Saturday, December 6, 2025

6th December Saint Nicholas Day

The feast of St. Nicholas is celebrated on 6th December, at the beginning of Advent. This day brings much celebrating, especially in Eastern Europe and Germanic countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Italy also celebrates this saint's day.

The legendary figure of St. Nicholas is derived from Nicholas of Myra who officiated as a bishop in 4th century Greece. During his lifetime he developed a reputation for gift-giving by putting coins in other people's shoes, which accounts for many of today's Christmas traditions that involve leaving gifts in shoes or boots. The gift giver, Santa Claus originated with Saint Nicholas, but Santa Claus brings presents on Christmas Day. As word of St Nicholas carried into northern Europe, he inspired the Dutch legend of "Sinterklaas" and the German "Christkindle", which would then spread as far as the Americas through migrants.

The library has several stories about St Nicholas.

• The Legend of Saint Nicholas by Demi

Through his good works, Nicholas becomes the youngest man to ever become a bishop and the patron saint of seafarers, children, and prisoners. He performs more than twenty miracles. Demi describes pivotal events in the history and life of the saint, weaving a rich tapestry of luminous imagery into the story of his connection with Christmas and our modern-day Santa Claus.

• Saint Nicholas: The story of the real Santa Claus by Mary Joslin

Nicholas was a Christian who lived in the town of Myra in the fourth century AD. He was much loved for his charity and generosity. On one occasion, he wanted to give money to three daughters who were facing destitution because their father had no money for a dowry in order that they might marry. Nicholas thought of a clever way to give his gift in secret, showering gold coins into their house at night through the chimney. Some of the coins landed in the stockings that had been hung up to dry there.

• The Legend of St Nicholas: A Story of Christmas Giving by Dani Daley Mackall

Read about the origin of St. Nicholas, the story of a man who spent his life secretly helping the poor all over the world, giving gifts on Christmas Eve to remind people of the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.

• Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard

Around Christmas we spend a lot of time thinking about presents, but have you ever wondered why we give gifts? Learn about the life of Saint Nicholas and discover why he became known as one of the greatest giftgivers of all time. Told as a delightful poem, this colourfully illustrated book will be enjoyed by children and the adults who read with them.

• The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

Clement C. Moore first read this timeless poem to his young children on Christmas Eve in 1822. It was initially published anonymously as A Visit from Saint Nicholas in a New York newspaper the following year and quickly spread around the world, becoming a cherished Christmas tradition for many families.

This famous poem has been illustrated by many well-known children's book illustrators. Look for one of these fabulous versions. Then there are adaptions. See the one by Kes Gray.

Friday, December 5, 2025

5th December International Ninja Day

International Ninja Day is held on 5th December. Historically, a ninja - or shinobi in Japanese - was a mercenary during the Sengoku period in Japan. Specialised in infiltration and espionage, these warriors were usually from the countryside without access to armour and weapons. Hence, many of their weapons came from agricultural roots, such as the Kunai and sickles. The black clothing that characterises the ninja today resulted from their representation in theatre. It symbolises how invisible they were to the ruling class as humble farmers without specific clothing, weapons, or banner.

Small boys seem to revel in everything to do with Ninjas. Whenever we do a display in the library, the books 'walk out the door' very quickly. Luckily there is so many of them. See:

There are fairytale ninjas,

grandmother ninjas,

and plenty of beginning chapter book series

Still more? Look here.

Thursday, December 4, 2025

2nd August Goldfish Day

I know it is not August, but while shelving, weeding and tidying the shelves this week because it is the last week of school at my Australian school, I noticed how many picture books feature goldfish. I then wondered if there was a day to celebrate goldfish on which we could do a display because we haven't done one before. Well there is. It is the 2nd August, so I'm writing now so I don't forget to do a display next year.

Some teachers have a goldfish in their classroom and they will often come and ask for a book to read to their class. Everyone knows

• A Fish Out of Water by Helen Palmer

A little boy who overfeeds his goldfish begins an adventure that brings even the police and a fire engine to cope with a fish out of water.

But, I like to give them one that they may not know and that is humorous or informative such as:

• Who Fed Zed? by Amelia McInerney

Zed the fish is white and red.
His poo hangs down in one long thread.
The main thing, though, is what Fred said,
'NEVER, EVER FEED ZED BREAD.'

• We Don't Lose Our Class Goldfish by Ryan T. Higgins

Penelope Rex has one fear- Walter, the class goldfish. So when Mrs. Noodleman tells the kids that they'll be taking turns bringing Walter home, Penelope gets carried away by her anxious imagination.

• Something's Fishy by Kevin McCloskey

Some fish breathe air and some fish fly, but the most wonderful fish of all turns out to be the one you've got at home.

• My Pet Goldfish by Catherine Rayner

The child narrating this story has been given their first ever pet: a tiny fish with shimmering scales and bright beady eyes… Their very own goldfish! Sitting alongside the gentle narrative and dynamic illustrations, the subtext introduces facts about goldfish and their care – some gentle, some funny, some fascinating.