passionately sharing, discussing and admiring children's picture books
On this eighth day of December, I bring a pathetic paperback copy of a darling little book. You must meet the Mellop family! This is the Christmas edition from a delightful series of books about a family of pigs with fantastic names, adventurous spirits, and generous hearts. Come have Christmas Eve at the Mellops’ by Tomi Ungerer, 1960.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 18: Christmas Eve At The Mellops’”
This day has nearly gotten away from me, so I will quickly slip in this review of our book for today. A very different story for me and for this holiday season. The look and feel of this one is not something I would have picked up if it hadn’t been for a friend’s recommendation. It is the unique story of a young boy whose father is a collector of tears, which are the pearls of sap from a tree, and how one very special tear becomes the very special third gift for a baby. An intriguing perspective on a piece of the Nativity from Linda Sue Park and Bagram Ibatoulline, here is The Third Gift, 2011.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 17: The Third Gift”
The book for this 16th day in our Christmas picture book journey is a lovely vintage story that I have been tracking down for over a year now. I finally found a copy that is well-worn, has a broken spine, and is in need of my post-library circulation TLC. I’m so excited to have it and share some of its loveliness with you. A tender story about growing up, being generous with your time and resources, and celebrating the holiday with an all-out surprise party. This is The Christmas Party by Adrienne Adams, 1978.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 16: The Christmas Party”
Today I am in the mood for a slightly odd Christmas story. Thankfully, a new book discovery fits the bill perfectly. Though not your typical Christmas literary fare, this Canadian winter tale is full of deadpan humor and an anti-consumerism message that will make you smile and warm your heart. Here’s a glimpse of A Coyote Solstice Tale by Thomas King, pictures by Gary Clement, 2009.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 15: A Coyote Solstice Tale”
For this 14th day in our Christmas book journey, I bring a picture book about another famous Christmas song; but this time to share its history. Most people probably don’t even take note of the names that often now accompany the sheet music for “Silent Night,” but this is their – and its – humble tale. Here is Silent Night: The Song and Its Story by Margaret Hodges, illustrated by Tim Ladwig, 1997.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 14: Silent Night, The Song And Its Story”
I’m so excited for this thirteenth day of December to share one of my new favorite Christmas books. I discovered this book just last week via a favorite blogger’s past Christmas list. I already adored and listed some of her other favorites too so I thought I’d check out a few new-to-me ones that she mentioned and see if I found some new stars. This 1998 Lapland tale that beautifully weaves the story of Santa Claus and the Nativity together has stolen my heart. I am profoundly smitten with it. Allow me to introduce you to The Bearer of Gifts by Kenneth Steven, pictures by Lily Moon (a.k.a. Tim Warnes), 1998.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 13: The Bearer Of Gifts”
Three Books a Night 