To me, the best holiday books aren't necessarily the most popular books of the season, but rather those that give kids (and adults alike) a reason to slow down and ponder. No matter what holiday is being celebrated, I find that the winter season is so heavily overshadowed by commercialism that finding and sharing books with kids that are not all about getting stuff is a much needed antidote to all the hype.

I have a collection of books I read aloud to my students every year, and many that I read to my four year old. They are books that explore the broad themes of peace, friendship, gratitude, simplicity and tradition. I've picked them not only for their well crafted beautiful sentences, but also for their sumptuous illustrations which bring a richness and depth to the telling of each story.

From classics revisited to poems and stories by renowned authors, this collection includes, in my opinion, some of the best holiday books ever.

The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg-Van Allsburg is a Caldecott winning illustrator and masterful children's book author who manages to weave adventure and mystery all of his books. The Polar Express is a perfect book for any age child who is curious about the goings on at the North Pole-but especially for those on the brink of questioning whether the magic of Santa Claus really is real.

Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem, by Maya Angelou- This moving, beautiful poem was first read at the 2005 White House tree-lighting ceremony. A must read for all this holiday season: Amazing Peace celebrates the promise of peace and the joy of diversity/

The Christmas Gift: El regalo de Navidad, by Francisco Jimenez-Award-winning author Jimenez tells the story of one of his own Christmas memories in this exquisitely illustrated picture book. Reminding the reader that the most important gifts are those of the heart, this story is multicultural version of the Christmas classic, The Gift of the Magi.

Snow, by Cynthia Rylant-Newberry Medalist Rylant celebrates children and their love for snow in this delightful story. Full of language that makes you slow down and take notice, this is a gorgeously illustrated book that pays tribute not only to snow, but to togetherness and diversity, and the joy of being present in the moment.

The Best Gift of All: The Legend of La Vieja Belen, by Julia Alvarez-Written by one of my favorite adult authors, this rhyming story recreates the ledged of the Dominican folk character "La Vieja Belen". Like many other books on this list, the message in this magical retelling of a traditional story is that of slowing down and remembering that the greatest gifts are not the ones we buy. ''Of all the gifts you can give, your time is the best gift.''

A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens-This timeless classic comes to life anew through the exquisite illustrations of Robert Ingpen. Certainly an edition to cherish-and to pass on from one generation to the next.

National Geographic Society's Holidays Around the World Series- Holiday traditions from around the world come to life on the pages of these beautifully photographed books that both inform and celebrate the diversity of holiday traditions. Sometimes a picture really does say a thousand words--especially when it comes to describing holiday customs and rituals from around the globe.

Too Many Toys, By David Shannon -Poetry and stunning illustrations (by Karla Gudeon) are paired beautifully in this book to tell the tale of one family's Hanukkah rituals and celebration.