Having spats about topics like who empties the dishwasher and following directions? Authors Paula Szuchman and Jenny Anderson say the key to family peace is to think like an economist and they explain why in Spousonomics: Using Economics to Master Love, Marriage, and Dirty Dishes (Random House, $26).  They offer a clear-eyed, rational route to demystifying your disagreements and improving your relationship.

I'd Listen to My Parents if They'd Just Shut Up: What to Say and Not Say When Parenting Teens (William Morrow, $14.99) by bestselling author Anthony Wolf who knows there’s nothing more frustrating than when even the simplest conversation with your teenager quickly deteriorates into a take-no-prisoners war. He provides hope, humor and practical tips for dealing with the everyday challenges of raising teens.

The mother-and-son writing team of Jan and Mike Berenstain present The Berenstain Bears Get Ready for Christmas (Zonderkidz, $6.99). In this new book, the family finds fun and adventure as the bears attempt to assemble the family Nativity scene. For ages 2 and up.

Starry Night, Hold Me Tight by Jean Sagendorph (Running Press, $12.95) is a charming bedtime story in which Momma Bear teaches Baby Bear manners through winter activities such as sledding and making snow angels.  For ages 2 - 5.

This month, Lisa Herskowitz, Youth Services Librarian at Northport-East Northport Public Library, recommends: 

Picture Book.  In No by Claudia Rueda (Groundwood Books) when it’s time to hibernate a little bear says, “No.”  The obstinate cub longs to play out in the snow for he’s sure that he’s tough enough to survive the winter all by himself. He finally heeds his mother’s warning when he finds himself alone and apprehensive in a snowstorm.

Early Reader. Mouse and Mole: A Winter Wonderland by Wong Herbert Yee (Houghton Mifflin) depicts how much fun sledding, ice skating and having snowball fights is for Mouse and Mole.  Yet sometimes even best friends want to do different things.  Mouse is excited to spend the day playing in the snow, but Mole decides he would rather to stay inside where it’s warm.  Resourceful Mouse builds a Sno-mole to keep her company, but discovers that it’s no substitute for a real friend.

Chapter Book. In Piper Reed Rodeo Star by Kimberly Willis Holt (Henry Holt and Company) Piper’s parents plan a trip to France and she’s devastated when she discovers that kids aren’t invited. Then again, spending winter break with all four grandparents may prove to be a great adventure for the Reed sisters. Piper, the spunky middle child, even gets to lasso a calf at the cousin rodeo.