With these titles, young readers can see some of the many different ways people celebrate Christmas around the world.

It’s Christmas Everywhere: Celebrations from Around the World by Hannah Barnaby (text) & illus. by João Fazenda. Phaidon. Oct. 2022. 26p. Board $19.95. ISBN 9781838665395.
PreS-Gr 1–A tree-shaped board book. One half is a countdown to Christmas poem; the other is mostly informational text about Christmas tree traditions around the world. The poem begins, “Ten days until Christmas!/ How I wish I could be/ Not just a plain pine,/ But a real Christmas tree.” What follows is a series of visits from friends bearing ornaments representative of nine different cultures. By the time Christmas Day dawns, piñatas from Mexico, cobwebs from Ukraine, boats from Greece, and seashells from “countries like Australia, Brazil and South Africa,” among others, adorn the tree in its wintry forest setting. The poem unfolds on the verso, while a cursory explanation of the culturally significant ornament is offered on the recto. The tree on each page is illustrated either with a scene from the featured country or with children placing the ornaments on the narrating tree. The digitally created artwork is joyful and includes children with diverse skin tones and hairstyles. Bright colors and forest animals add to the lighthearted tone. The book contains magnetic pages that offer a free-standing, decorative option when it is not being read. The unique design will interest some readers, and preschoolers will enjoy the poem and artwork. The informational text can be used as an introduction to exploring holiday traditions. VERDICT An additional purchase for libraries in need of Christmas nonfiction.–Lynn Van Auken

Joy to the World! by Kate DePalma (text) & illus. by Sophie Fatus. Barefoot. Oct. 2021. 40p. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781646862979.
PreS-Gr 2–A sweet journey around the globe to 13 countries and cultures that features how families celebrate Christmas. The ultra-colorful illustrations fill each page, complete with borders that represent traditional fabrics, tile work, or flora from each country. Readers are pulled into the homes of families celebrating their unique holiday traditions. The rhyming text describes family activities, meal preparations, and special moments, and the engaging illustrations are just the right match. When sharing with the youngest of listeners, adults could easily play “I Spy” at each reading, because there are so many details. The book shows multigenerational families enjoying each other’s company, indoors and out, as well as a variety of inclusive family structures. Religious practices and beliefs are acknowledged for some countries, but are not the main focus. Back matter includes more information about each country. VERDICT While this book is not unique in presenting holidays around the world, it is certainly charming and attractive. A lovely addition for larger collections, especially where families eat up books like these seasonally.–Linda Annable

Christmas Is Coming: Traditions from Around the World by Monika Utnik-Strugala (text) & illus. by Ewa Poklewska-Koziello. NorthSouth. Sept. 2021. 136p. Tr $25.00. ISBN 9780735844438.
Gr 3-5–This informative nonfiction Christmas traditions collection takes students on a journey around the world. From Sweden to Ethiopia, the traditions and celebrations that surround the Christmas holiday are told with a combination of text and beautiful illustrations. The author presents facts and traditional tales from diverse locations in each section of the book, presenting readers with ethnically diverse perspectives on the Christian holiday. Upper elementary readers will learn fun facts and interesting backstories that follow each country’s unique traditions. The spreads make the collaboration between the text and illustrations come to life. Poklewska-Koziello adds so much to the text with her colorful and detailed illustrations. Some pages and chapters are more text heavy than others, and students may have trouble staying engaged or reading those independently. VERDICT Overall, a beautiful combination of facts and bold, colorful images, and a great addition to library collection.–Elizabeth Pelayo