passionately sharing, discussing and admiring children's picture books
I am so excited about today’s book for our Christmas picture book countdown! Although this one is from 1981, I had never seen it until this year when I was browsing Christmas books for this series. I enjoy Tomie dePaola’s work and he is quite a classic for children’s books, but wow! This is going to be one of my new favorites of his. Join me in admiring The Friendly Beasts: an old English Christmas Carol by Tomie dePaola, 1981.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 7: The Friendly Beasts”
We have a bit of a Berenstain Bear love fest going on in this house recently, and although I strongly speculate that it has something to do with the book size and the ability to carry around a small stack of them at once, I was pleased to find a good holiday one to enjoy during this Christmas book countdown. From 1984, here is The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear by Stan & Jan Berenstain.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 6: The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear”
We are five days into this Christmas picture book journey and I actually have a brand new Christmas book to share. I always find it a little difficult to add a new book to my Christmas collection because the classics are classics for a reason and they edge out all other books, often without competition. Today’s book however, is in the process of making its way out and I think it is worth a look. It is a first picture book from a generous new author and digital illustrator duo who are hoping to push their way into the market. Allow me to introduce you to The Night Before The Night Before Christmas by Jay Dee, illustrated by Darren Geers, 2014.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 5: The Night Before The Night Before Christmas (& Giveaway)”
Squeaking in with day 4’s post in our 2014 Christmas book Advent, here is a classic book starring lovable old Petunia. Roger Duvoisin’s little goose heroine is always a treat to read and her Christmas tale is a hoot for sure. Check out Petunia’s Christmas by Roger Duvoisin, 1952.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 4: Petunia’s Christmas”
Another late post I’m afraid, but hey, we are keeping this book Advent going! Today’s book is a sweet paperback from my childhood. Opening this story floods me with memories: my favorite pictures, the sad puppy, the even more sad and parentless boy! I truly believe that what you read as a child affects who you become as an adult and this book can definitely be included in my makeup. Let’s take a look at a tender story, a classic, even if a bit saccharine and tear-jerking. This is The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy by Jane Thayer, illustrated by Lisa McCue, 1985.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 3: The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy”
December 2 is upon us (and almost gone! Still getting back into writing, so bear with my belatedness.) For today, we read a simple Nativity story by one of my favorite simple illustrators, Dick Bruna. His work is so stripped down that many assume it is easy, but he is an excellent creator and completely fascinating to children. He knows just the right way to tell a story and his linework is firm and no-nonsense with flat, solid colors. I requested this book for last Christmas and have been impatiently waiting to share it until this year. So have a peek at Dick Bruna’s lovely story, The Christmas Book, 1964.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 2: The Christmas Book”
Three Books a Night 