Every year in December a bumper crop of new Holiday Kids Movies makes their debut. This year is no exception with many of the new films starring characters kids recognize from their favorite movies. Many of these movies are available at CPL now, with more on the way in the coming weeks. These are great solutions when you need some down time to make dinner (or squirrel away to wrap some gifts). Here are some of this year's offerings:

Merry Madagascar [videodisc] by DreamWorks Animation LLC

Penguins of Madagascar [videodisc]: The all-nighter before Xmas

Christmas with the chipmunks [videodisc] by Bagdasarian Productions LLC

The Smurfs. Holiday celebration [videodisc] by Turner, Hanna Barbera production

VeggieTales. The little drummer boy [videodisc]

Children ages 5-8 can come to our U.S.A. program that will celebrate Independence Day with stories, a craft, and a snack. Wear red, white and blue and join the fun! Register online beginning June 14.

It seems like the holidays are also peak sickness time. After spending my Thanksgiving under the weather, I came up with my favorite holiday movies that I'm never too sick to enjoy.

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch stole Christmas!

White Christmas

Christmas in Connecticut

Elf

The nightmare before Christmas

The Muppet Christmas carol

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Give thanks for the picture book with these wonderful Thanksgiving stories. Enjoy some turkey tales while waiting for the special holiday to arrive!

Gus, the pilgrim turkey by Teresa Bateman ; illustrated by Ellen Joy Sasaki

The Berenstain Bears' Thanksgiving by Stan & Jan Berenstain

An old-fashioned Thanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott ; illustrated by James Bernardin

Little Bear's Thanksgiving. Illustrated by Mariana by Janice

Franklin's Thanksgiving by [written by Sharon Jennings] ; illustrated by Brenda Clark