This month we explore Stillness with invitations to step away from the busyness, quiet ourselves, listen for our inner voices and kindle hope by welcoming light.* December can be a time of beauty, peace and quiet. Unfortunately, our culture often turns it into a time of commercialism and stress. It takes effort to step away from the media message that buying things and busily planning and attending events will make us happy. We can step away from busyness by stopping, even if but for a moment, to observe peace, beauty and stillness. When we are still, ideas, inner voices and insights are given opportunity to enter. What is calling us to pay attention? In the northern hemisphere, during long dark winter nights, we have many opportunities to kindle hope by welcoming light. What hope and light are you welcoming this month?
The books in the curated list below, all written by or about people, communities and identities under represented in literature, each draw upon these themes of stillness. These, and hundreds more, are all available for loan to our library patrons as well as TVUUC members and families. Click “Borrow A Book” to learn how to bring these and other books home. If you’re not able to check books out, please refer to these suggestions when looking for books exploring stillness. May they help you and yours keep hope alive, welcome the light and find your inner quiet happy place this season.
*Monthly themes adapted from the work of Soul Matters Sharing Circle https://www.soulmatterssharingcircle.com
Step Away from the Busyness (& observe peace, beauty and stillness)
Board Books
Global Baby Bedtimes (Global Fund for Children Books) by Maya Ajmera
PICTURE BOOKS
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats by Ezra Jack Keats
Here and Now by Julia Denos
Lullaby (For a Black Mother) by Langston Hughes
Rocket Says Look Up! By Nathan Bryon
JUVENILE / EARLY READERS
Here and Now by Julia Denos
MIDDLE GRADES
Zoe in Wonderland by Brenda Woods
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
ADULT
Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls by Lisa Damour Ph.D.
Quiet Ourselves and Listen for Our Inner Voice
BOARD BOOKS
Calm-Down Time written by Elizabeth Verdick, illustrated by Marieka Heinlen
PICTURE BOOKS
Charlotte and the Quiet Place by Deboarah Sosin (author) and Sara Woolley (illustrator)
The Quiet Place by Sarah Stewart
The Girl and the Wolf words by Katherena Vermette, illustrations by Julie Flett
Lubaya’s Quiet Roar by Marilyn Nelson (author) and Philemona Williamson (illustrator)
MIDDLE GRADES
Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan
TEEN
The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida
Kindle Hope by Welcoming Light
BOARD BOOK
Hanukkah Lights written by David Martin, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Hanukkah: A Counting Book by Emily Sper
PICTURE BOOKS
My First Kwanzaa (My First Holiday) by Karen Katz
The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper, Carson Ellis illustrator
The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco
Elijah’s Angell: A Story for Chanukah and Christmas by Michael J. Rosen
Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Tanya Simon, Mark Siegel illustrator
Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story words by Fran Manushkin, illustrations by Robin Spowart
Shante Keys and the New Year’s Peas by Gail Piernas-Davenport (author) and Marion Eldridge (illustrator)
JUVENILE FICTION
The Power of Light: Eight Stories for Hanukkah by Isaac Bashevis Singer
MIDDLE GRADES
The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice by Carolyn McVickar Edwards