Do you see what I see?: The 6 Picture Books of Christmas!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Can you believe there are only THREE more sleeps until Christmas?  I surely can't, but seeing as I can't argue with my calendar, I suppose it truly is.  Our weather has finally caught up with the time of year (it's cold...well, Florida cold anyway...yay!), so it's a bit easier to get into the holiday spirit of things and with that, comes a wintery reading list perfect for the whole family. 

It's time for the SIX PICTURE BOOKS OF CHRISTMAS!  What's that?  Why not TWELVE?  Well, umm...first of all, there's not many days left before the holiday and I want you to enjoy the books, not blow through them like a winter storm.  Second, that's the number I ran across this year review wise, so...that's the number I'm presenting.  ^-^  Grab your elf shoes and throw on your Santa hats, it's time to dive into some holiday fun that will dazzle the eye and the heart. 

The Berenstain Bears and the Christmas Angel

by

Mike Berenstain

9780310749240

Zonderkidz

A charming story that brings the Berenstain family back for a joyous holiday.  Here, we find the siblings three about to make a snowman...but silk top hats, and carrot noses are old school; they want something different, but only just.  Their little sister Honey provides the inspiration for what becomes an informal lesson on those heralds from above and the important roles they played in announcing the arrival of a certain someone so long ago.  With an invitation to seek out other stories within the Bible for additional angelic reading, this is one cub friendly read that will keep the conversation rolling right through the holidays.

The Twelve Days of Christmas:  A Peek-Through Picture Book

Illustrated by

Britta Teckentrup

9789781101940877

Doubleday Books for Young Readers

This one takes the classic carol of old and turns it into a kid-friendly, eye-catching peek-through read for the whole family.  With every turn of the page, we're greeted by this adorable elf lad and lass, as more and more items are added to the visual list of what their "true love gave" to them.  The cut outs allow the treasures to grow and grow until the grand finale converges in a colorful display of the who shebang!

The Lost Gift:  A Christmas Story

by

Kallie George

Illustrated by

Stephanie Graegin

9780553524819

Schwartz & Wade Books

This has got to be one of my FAVORITE picture book titles this holiday season.  Filled with heart and humor, it has appeal for the whole family.  It reminds us that doing good for the sake of good is always to be strived for...and anything we reap from what we sow is just icing on the cake (as these forest friends will tell you).  My favorite character was Rabbit because no matter what, he knew that that gift needed to get to its destination.  His faith in what Santa would have wanted them to do never faltered, even when some of his friends were less than interested in helping.  Join this merry band of forest friends as they follow in the snowy prints of the big man in red to deliver a gift in more ways than one.

The Great Spruce

by

John Duvall

Illustrated by

Rebecca Gibbon

9780399160844

G.P. Putnam's Sons

This is the story of a great big beautiful spruce tree admired by a small town that was destined to hold center stage in NYC.  But wait...you've heard this one before?  Not quite.  This one speaks to the fact that a tree that has lived such a long life need not be cut down to be a dazzling wonder of holiday delight for all, merely temporarily relocated so as to have life go on after the lights have glowed their last flickers of the season.  Something to think about...and a wonderful story with equally beautiful illustrations to keep you company while you ponder.

Little Babymouse and the Christmas Cupcakes

by

Jennifer L. Holm

Illustrated by

Matthew Holm

9781101937433

Random House Books for Young Readers

While geared more towards fans of the uber popular series (as it switches from Picture Book to kiddo Graphic Novel for a spell), Little Babymouse certainly casts her own spell on the holiday season and has the tummy full of treats to prove it!  Her desire to make sure Santa has something to snack on during his stopover, combined with her want to keep everyone safe from the dragons lurking about, create a bit of Christmas chaos that can be enjoyed by all ages.

The Biggest Smallest Christmas Present

by

Harriet Muncaster

9780399164323

G.P. Putnam's Sons

This is the story of precious little Clementine, and family, trying to get the message through to jolly old Saint Nicholas that his gifts are wonderful but a dozen or more sizes too big!  Imagine playing with a paint set the size of a house, or walking a puppy the size of a truck?  Kinda hard...and yet, by book's end, our little leading lady realizes that while she's grateful Santa got it right in the end, perhaps he also did all along because along with the big gifts came big fun!  With delightful full-color illustrations on every two page spread, this is one small story that will make a big impact in your holiday reading this year.

Special thanks to the marketing teams at Zonderkidz, Random House Children's Books, and Penguin Young Readers Group for the copies for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on the titles mentioned, the authors, illustrators, publishers, or to pick up a copy to call your own this holiday season, feel free to click through the links provided above. These titles are now available wherever books are sold, so go out and grab some bookish holiday fun!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



Is that you Santa?: A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig

HI there!

Welcome back to post number two here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

I DID warn you in the first post of the day that I was on a reading marathon and had not one but two titles to share with you today, so wipe that surprised look off your face...you're going to need all your synapses firing to make sure you take down this title in addition to the first.  Why?  Well, not only is it a perfect fit for the time of year, but it's HI-larious, moving, disturbing, and heart-warming all at the same time.  Curious?  You should be because this is one version of how Santa became Santa that's like nothing you've ever seen.  Ready or not, here comes today's second book of choice...

A Boy Called Christmas

by

Matt Haig

9780399552656

Alfred A. Knopf

About the book...

Before there was Santa Claus, there was a young boy who believed in the impossible. . . . Lemony Snicket meets Elf in this warmhearted Christmas caper.
 
Eleven-year-old Nikolas—nicknamed “Christmas”—has received only one toy in his life: a doll carved out of a turnip. But he’s happy with his turnip doll, because it came from his parents, who love him. Then one day his father goes missing, and Nikolas must travel to the North Pole to save him. 
 
Along the way, Nikolas befriends a surly reindeer, bests a troublesome troll, and discovers a hidden world of enchantment in the frozen village of Elfhelm. But the elves of Elfhelm have troubles of their own: Christmas spirit and goodwill are at an all-time low, and Nikolas may be the only person who can fix things—if only he can reach his father before it’s too late. . . .

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I admit, when I first started this book, I was reminded in some general ways of a title I read somewhere in the last twelve months by the name of The Naughty List.  The snark, the whit, the heart, and the illustrations seemed very familiar...but the stories themselves were much different adventures, which means more for readers to enjoy, and BOY did I enjoy it!

Picture snapped from my ARC

Right from the start, I knew I was in for a FUN read.  I mean come on...what else could be concluded from an illustration and definition like that!  Here we have the harrowing and inspiring tale of young Nikolas.  If you could find a boy with a kinder soul, I'd like to meet them because even after everything that befalls this young lad, he still has hope.  When his father takes leave of their home to better their lives, we believes everything will be fine.  When Aunt Carlotta comes to "take care of him" (indeed!), but instead throws him out of his own home and feeds him a meal I'd rather forget about, he still finds a moment to feel sorry for her.  When he's tossed in elf prison because instead of jolly faces brimming with magic he encounters elves with 'tudes that hate outsiders, he...okay, well he tries to fight back, but only in self-defense, never just to lash out.  He's such a great kid and the ideals he holds to, the kindness he keeps kindled in his heart are what truly make him shine.

It's an adventure.  It's the long lost story of the big man in red that children wait eagerly for every year.  It's a heart warming reminder that everyone has a hand in changing the world, one act of kindness at a time.  You'll laugh at Blitzen's antics (seriously, Blitzen...I don't blame you for the aunt but the others!), love little Miika as his cheese dreams become reality, be horrified at his aunt's audacity (oh that woman SO deserved everything she had coming), and even raise an eyebrow at his father's choices (forgiven but hard to forget), but you won't be able to shake the warmth in your heart that grew from a boy's choice of right over wrong, and faith over doubt, even when the odds seemed stacked against him. 

So, if you're ready to meet a Truth pixie with explosive desires, a troll that revers Christmas but not so much human life, and a boy who won't give up hope on on father, the elves, or the goodness in people....THIS is your book this holiday season.  The illustrations throughout will delight as much as the story entertains, while reaffirming the message of it is better to give than to receive. 

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About the author...

SITE  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to Allison at Random House Children's Books for the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title celebrated its book birthday just last month (November 2016) via Alfred A Knopf, an imprint of Penguin Random House, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer  of your choosing this holiday season!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Up on the Rooftop with...THE BOOK OF KRINGLE by Derek Valez Partridge and Mary Packard

Hi boys and girls!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're shining the light on a new-to-me Christmas title suitable for all ages.  It's a Picture Book that came to my attention courtesy of the fab folks at Smith Publicity Inc, and in a curious little story strewn with wonderful illustrations, manages to tell the legend of the big S.C. in a whole knew way.  So, if you THINK you know the story of how this kind hearted man in red came to be, think again.  Prepare to be dazzled as we step between the pages of today's book of choice...

The Book of Kringle:  Legend of the North Pole

by

Derek Calez Partridge and Mary Packard

Illustrations by

David Wenzel

About the book...

The Book of Kringle Legend of the North Pole Author Derek Velez Partridge written with Mary Packard. In a magical land on top of the world, an epic struggle between light and darkness was waged between two brothers. King Kringle ruled with a harsh hand over the elves of the North Pole, allowing no laughter, no play and no Christmas celebration. There was only one, truly kindhearted soul who could make a difference and change the course of the world. Would the elves be able to find Santa and bring joyous laughter to the land? Manusol the Elf knows the answer, for it is written in The Book of Kringle. This book is good fit for both boys and girls!

AMAZON

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With it's charming cover and curious description, how could I not accept the opportunity to read/review this title at this festive time of year?  It was simply a given from the start and by book's end, I was rather intrigued.

Most of us have seen several dozen or so takes on the old "how-Santa-came-to-be-Santa" story.  From being lost in a blizzard and found (not dying as SOME might think) by the Vendegum (aka elves) that were waiting for his arrival to a matter of circumstance where the current man-in-red "fell down" on the job and POOF, you were him, and everything in between.  Who's to say which is real versus fantasy?  My point exactly, which makes this story CLAUS-able too.  (^-^)  Here, we have mighty King Kringle lording over his subjects with an iron fist, and outlawing pretty much anything fun, joyous, or celebratory in any way...including Christmas.  Geesh, Scrooge before his enlightenment much?  Things were taking an even more drastic turn for the worst when a prophecy of sorts foretold a kind soul emerging from their midst to put the spark of love and caring back into the hearts and lives of their wintery world.  This person would be so pure of heart, the magic of the crystals that surround them would be reawakened and shine for all to see.  Just WHO was this gentle person who would go by many names but conjure the same spirit of generosity across the lands?  Wouldn't you like to know...

The story takes the joy and wonder of the season, injects a little family feud (one sided but still) that's wreaking havoc on the land, and reminds us that there is always light to be found even in the darkest of nights.  The author's writing and the illustrator's fantasy tinged images work hand in hand to create a memorable read that is unlike any of the other stories of Santa Clause that I've encountered before.  Though geared towards wee ones in style, I really feel it's the Kid Lit set and beyond that will take the most from the story, both enjoyment and lesson wise. 

So if you're looking for a great add to your holiday reading list this season, take a gander at this title available at an online retailer of your choosing!

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About the author...

Derek Velez Partridge is a Writer/director/producer of features films such as 'A Miracle in Spanish Harlem' (@MiracleSpHarlem) (also on Amazon). Most recently Derek has ventured into children's books. He is the author of The Book of Kringle, Legend of the North Pole; an adventure story of a re-imagined Christmas tale. This is the first book of a series.Stay tuned!

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Special thanks to Rachel at Smith Publicity Inc for the ebook for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or those promotion on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now so visit the official site, or click over to Amazon to snag your copy today.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



BLOG TOUR: Mrs. Parsley Makes a Delivery and Other Stories by Julian Padowicz

Hi there!

You've landed at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...I hope you brought your appetite!

As promised, I'm back with round two of the bookish blog tour fun, but this time, it's coming to us via Ravenswood Virtual Tours.  It stars a Middle Grade/Kids Fiction short story collection detailing the adventures of one curious witch.  Don't worry...she's of the good variety!  Before we dive any deeper into the work, allow me to introduce it properly.  Ladies and gents, children of all ages, join me as we discover the next ebook diversion for your weekend reading, and today's book of choice...

Mrs. Parsley Makes a Delivery & Other Stories

by

Julian Padowicz

9781533167637

Sunquills

About the book...

Mrs. Parsley is a good-witch who, with the help of her magical cat, Laptop, substitutes for the likes of Santa, The Easter Bunny, The Tooth Fairy, and the various Fairy Godmothers, when they have more work than they can handle. However, since she does not have the specialized magic powers that they possess, she is challenged to find creative ways to carry out these duties.

   

   

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Mrs. Parsley is a quirky collection of tales featuring the title character in various, shall we say...situations.  First off, you should know, she's a do-gooder, in the best and most well-intentioned sense of the word, but sometimes though she means well, things don't go quite as planned, leading to unexpected reveals, less than stealthy holiday missions, and a few more people than should be necessary knowing about the magical goings-ons about them.  Does it work out in the end?  Quite...but that doesn't mean the missteps along the way are any less entertaining or conducive to lessons being learned.

Of the stories features and there are quite a few, I was partial to...

...Mrs. Parsley and the Dog Without a Name

Mrs. Parsley happens upon a lost, injured dog who needs her help, much to the chagrin of Laptop, her magical cat.  Dogs and cats, the age old battle lives on.  Funny thing is, without Laptop having pointed out the poor creature, they would have whizzed right on by, but seeing as she was there first, I guess her opinion rules the house, and she says she's the only furry companion for Mrs. Parsley.  Sometimes though, things don't turn out exactly as Laptop expects either, and one never knows when an unexpected friend may come in handy...

...Mrs. Parsley Repays an Old Debt

This was such a SWEET tale, it brought tears to my eyes.  Mrs. Parsley is reminiscing about her childhood adventures with her grandmother, but a visit to her hometown doesn't yield the familiar haunts she was anticipating.  She feels out of sorts, lost, and blinded by the changes...until a familiar face from the past returns her balance and allows a kindness to be paid in full. 

...Mrs.Parsley, We Don't Do Miracles

This one stuck with me because of the original holy family undertones that work along with Mrs. Parsley to change to future of one young man for good.  For those familiar with the virgin birth, see if you can recognize the signs and modern day versions of that appear in this touching story.

In the end, I'd say it was time well spent between the epages and whilst starring a GOOD witch, it's a perfect read for this season or the next or the next after that.  Allow the magic of Mrs. Parsley's world to seep into your own and take away the wonderful messages (along with a few laughs!) that she delivers along the way.

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About the author...

Julian Padowicz was seven years old and Jewish in Warsaw, Poland when WWII broke out. He and his mother made a dramatic escape from occupied Poland and the Holocaust over the Carpathian Mountains. His memoir of this experience, “Mother and Me: Escape from Warsaw, 1939” was named Book of the Year for 2006. He has written three sequels, chronicling his odyssey to safety in America. In addition, he has written a series of humorous novels about a retired college professor, lightly modeled after himself.

Padowicz has served as a navigator in the United States Air Force, a documentary film script writer, and as president of Business Film International, a documentary and educational film production company. He lives currently in Hampton, VA.

SITE

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Special thanks to Ravenswood Virtual Tours for the chance to bring this promotion to you as well as the ebook for review.  (THANKS!)  Fore more information on this title, the author, THIS TOUR, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title celebrated its book birthday July 2016 via Sunquills, so be on the lookout for it at your favorite online retailers.  

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!