Make A Unique Advent Calendar With Brooklyn Picture Books
As an adult, the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas seem to fly by in the blink of an eye. For kids, though, that wait for Santa can feel like an eternity.
One of our favorite family traditions is counting down to Christmas with an Advent calendar. There are many different variations you can choose from, but instead of going the prepackaged chocolate and cardboard route this year, why not shake things up with 24 Brooklyn-themed picture books?
Each night the kiddo will open a book — just like a traditional Advent calendar — for the family to read together before bed. Instead of candy that is promptly eaten and forgotten, your child’s library expands, and you get to show a little love to the best borough in NYC.
Not sure where to start? We’ve pulled together 24 picture books that directly mention Brooklyn, or are set in the area. Please feel free to share any additional suggestions in the comments below — we’re always on the lookout for great new stories!
1 2 3 Brooklyn, by Puck
Familiarize young Brooklynites with borough landmarks in this “cool counting book.”
B is for Brooklyn by Selina Alko
Celebrate Brooklyn (and learn letter recognition at the same time) in this beautifully colorful book from South Slope author Selina Alko.
Brooklyn Bridge by Lynn Curlee
Have a budding engineer? With gorgeous oil painting illustrations and diagrams, Brooklyn Bridge transports readers back to the construction of one of NYC’s greatest architectural achievements.
Custard & Mustard: Carlos In Coney Island by Maureen Sullivan
An adorable French Bulldog hops on the subway with his owner for a big adventure in Coney Island.
Ella by Mallory Kasdan
Anyone familiar with author Kay Thompson’s Eloise will get a chuckle (and sometimes a few groans) from this modern parody. Brooklyn’s Ella lives in the “Local Hotel” and has a “nanny called Manny.” You get the idea.
Flying Over Brooklyn by Myron Uhlberg
A young boy takes to the skies, and soars over a snow-covered Brooklyn, in this imaginative tale from the Great Blizzard of 1947.
Good Night Brooklyn by Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper
Are you tired of saying goodnight to bears, chairs, kittens, and mittens? Try Prospect Park, the New York Transit Museum, and the Brooklyn Nets instead!
Hattie and the Wild Waves: A Story From Brooklyn by Barbara Cooney
Exquisite illustrations give readers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy family in early 20th century Brooklyn — specifically a little girl named Hattie, who dreams of becoming a painter.
Hello, Brooklyn by Martha Zschock
We all know they’re familiar with every inch of this city, so who better than the pigeons to lead a tour of the borough.
I Live in Brooklyn by Mari Takabayashi
Learn about life in New York City from a 6-year-old little girl’s point of view.
Jackie’s Bat by Marybeth Lorbiecki
Calling all baseball fans! In this fictionalized account of Jackie Robinson’s first year with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Joey the batboy tells the story of how the famed baseball player broke the color barrier.
Knuffle Bunny, Knuffle Bunny Too, and Knuffle Bunny Free by Mo Willems
They don’t specifically mention Brooklyn, but Mo Willems trio of modern classics highlight South Slope, and young kids will get an absolute kick out of seeing some of the buildings in their neighborhood.
Magic in the Park by Ruth Chew
This one is geared toward older kids, but it’s an absolute delight. After moving to Brooklyn, Jennifer and her new friend Mike explore Prospect Park — and stumble upon an old man who just might be magic.
Mermaids on Parade by Melanie Hope Greenberg
Have a little one who loves to play dress up? Don’t miss this story of a young girl headed to the Coney Island Mermaid Parade.
Santa Is Coming to Brooklyn by Steve Smallman
The perfect book to open on December 24, Santa is Coming to Brooklyn shows that magical North Pole sleigh flying over things like the Barclays Center, Jane’s Carousel, and the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.
Sofia’s Stoop Story: 18th Street, Brooklyn by Maria LaPlaca Bohrer
Travel back to 1960s Brooklyn, where Sofia and her family share the story of her uncle’s encounter with Brooklyn Dodgers baseball player Carl Furillo.
Tales of a Gambling Grandma by Dayal Kaur Khalsa
The title of this one alone is bound to bring a smile to your face. During trips to vaudeville theaters, a poker session, and tea, Grandma shares her life story with her adoring granddaughter.
The Honeybee Man by Lela Nargi
Every family is unique. This is especially true for a Brooklyn man named Fred and his “family” of rooftop bees. Learn all about our buzzing friends and the honey-making process in this well-written story.
The Seltzer Man by Ken Rush
After 40 years “schlepping seltzer” in Brooklyn, a delivery man is ready to call it quits. Can a last run with two little friends change his mind?
Twenty-One Elephants and Still Standing by April Jones Prince
Folks where thrilled when the Brooklyn Bridge was completed, but remained skeptical that it could hold a significant amount of weight. P.T. Barnum proved that the great bridge could hold “even the heaviest of passengers.”
You Wouldn’t Want to Work On The Brooklyn Bridge! by Tom Ratliff
A humorous look at some of the “occupational hazards” that went into building the Brooklyn Bridge.
