Smart Start Central Oklahoma (SSCO), a grassroots initiative that supports families as they raise children who are safe, healthy, eager to learn and ready to succeed in school, is encouraging parents to give the gift of knowledge this holiday season by reading books with their children.

“The holidays provide a perfect opportunity for parents and their families to come together and read the season’s classics,” said Stacy Dykstra, executive director of SSCO. “Many families have lots of time with their children over the holidays, and reading is the perfect activity to keep them entertained and learning. With so many classic titles to choose from, there is a perfect book for every child this holiday season.”

SSCO recommends the following children’s books this holiday season:

Christmas:

    * “Santa’s Little Helper” by Angela McAllister
    * “The Night Before Christmas: A Visit from St. Nicholas” illustrated by Mike Terrell
    * “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg
    * “Drummer Boy” by Loren Long

Hanukkah:

    * “Hanukkah Moon” by Deborah Da Costa
    * “Light the Candles: A Hanukkah Lift-the-flap book” by Joan Holub
    * “Moishe's Miracle: A Hanukkah Story” by Laura Krauss Melmed
    * “Happy Hanukkah Lights” by Jacqueline Jules

Kwanzaa:

    * “Seven Days Of Kwanzaa” by Melrose Cooper
    * “My First Kwanzaa Book” by Deborah Chocolate
    * “The Children's Book of Kwanzaa: A Guide to Celebrating the Holiday” by Dolores Johnson
    * “Santa’s Kwanzaa” by Gary Eileen Thomas

For more tips on giving your child a smart start, visit www.besmartok.org.

About Smart Start Central Oklahoma
Smart Start Central Oklahoma is a grassroots initiative that supports families as they raise children who are safe, healthy and ready to succeed in school. Smart Start collaborates with local service providers to provide existing programs and resources that focus on early childhood education and supporting families who want to give their children a good start in life. Smart Start Central Oklahoma is one of 18 Smart Start Oklahoma communities in Oklahoma. For more information, visit www.smartstartcentraloklahoma.org.