As far as content goes, here’s a little bit about what I learned:

L. L. Owens.  Hanukkah.  Illustrated by Holli Conger.  Magic Wagon, 2010.  32 pages.  Age 4 to 8.

By reading Hanukkah, I learned about when Hanukkah is on the Hebrew calendar; what the biblical origin story is; why (possibly) it lasts 8 days; what the menorah is, and rules for use; what Hanukkah’s three blessings are; and customs like dreidels, foods, and songs.

Sheila Anderson.  Kwanzaa.  Illustrated by Holli Conger.  Magic Wagon, 2010.  32 pages.  Age 4 to 8.

By reading Kwanzaa, I learned about what Kwanzaa is and what its name means; the names, meanings, and celebrations of the seven principles; what the different decorations are and what they symbolize; why gifts are given (to reward accomplishments and encourage success—how cool is that?); and that there is a big feast on the last day.

L. L. Owens.  Christmas.  Illustrated by Holli Conger.  Magic Wagon, 2010.  32 pages.  Age 4 to 8.

I used Christmas as my control title, because I grew up celebrating it and actually know a little bit about it.  The book covered the basics, like the nativity story and some common traditions like going to church and decorating trees.  It spent a page talking about secular ways to celebrate the holiday, and several paragraphs talking about different traditions around the world, both of which I appreciate.  There was also a page dedicated to Santa.  The wording was mostly non-committal, but still came out in favor of him being real.  I suppose that would suit the needs of most young children; and the rest will have parents who interject.

The other titles in the series are:

• Chinese New Year
• Cinco de Mayo
• Ramadan

Nonfiction Monday is at In Need of Chocolate today.