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: 'Santa Baby' by Jonathan Stutzman

✰✰✰✰✰ Santa is feeling his age. After all, he's been in the Christmas business for centuries. Ah, if only he were young again, he'd be able to deliver presents with ease. Using the magic of Christmas, Santa makes a wish to be young. But as we all know, be careful what you wish for. Santa's wish goes a bit too far, and now he's a baby. Santa baby can't drive the sleigh or deliver presents. All Santa baby can do is babble while the elves try to figure something out. Will children around the world receive their Christmas presents in time? Read this holiday tale to find out what happens to Christmas.

The Bottom Line: This humorous picture book is simply adorable. Highly recommended for holiday (or any time) reading for kids ages 3 & up. 

Details: Santa Baby written by Jonathan Stutzman & illustrated by Heather Fox. Picture book published by Henry Holt and Company in 2020. 48 p. ISBN: 9781250255617