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