passionately sharing, discussing and admiring children's picture books
Today’s book is by the spectacular author/illustrator William Joyce. Santa Calls is about the Christmas of 1908 and the adventures of a young boy; his friend, Spaulding; and his little sister, Esther.
It is a high-flying, daredevil adventure with dark elves, an evil queen, licorice weapons, and much more. But the real heart of the story is sibling love.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 8: Santa Calls”
Our seventh book of this Christmas journey is a brand new, fresh-off-the-press beauty called The Christmas Quiet Book (2012). This gorgeous book was written by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Canadian talent, Renata Liwska.
With all the hustle, bustle and loudness of the Christmas season, this book celebrates the moments of quiet amidst all the chaos.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 7: The Christmas Quiet Book”
Day 6 brings us a delightful vintage book from 1963 called Christmas in Noisy Village. It is written by the wonderful author of the Pippi Longstocking series, Astrid Lindgren; and beautifully illustrated by Ilon Wikland.
This is a story about 7 children who live in a small town of Sweden and the joys that come around the preparation and celebration of Christmas.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 6: Christmas In Noisy Village”
Day 5 brings us a sneaky tale from the infamous Dr. Seuss, How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
The tale written and illustrated in 1957 has become a classic about the Scrooge-like creature known as the Grinch who despises the joy and merriment of Christmas and decides to sabotage the poor town of Who-ville’s holiday. Thankfully, the true spirit of the holiday works wonders on the Grinch’s heart and the tale ends delightfully with a carved roast beast!
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 5: How The Grinch Stole Christmas”
Our fourth book of the 25 Days of Christmas Books is a classic and beloved story, The Nutcracker. Some brief research revealed that this story has a long history and various adaptations, so I’m going to highlight my simple Golden Book copy and encourage the use of whatever version you’ve come to own and love. My book is from 1991 and was written by Rita Balducci and illustrated by Barbara Lanza.
This is the story of a little German girl named Clara who receives a nutcracker from her magical godfather at a party, turning her evening into a frightful and beautiful night of fighting large rodents and celebratory dancing.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 4: The Nutcracker”
Day 3 of our advent list includes a story from 1940 by Jean de Brunhoff, Babar and Father Christmas. As with all Babar stories, this one is a little odd, but still quite entertaining.
In this tale, Zephir the monkey discovers and tells Babar’s children about Father Christmas who visits Man’s country and brings toys to little boys and girls. The children are excited at the possibility and write to ask Father Christmas to visit Elephant country. When the lack of response discourages them, Babar learns of it and decides to search for Father Christmas himself and extend a personal invitation to him.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 3: Babar And Father Christmas”
Three Books a Night 