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”
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!
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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”
First up on our Christmas children’s book advent list is this charming classic by Robert Barry, Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, from 1963.
This is a dear favorite of mine that I discovered a few years ago. It all begins with a rich old man, Mr. Willowby who acquires the biggest Christmas tree he had ever seen. Unfortunately, the tree is too big, even for his giant mansion. So, he of course has his butler chop off the top of the tree to make it fit. The butler then decides to present the chopped off tree part to his friend, the upstairs maid, who is delighted to have a Christmas tree; but alas, it is too big for her space. So off goes the top… and so begins a glorious tale of the Christmas tree that keeps on giving.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 1: Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree”
Balloons Over Broadway
Written & Illustrated by Melissa Sweet | 2011
This book review is sadly overdue. I had it mostly ready with pictures and all, and then we had a death in the family and our holiday looked different than anticipated. But I still wish to highlight this book as it is so fun and can be loved anytime, even though it is about the Thanksgiving Day parade. Balloons Over Broadway is a condensed illustrated history about Anthony “Tony” Sarg, and how he came to be the creator/puppeteer of the gigantic balloons of Macy’s parade.
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The Monsters’ Monster
Written and Illustrated by Patrick McDonnell | 2012
Today’s book review is a brand-spanking new book by Patrick McDonnell. This is a little later than I anticipated, but I feel it should still be highlighted as I really like it! I’m not a big fan of Halloween. However, I recognize that a lot of people enjoy this holiday and I do like to highlight books that I actually like and fit well with this theme. So, from the marvelous creator of the MUTTS comic strip, and many other lovely picture books, comes this new tale about The Monsters’ Monster.
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Three Books a Night 