to dream of the unknown. Brad has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metal Design from East Carolina University, School of Art. Hegrew up on a farm and says he learned many life lessons through hard work. "I enjoy helping children explore, experiment and create art," Brad says.

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