I volunteer at an all-volunteer-run used bookstore & this book by wonderful Cynthia Rylant was donated recently. We rely on community donations for o I volunteer at an all-volunteer-run used bookstore & this book by wonderful Cynthia Rylant was donated recently. We rely on community donations for our inventory. This is a nostalgic story about a girl who lives in the country with her grandparents, a little bit about their lives all year but a lot about the important parts of celebrating Christmas. It is sweetly illustrated, too. Perhaps you can find it at your libraries? ...more
As you will guess, this story by Tracey Corderoy is written after the favorite "Twas The Night Before Christmas". This time, Mouse wishes upon the st As you will guess, this story by Tracey Corderoy is written after the favorite "Twas The Night Before Christmas". This time, Mouse wishes upon the star at the top of the Christmas tree. But before he even thinks more about that wish, "out on the lawn/there arose such a clatter" and it's Santa! Thus begins Mouse's fun and sweet adventure on this special Christmas Eve night with Santa, filled with snowy and sparkly illustrations by Sarah Massini, including a gorgeous double-page spread of Santa and those reindeer and lots of happy pictures of this 'new' helper. There's another happy ending, too, this time for Mouse! Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!...more
It's going to be a fun afternoon or evening because it's time to "Pick a Pine Tree" as Patricia Toht shows readers in her happy rhyming story from th It's going to be a fun afternoon or evening because it's time to "Pick a Pine Tree" as Patricia Toht shows readers in her happy rhyming story from the first piney whiff to the final turn-on-the-lights time. Illustrations cheer in the best holiday way with sparkles and tinsel and happy children all through the story. Some pull the tree home on a sled; others tie the tree on top of the car for a longer trip home. Then the fun begins. One lovely idea is first to invite friends over to trim the tree with you. I love the lively rhyming and clever words, like "Strands of tinsel/ on the tips,/ falling down/ in silver drips." Every turn of the pages shows another double-page spread that follows along step-by-step, the "way" it's supposed to be, right? Those double pages are filled with happy kids having a lot of fun--of course....more
How Bonny Becker knows how to create the sweetest story with her text and her most congenial characters is a mystery many might wish to know, but she How Bonny Becker knows how to create the sweetest story with her text and her most congenial characters is a mystery many might wish to know, but she does, every time. Here is Bear about to give his first Christmas party, and here is Mouse, honored guest, ready to open presents! Bear insists that’s silly, that the party is for good food, like pickles, and a long and serious poem. Oh, the expression on Mouse’s face. But he doesn’t give up! Each time Bear leaves for the kitchen for another party treat, Mouse scurries off to look for, you know, presents. Bear finds Mouse and gives his most stern look and Mouse returns it with chagrin. This is a book that’s a smile from the opening page all the way to a bigger one at the end. ...more
This is a small accordion-style, pop-up book that shows the first six days on the front folds, then it should be turned to view the final days. Small This is a small accordion-style, pop-up book that shows the first six days on the front folds, then it should be turned to view the final days. Small pop-outs of the main “gift” objects with lots of details in the background by Graham Baker-Smith’s beautiful art behind are special to see. The bonus is that it has a slipcase that makes a nice home for the book!...more
First book of the year, one more Christmas book. It's one that shows clearly that it "is" better to give than receive. This rabbit youngster's mother First book of the year, one more Christmas book. It's one that shows clearly that it "is" better to give than receive. This rabbit youngster's mother sees that a blizzard is coming, and she needs to make him a hat that will keep him warm. Little rabbit likes it so much that he wants her to make one for all his friends, and he will help with the designs. Off to the market they go to sneak some measurements and allow Little Rabbit to choose what else should happen. There are some few turns in the plot which makes looking at the animal expressions important and fun. It's a cute story to use when talking about giving to others. ...more
There are chickens who lay eggs every day, and some who only lay five per week, but P. Zonka, thus far, hasn't ever laid one. She travels around the cThere are chickens who lay eggs every day, and some who only lay five per week, but P. Zonka, thus far, hasn't ever laid one. She travels around the chicken yard noticing beautiful things "day in and day out, staring at flowers and gawking at clouds." Other chickens around her pester her, constantly asking "why, why, doesn't she lay any eggs?" There is a fun surprise as P. Zonka finally answers. For those families who create "pysanky", this will be a treat to read around Easter time....more
Samantha writes a sweet letter to Santa “after” Christmas, to thank him for the gifts. She’s not bored, but has a bad cold, and tells Santa she’s kni Samantha writes a sweet letter to Santa “after” Christmas, to thank him for the gifts. She’s not bored, but has a bad cold, and tells Santa she’s knitting squares, but maybe soon something will change? Thus begins a delightful correspondence between Samantha and Santa, for Santa gets many letters from children “before” Christmas, but never “after”. The relationship progresses and they continue to exchange notes and little gifts month after month. This is so cute, certainly a wonderful book for young children whose families celebrate Christmas....more
This can serve as a marvelous countdown to the 25th; however, you can just find the book and enjoy it in one sitting, too. Raczka has written 26 haikuThis can serve as a marvelous countdown to the 25th; however, you can just find the book and enjoy it in one sitting, too. Raczka has written 26 haiku to share in the countdown to Christmas, and what beautiful ones they are, accompanied by detailed, nostalgic illustrations. One thing that is wonderful is the way Mrs. Claus is included in some of both the story and the pictures. Another is that there are a few pages showing Santa reading, one time alone, last minutes of the day? And another reading to the reindeer. Santa and Mrs. Claus are a loving couple. Raczka writes—for Dec. 18th page: “Mrs. Claus and I/wrapped neatly in our bed quilts— matching packages.” The end papers are filled with Christmasy images, like candy canes and bells....more
This is my favorite Thanksgiving book, because it’s about community and welcome, and getting together with whomever needs to get together, to give thaThis is my favorite Thanksgiving book, because it’s about community and welcome, and getting together with whomever needs to get together, to give thanks. Ed and Ann are home alone, and Ann, sadly, burns their Thanksgiving dinner. Ed suggests they walk down the street to check out the new, New World Café. They walk in-the door was open-and those in the kitchen are alarmed, immigrants who are planning their first Thanksgiving in America. At first they think they should scare these new customers away, but Grandmother shames them into sharing. A wonderful meal and dancing, too, ensues, and new friends are made. There’s a sweet surprise at the end!...more
As an introduction to historical fiction, from Caldecott winner Emily McCully, will be perfect. McCully takes a story from the days of Butch Cassidy, As an introduction to historical fiction, from Caldecott winner Emily McCully, will be perfect. McCully takes a story from the days of Butch Cassidy, a Thanksgiving feast held by him and other outlaws in Brown’s Hole, Utah, written about by a local resident “Queen Ann” Bassett. This story tells about Clara (with her mother) who is traveling from New York to Utah to join her father, then to go on to California and a new home. This trip, too common, the train became snowbound, and Clara and her mother trust one of the other passengers, and are taken by sleigh to Brown’s Hole until the train is dug out. It’s a fun adventure with the young Clara telling her story, of the feast, and of meeting the ‘real’ Butch Cassidy. The paintings that capture that time are often full page showing the characters and action beautifully. It’s another story of Thanksgiving that can be used all through the year....more
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