Book Review: 'The Tree That's Meant To Be' written & illustrated by Yuval Zommer

✰✰✰✰✰ A little tree has high aspirations; however, the little tree worries that it’s not as tall or full as the others. As the seasons pass, the little tree accepts that it is different from the others. Then one day all the other trees are chosen to be taken home to become Christmas trees. Only the little tree is left behind. Feeling all alone, the forest animals know just what to do. The animals get to work, and the little tree discovers that it was never alone. With the help of friends, the little tree is transformed into something special. Check out this holiday treat to discover the magic of the season.

The Bottom Line: In this story of acceptance and learning to celebrate who you are, readers will connect with their own story and find their own way to shine. This large sized, beautifully illustrated book with captivating pictures in wintry hues is easy to read and relate to. Highly recommended for storytimes for kindergarten through grade 1 and for bedtime reading with your little one.

Details: The Tree That’s Meant To Be written & illustrated by Yuval Zommer. Hardcover picture book published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers in 2019. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-593-11967-9 

Book Review: 'Snow Bunny's Christmas Wish' by Rebecca Harry

✰✰✰✰✰ A wee little snow bunny is happy in the forest, but longs for just one thing, a friend. With Christmas on the way, she writes a letter to Santa asking for one. Alas, she misses the post and decides the deliver the letter to Santa herself. After all, it's not that far away, and all she has to do is follow the North Star. Just in case, she packs some essentials for the trek. Along the way she gives away her supplies to animals that need them. When she finally reaches the North Pole, she is cold and hungry. Santa invites her to deliver Christmas gifts with him. When the little bunny asks about her request, Santa surprises her with the best gift of all. Check out this wonderful, classic tale of kindness and friendship to find out what it is.

The Bottom Line: This sweet story of a little bunny wishing for a friend is a keeper. In the spirit of the season, the wee bunny discovers how her actions of kindness are returned. Highly recommended seasonal reading with little ones in Pre-K - K. Harry's wintry color palette is enhanced by thoughtfully placed silver foil throughout, resulting in dreamy illustrations.

Details: Snow Bunny's Christmas Wish written & illustrated by Rebecca Harry. Hardcover picture book published by Orchard Books in 2013. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-545-54103-9 

Book Review: 'My Penguin Osbert' by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

✰✰✰✰ Every year little Joe asks Santa for a present, and every year Santa gets it just a little bit wrong. Technically, Santa delivered what Joe asked for, but it seems like there's some miscommunication. This year Joe is very, very specific when it comes to asking for a present. There's no way Santa can make a mistake, and he doesn't. Santa delivers a real penguin exactly as requested, but things aren't always what they seem. Joe quickly learns that having a penguin isn't what he expected. A real penguin has special needs, and since Joe had asked for Osbert and now had him, he had to take care of him properly. Soon Joe is wondering if perhaps this wasn't quite what he thought it would be and asks Santa for a possible swap. Santa's solution will surprise you as you read this clever story.

The Bottom Line: In this classic, be-careful-what-you-wish-for type story, Kimmel weaves a gentle tale of 'buyer's remorse.' Most of us can relate as we have been there and learned our lesson. This is a wonderful book to read with your little one ages 4 - 7 as they put in their own request to Santa. Magically illustrated in wonderfully soft watercolors and pastels that practically glow, this seasonal picture book will be read over and over again.

Details: My Penguin Osbert written by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel & illustrated by H. B. Lewis. Hardcover picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2004. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-763616991 

Book Review: 'The Bear and the Star' by Lola M. Schaefer

✰✰✰✰½ On an early December morning, Bear wakes to find a star. This isn’t just any star; it’s larger than any before it. Bear knows it is time and searches for a tree, not just any tree. Bear needs to find a sturdy tree, taller than any before. At last Bear finds a majestic evergreen, and he begins to roar. Bear summons the birds and the other animals. Bear roars so loud, people come to the tree too. As people and animals gather around, they too know it is time. Time for everyone to come together in harmony.

The Bottom Line: This gentle tale about the spirit of the season and community is beautifully illustrated in oils with a seasonal palette. Perfect for bedtime storytime with little ones ages 3 - 7.

Details: The Bear and the Star written by Lola M. Schaefer & illustrated by Bethanne Anderson. Hardcover picture book published by Greenwillow Books in 2019. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-266037-4

Book Review: 'I Got the Christmas Spirit' by Connie Schofield-Morrison

✰✰✰✰✰ A young African American girl is full of holiday spirit. She’s been waiting all year to sparkle, shine, and sing her way through the season. When she finds a family in need, she looks for a way to shine even brighter and help people along the way. Join in as she sings, skates, and jingles her way through the festive, wintry city.

The Bottom Line: This sweet tale of finding the holiday spirit is sure to inspire anyone who is searching for theirs. Cheerful art with rich colors created with oil on canvas brings this story to life. Enthusiastically recommended holiday reading with your little one ages 4 - 7.

Details: I Got the Christmas Spirit written by Connie Schofield-Morrison & illustrated by Frank Morrison. Hardcover picture book published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books in 2018. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-68119-528-5 

Book Review: 'Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!' by Mo Willems

✰✰✰✰½ Pigeon is back, and it wants to drive Santa’s sleigh. Santa is aware of Pigeon’s reputation and asks you personally to keep an eye on his sleigh. It’s not going to be easy. You see, Pigeon can be sassy, sweet, and very convincing. Can you tell Pigeon no? Or will you give in and let Pigeon drive the sleigh?

The Bottom Line: Besides being a children’s book author, Mo is an animator and voice actor who has won many awards including 3 Caldecott Medals! This is the 9th book in the Pigeon series. The beauty of this picture book is in the simplicity of the illustrations and the sparse words in a large font. Told with humor and good fun, this short tale is highly recommended seasonal reading for beginning readers ages 4 - 7.

Details: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! Words & pictures by Mo Willems. Hardcover picture book published by Unions Square Kids in 2023. 40 p. ISBN: 978-1-4549-5277-0 

Book Review: 'Santa is Coming to Chicago' by Steve Smallman

✰✰✰ After checking to see that all the children in the Chicagoland area have been good and locating all the reindeer, Santa is ready to make deliveries. Unfortunately Santa’s navigation device, Santa-Nav, is malfunctioning in a snowstorm. Will they be able to deliver presents in time? It’s up to the youngest reindeer to figure it out as they visit various Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs.

The Bottom Line: This is part of the Santa is Coming series, which features many localities throughout the United States and even worldwide. These were churned out pretty quickly, but each book includes names of places that readers will be familiar with. It’s fun to see if your town or neighborhood is mentioned, and Dunn’s illustrations highlight local attractions in a rainbow of colors. Festive holiday reading for kids ages 4 - 8.

Details: Santa is Coming to Chicago written by Steve Smallman & illustrated by Robert Dunn. Hardcover picture book published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky in 2012. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-4022-7509-8  

Book Review: 'The Twelve Cats of Christmas' by Feather Flores

✰✰✰✰½ In the vein of The Twelve Days of Christmas, this picture book features twelve cats. Little ones can read with their favorite adult or follow along with the included player because this is a book that talks. Following the easy directions, just turn it on, press play, and read along as twelve cats get into some holiday mischief. From batting bows to shredding paper to helping Santa, these cats know how to have fun. Along the way, little ones will learn to count up to twelve and down again. 

The Bottom Line: Vox Books are great when your child wants to read a favorite book over and over again. The pace was just right for kids to follow along, and you can always pause it or go back a page or two. Colorful and festive illustrations in mixed media added humor to the story. My favorite part was the last four pages where readers have the opportunity to meet the twelve cats and read about their likes and dislikes. This fun holiday treat is recommended for kids just learning to read. 

Details: The Twelve Cats of Christmas (Vox Books Books that Talk!) written by Feather Flores & illustrated by Carrie Liao. Hardcover picture book published by Chronicle Books in 2022. 48 p. ISBN: 978-1-4521-8461-6 

Book Review: 'Elf in the House' by Ammi-Joan Paquette

✰✰✰ When a little girl discovers that there’s only crumbs left for Santa, she decides to investigate. Along the way, others join her until a special visitor arrives. Then it’s time to party because Christmas really is the best time of the year.

The Bottom Line: Both the story and the illustrations seemed very basic and left me looking for something more. The digitally created illustrations lacked detail and the color seemed a bit off; however, the spare style and large print might appeal to little ones ages 2 - 5. 

Details: Elf in the House written by Ammi-Joan Paquette & illustrated by Adam Record. Picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2017. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-7636-8132-6

Book Review: 'Milo's Christmas Parade' by Jennie Palmer

✰✰✰✰ Milo comes from a big family of opossums. They all love the big Christmas parade, but for different reasons. His passel loves it for the buffet of treats people leave behind. Milo loves it for the floats. In fact, his dream is to build his own float and be in the parade.

One year Milo finally decides to take the plunge and build a float. His family doesn’t really understand why Milo is so driven, but they help anyway. When the big day finally arrives, disaster strikes. Although it looks hopeless, a little help from his family and a surprise helper just might save the day.

The Bottom Line: This is a sweet holiday tale of living your dream, believing in yourself, and teamwork. Sometimes we don’t always understand what a loved one is so enthusiastic about, but helping out is what families and friends do. The charming illustrations were rendered in a combination of pencil, ink, watercolor, and digital tools. Fun holiday reading for kids ages 4 - 7.

Details: Milo’s Christmas Parade written & illustrated by Jennie Palmer. Picture book published by Abrams Books for Young Readers in 2020. 40 p. ISBN: 978-1-4197-4499-0

'Christmas in July' Book Reviews 2024

It's been an especially hot, humid and noisy summer so far, and I find myself thinking of cooler weather, hot chocolate, and the holidays. For this July, I'll be reviewing a few sweet Christmas picture books to take my mind of the heat, rain, and cicadas (They're everywhere!). Join me as I dedicate this month to frosty reviews featuring a cute opossum, an elf, cats, Chicago, and more...

Happy Holiday Reading in July! Stay Cool!

P.S. I found this free holiday clip art at CarlsWebGraphics. Thank you, Carl! 

Book Review: 'Great Joy' by Kate DiCamillo

✰✰✰✰✰ As a little girl prepares for the Christmas pageant at church, she looks out the window and notices an organ grinder and his monkey. She wonders where they go at night when it’s cold and snowy, but no one else seems to care. On the eve of the pageant she invites the duo to church. When it’s time to say her single line, she just can’t; it just doesn’t seem right. All the little girl can think about is how cold it is and how sad the organ grinder looks. As everyone in church waits, the doors open, and the little girl knew it was time.

The Bottom Line: This gentle tale exemplifies the true spirit of Christmas. Ibatoulline’s luminous illustrations in acrylic gouache are stunning. Highly recommended for children in grades K - 2.

Details: Great Joy written by Kate DiCamillo & illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. Picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2007. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-7636-2920-5 

Book Review: 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' illustrated by Gennady Spinn

✰✰✰✰✰ A popular song around the holidays, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is brought to life in this picture book. Each time the reader turns the page, they are treated to another line of the song illustrated in stunning detail with watercolor and colored pencil. With each day, the focus of the illustration moves out to include more gifts. The celebration begins with the partridge in a pear tree and continues with golden rings, carolers, maids, geese, drummers, pipers and more.

The Bottom Line: I could look at these amazing illustrations in this picture book for hours on end. This book includes the song along with a fascinating note about the song’s origins. This beautiful book is a treasure you will want to keep. Highly recommended for everyone.

Details: The Twelve Days of Christmas illustrated by Gennady Spirin. Picture book published by Marshall Cavendish Children in 2009. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-7614-5551-6

Book Review: 'The Story of the Three Wise Kings by Tomie dePaola

✰✰✰✰✰ The story of the wise men who traveled to Bethlehem to honor a baby was first told in the Gospel of St. Matthew. Over the centuries, more was added to the story. Here, the author tells the story of three kings: Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar. Each of these kings studied the stars. When a brilliant new star appeared, each king realized that a great king was about to arrive. So each set out alone to find this baby. Along the way, the three kings met, but lost sight of the great star. This is a story of adventure and wonder as the three kings must continue on their journey guided by faith.

The Bottom Line: Originally published in 1983, this edition has been carefully restored. Illustrated in acrylic, this beautiful picture book is sure to be treasured for many holidays to come. Highly recommended seasonal reading.

Details: The Story of the Three Wise Kings retold & illustrated by Tomie dePaola. Picture book published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in 2020. 32 p. ISBN: 9781534466524 

Book Review: 'What the Little Fir Tree Wore to the Christmas Party' by Satomi Ichikawa

✰✰✰✰✰ On the edge of a forest, the fir trees are eagerly awaiting Christmas. Each has a plan for what they will wear to the Christmas party, but no one asks the littlest fir tree. When a truck arrives and takes the beautiful fir trees away, the littlest tree is heartbroken. Now she'll never get to dress up, but at least she's not alone. An old, bare tree was left behind too. Together the old tree and the littlest tree talk about their dreams and wait for Christmas. When Christmas arrives, the two tree friends are surprised to see their dreams come true.

The Bottom Line: This heartwarming, imaginative tale of friendship and hope is the perfect way to share storytime with your little one on Christmas Eve. Illustrated with luminous watercolors, Ichikawa's gentle tale will get you in the holiday spirit. Enthusiastically recommended for all.

Details: What the Little Fir Tree Wore to the Christmas Party by Satomi Ichikawa. Picture book published by Philomel Books in 1999. 40 p. ISBN: 0-399-23746-1  

Book Review: 'A Christmas Wish' by Julia Hubery

✰✰✰✰ Gemma and her little brother, Ty, are eager to decorate the Christmas tree. Among all the shiny ornaments is one very special snow deer. When Ty reaches for it, the deer falls and breaks. Gemma is so angry that she doesn't even want to decorate the tree anymore. After an evening of pouting, Gemma realizes she may have been too harsh with her little brother and ruined Christmas. However, Ty has a plan to make things better again. With Ty's special gift and some help from mom, Gemma learns what Christmas is really all about. 

The Bottom Line: Dreamy illustrations with a sprinkle of glitter add magic to this tale of Christmas spirit and forgiveness. Joyfully recommended for all families with little ones eager to help decorate.

Details: A Christmas Wish written by Julia Hubery & illustrated by Sophy Williams. Picture book published by Good Books in 2007. 25 p. ISBN: 978-1-56148-589-5 

Book Review: 'All the Colors of Christmas' by Matthew Paul Turner

✰✰✰✰✰ The colors of Christmas are just like children, with all different shades and hues. There's the color of cranberries, garland, jingle bells, sky, snow, and the baby Jesus. Everyone is unique with their own special gifts. Christmas is you, and you are Christmas. 

The Bottom Line: This gentle picture book is filled with rhymes and positivity. Featuring all the colors of Christmas, it also celebrates diversity. Gamble's colorful illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the lyrical text. Highly recommended for school and library story times, but also for simply reading with your child at bedtime.

Details: All the Colors of Christmas written by Matthew Paul Turner & illustrated by Gillian Gamble. Picture book published by Convergent Books in 2020. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-525-65414-8 

Book Review: 'The Santa Trap' by Jonathan Emmett

✰✰✰½ Bradley Bartleby is a very naughty little boy. He's used to getting everything he wants and doesn't appreciate a thing. So when he ends up on Santa's naughty list and only gets a new pair of socks for Christmas again, Bradley vows to get back at Santa. 

Bradley begins by putting dynamite in the chimney, but that's only the beginning. His devious plans involve turning the entire mansion into a trap to catch Santa and his loot. With trapdoors, tigers, and even more dynamite, the house is armed and ready. Has Santa finally met his match? Or is it Bradley who is in for the surprise? This creative picture book will keep you in suspense until the very end.

The Bottom Line: This is not your typical Christmas holiday book. This one is a bit dark & disturbing, but it does have a silver lining. Bernatene's illustrations in digital mixed media are brilliantly dark and humorous. This tale is appropriate for kids in grades 4 - 5 and will appeal to kids who like something original and different. 

Details: The Santa Trap written by Jonathan Emmett & illustrated by Poly Bernatene. Picture book published by Peachtree Publishers in 2012. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-56145-6703

Book Review: 'Do Rabbits Have Christmas?' by Aileen Fisher

✰✰✰½ Do rabbits celebrate Christmas? Do the animals give each other presents? Is there a Santa Claus? Children often wonder about these questions around the holiday. In this collection of fifteen poems by Aileen Fisher, children (and adults) just might find their answers.

The Bottom Line: Although poet Aileen Fisher passed away in 2002, her poetry still has the power to transport us from the present to an ethereal world of Christmas magic. And to my delight, dreamy watercolor illustrations bind the poetry together and whisk the reader away with enchanting snow scenes.  Recommended for fans of holiday poetry and for classroom storytimes. 

Details: Do Rabbits Have Christmas? poems by Aileen Fisher & illustrations by Sarah Fox-Davies. Picture book published by Henry Holt and Company in 2007. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-8050-7491-8 

Book Review: 'Snowmen at Christmas' written by Caralyn Buehner

✰✰✰✰ When a little boy builds a snowman on Christmas Eve, he goes to bed wondering what snowmen do during the night. He dreams of them slipping away and gathering together to celebrate in their own way with holiday greetings, tree trimming, and a visit from Santa. Snowmen sure know how to have fun before returning to their homes on Christmas morning.

The Bottom Line: With bouncy rhyming verse and bright, clever paintings by a husband and wife team, this sequel to Snowmen at Night will be a seasonal favorite. Recommended holiday reading for little ones in Pre-K - Grade 1. As an added bonus, each illustration contains hidden figures. Can you find a cat, a rabbit, a Santa face, a T-rex, and a little brown mouse? Take your time, and take another look because the items are well hidden. 

Details: Snowmen at Christmas written by Caralyn Buehner & illustrated by Mark Buehner. Hardcover picture book published by Dial Books in 2005. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0803729957