by Robert Walch

This year why not start a family holiday tradition of giving books before Christmas or Hanukkah so your children or grandchildren can enjoy them throughout the month?

Hello, Snowman! (Simon Scribbles, $9.99) by Kris Hirschmann is the perfect pre-holiday gift. The novelty activity kit comes with a keepsake snowman ornament that the child can decorate with the included paint and glaze.

Besides the snowman, there’s an activity book that features a variety of fun things to do. There’s a word search, a snowflake craft project, a crossword puzzle and much, much more.

Since the kit does involve painting, it is appropriate for children 6 and older under adult supervision.

Hanukkah Lights (Candlewick Press, $5.99) by David Martin is a board book that features the sights and sounds of Hanukkah. From setting out the menorah and lighting the candles each night to preparing latkes, playing dreidel, and exchanging gifts, the children featured here are enjoying a very special time.

When the menorah candles are all lit, it’s time for everyone to sing, dance, enjoy a big feast and say, “Happy Hanukkah!”

Another David Martin board book, Christmas Tree (Candlewick, $5.99)  focuses on decorating a Christmas tree. Although there’s very little text in this book, the colorful pictures show how  ornaments for the tree can be inspired by nature.

Young readers will find illustrations of various animals such as a bird, mouse, squirrel and other creatures on one page — and, on the opposite page, an ornament inspired by the critter. There are also familiar objects such as a snowflake, red sled, and star that also find their way onto the tree. You can use this simple picture book to inspire your child to make his or her own decoration for   your family tree.