One Christmas Eve, Al Rosen takes over a Christian friend’s job. For the next 30-plus years, Al repeats this holiday mitzvah, starting a tradition of helping people of other faiths. Based on a true story, this feel-good narrative, with bright, humorous illustrations, shows how one person’s actions can inspire others to perform good deeds. (Picture Book Honor) ( )

Al Rosen, a Jewish man, takes on the jobs of his Christian neighbors on Christmas Eve and day so they can spend the holiday with their families, starting a tradition that lasts for decades.