The Bells of Christmas
by Virginia Hamilton
Picture book · ages 5–9 · grades K–4 · 620L · 64 pages · 1997
Why we'd hand it over
Virginia Hamilton's lyrical prose and episodic structure make this a thoughtful, character-rich portrait of African American family life—slower-paced than typical holiday picture books, but rewarding for read-alouds with kids ready to linger.