Looking for a great read-aloud and activities for Christmas? Try this great book from Patricia Polacco.

Christmas at Uncle Vova's house is a warm and wonderful. Patricia Polacco shares the Russian traditions of her childhood and a special uncle.

Featured Book: Uncle Vova's Tree
This is the story of her Great-uncle Vladimir, known as Vova, and his colorful and inventive celebrations of the Russian Orthodox holiday of Epiphany. Polacco's art warmly depicts the vibrant costumes and decorations from her family's homeland, and the text conveys the magical feeling of a child's wonder and joy during the holidays.

Activities:

1. After reading the book, draw a 5 column for each sense. Ask patrons to brainstorm story details for each sense. Write their ideas in appropriate column. Reread the story, asking patrons to listen to details not listed. Then, with patrons' add them to the chart.
2. Have each patron cut a large tree shape from construction paper. They then cut 5 construction paper circles. On each circle, label it a different sense. They write a corresponding story detail on the circles. Glue the circles on the trees as ornaments. They can decorate the tree with materials such as glitter, string, popcorn, etc. Display the trees.

Don't forget that the Feast of the Epiphany is January 6th. This means that you can share this book after most people think Christmas is "over." Uncle Vova brings a fun, multicultural look at how many celebrate Christmas. Step out of the ordinary Christmas lesson and into a world of celebrartion, warmth, and love that extends into January and the whole year.