Read This, Do That: How to Have a Holiday Storybook Adventure

We've paired new holiday-themed books by Bay Area authors and illustrators with adventures that you and your family can have to make the stories come to life.

By rtemmasmith October 10, 2015

What’s better than escaping into storyland with your kids on a chilly December morning? How about exploring the the Bay Area’s winter wonderland and making some adventures of your own? Pour a cup of cocoa and snuggle up with these titles from Bay Area authors and illustrators. Then, let their stories inspire you and your family to venture forth and create some yuletide memories. Click through to see all of our recommended book-meets-real-life activities!

Have a Very Kitty Christmas

Read This: Here Comes Santa Cat
Are your little ones starting to wonder if they’ve been good enough to please Santa this year? That’s just what’s bothering Cat, who knows he’s been more naughty than nice. Ever ingenious, he hatches a clever plan that will have kids laughing—and possibly inspire some mischief of their own.

Then Do This: Satisfy your kitten and puppy fix! Starting November 20 and running through January 3, the San Francisco SPCA displays adoptable cats and dogs in elaborately decked-out sets in the windows of Macy’s Union Square. You can also bring your own furry friend to the SPCA for a photo with Santa Paws. The suggested donation of $25 benefits the non-profit organization.

Macy’s Union Square Pet Adoption Holiday Windows
Fri., Nov. 20-Sun., Jan. 3, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., corner of Stockton and O’Farrell Streets, SF
Online: sfspca.org

Santa Paws
Sat., Dec. 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Pacific Heights Campus (2343 Fillmore St., SF), 415-522-3500
Online: sfspca.org

Photo: Rob Shroeder

Do you have a suggestion for a book-meets-local-adventure pairing? Tell us in the comments below!

–Emma Bland Smith