During the year, each month celebrates a variety of observances and celebrations that can include celebrations of food, cats, historical events, poets, etc. Observations in January include well known International days to lesser, funny (and downright strange) events celebrating things such as whipped cream, introverts and chickens.  I have highlighted a few holidays that are fun, a few that are educational and some that are cultural and historical:

January 3rd is Tolkien Day

1. The Complete Guide to Middle Earth by Rober Foster. Explore Middle Earth: a fantastical land full of Elves, Orcs, Dwarves and wizards.
2. Who was J. R. R. Tolkien? By Pam Pollack. Learn about the Oxford professor who created a new mythological realm & language for England and the world!
3. The Hobbit– by J.R.R. Tolkien. The Hobbit is a beloved classic about Bilbo Baggins who doesn’t particularly love quests but finds himself on the most peculiar adventure.

January 4th is National Spaghetti Day

1. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett. In the town of Chewandswallow the weather comes three times a day and it rains mashed potatoes and juice. When the weather takes a turn for the worst and the foods become bigger what will the town do?
2. Teddy Spaghetti by Frank, Dorothea Benton. Teddy loves spaghetti and is excited to eat it for his first day at school. However when Teddy gets called Teddy Spaghetti-will he still eat his favorite meal?
3. Tyler Makes Spaghetti–by Tyler Florence and Craig Frazier: Tyler goes to an Italian restaurant and tells the chef he loves spaghetti and learns all about traditional Italian cooking.

January 11th is International Thank You Day

1. Thank You Bear by Greg Foley. This winner of the Charlotte Zolotow award allows readers to guess what is in Bear’s box.
2. Thank You Octopus by Darren Farrell. An octopus helps a boy get ready for bed-time. He even checks his room for monsters!
3. Thank You Omu by Mora, Oge. This is a sweet story about sharing and community-building which was inspired by the author’s ancestors.

January 13th is Korean American Day

1. Stand Up Yummi Chung by Jessica Kim. This is a story about a young girl who wants to become a comedian. Can she follow her dream despite her family’s disapproval?
2. When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller. The book is a charming story about a young girl who uses Korean folktales to understand her family’s stories – winner of the Newbery Medal.
3. The Korean Cinderella– is a folktale that celebrates the classic Cinderella story with adding a Korean take on the story.

January is National Soup Month

1.  Dumpling Soup by Jama Kim Rattigan. In this story, a young girl is going to make dumpling soup to celebrate the New Year and she is worried that other kids might not like it.

2. Mean Soup by Betsy Everitt. Horace is having a bad day and his mother knows just how to make his day better.

3. Soup Day  by Melissa Iwai. A young girl and her mother shop for ingredients to make soup for her family.

January is National Hobby Month

1. The Art Book by Phaidon Press. Learn about techniques, artists and  historical periods such as Impressionism.
2. Sport Jokes to Tickle Your Funny Bone  by Stew Thornly. If you love sports and comedy you will enjoy Sport Jokes to Tickle Your Funny Bone.
3. Origami Animals by Belinda Webster-learn to create cute origami animals!

January is National Train Your Dog Month

1. Dog Man by Dav Pilkey. Dog Man is one of the most popular graphic novels in children’s literature. Read all about Dog Man’s adventures in this fun series.
2. Dogs by Emily Gravett. Learn all about the variety of dogs throughout the world. This book has beautiful watercolor illustrations that highlights the beauty of dogs.
3. Clifford by Norman Bridwell. Read the stories of a young girl and her giant furry red dog.