Christmas Picture Book Review: Fun Facts and Rhymes for Kids' Curious Minds: Christmas by Joanne Paules

If you're looking for a short book that blends interesting Christmas facts with fun rhymes, then you will want to grab a copy of Fun Facts and Rhymes for Kids' Curious Minds: Christmas by Joanne Paules.

This adorable book is perfect for those youngsters looking to learn more about the origins, traditions, and symbols of the holiday. Alongside these fun facts are enjoyable rhymes that kids will enjoy reading aloud. With colorful artwork, your little ones will enjoy flipping the digital or paperback pages.

My one wish is that an editor had taken a better look at this before it was published because there are grammar and typographical errors inside and on the cover. It's still an adorable and fun book. I just feel when we are educating and entertaining young people, we need to produce as perfect a product as possible. The book is doing well in sales ranking, so it doesn't seem to be an issue for most.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D3M1GS3X
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 1, 2024
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 50892 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 26 pages

I bought a digital copy of this book for my Kindle. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas Book Review: 501 Would You Rather for Kids, Christmas Edition & Try Not to Laugh Christmas Challenge from Ahoy Publications

From the publishers of interesting facts, explorations into historical periods and figures, and numerous other titles for children comes two funny and entertaining holiday offerings in one: 501 Would You Rather for Kids, Christmas Edition and Try Not to Laugh Christmas Challenge from Ahoy Publications.

In a touching letter to parents and caregivers, the publisher states their mission of 501 Would You Rather is to give them and their families something to focus on other than the holiday stress. It refers to recent studies about the importance of developing a sense of humor in kids that tends to make them happier and more optimistic. And of course, they hope this book will help you fill Christmas--now and in the future--with holiday spirit. This is followed by a letter directed to the children and encourages them to share it with family and friends.

501 Would You Rather for Kids, Christmas Edition has engaging would you rather questions, riddles, recipes, jokes, songs, and puns. One can imagine a family taking this book a section at time and working through it, or making a new recipe and singing songs in between some of these Christmas-time jokes and riddles.

Try Not to Laugh Christmas Challenge is the second book. The publisher states their mission as bringing people together and to stimulate young minds. It encourages children to challenge their family and have fun.

Try Not to Laugh Christmas Challenge has jokes, quizzes, would you rather questions, Christmas quotes, tongue twisters, puns, and silly songs. It is a great complement to 501 Would You Rather for Kids, Christmas Edition. Smart idea on the part of the publishers to put them together.

Loved everything about both of these titles, and I look forward to more from Ahoy Publications.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CNXVNJ6L
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 23, 2023
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 4155 KB
• Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 110 pages

I purchased a digital copy of this book for my Kindle. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas... in the News: Eco-friendly Ways to Repurpose Your Tree, After- Christmas Amazon Deals & Hanukkah Started on Christmas Day

 

Welcome to this week's edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a weekly review of some of the Christmas articles and news over the last week. 

Hard to believe Christmas 2024 is a thing of the past. How was your holiday? Ours was great. Here are a few photos.

Sam & Kat (our middle child)

Jen & John (our oldest)

Sarah (our youngest)

Theo and his new toy

Paul and Tyno

Me the day after Christmas

Enough about us, let's get to the news. This week there is a ton out there. I expect by the next week or two it will slow down.

WKOW out of Wisconsin reports that the Wildlife Center at the Dane County Humane Society is suggesting people put their natural Christmas tree--after all the ornaments, tinsel, and lights are off--in their yard to benefit animals. You can read more about their instructions here.

Yahoo! Life is sharing after-Christmas deals from Amazon. Maybe there is a deal on something you wanted that you didn't find under the tree. Check out the article here.

CBS NEWS reported on the rare occurrence of Hanukkah beginning on Christmas Day. This is the first time it has happened, they said, since 2005. You can read more here. 

Books Under My Tree

Christmas was over in a blur... as is often the case. However, the fun times with family and all the memories we made will last forever. 

While I didn't specifically ask for any books this year, my family treated me to three really great ones--the first of which was on my wish list. The second book is a special B&N edition of Anne of Green Gables. 

Did you receive any books for Christmas? What are you most looking forward to reading?

Merry Christmas!

 

Christmas Countdown: 1 Day Until Christmas

 

Christmas Countdown: 2 Days Until Christmas

 

Christmas Picture Book Review: The Adventures of Granola Squatch & the Mysterious Present by Landa & Thomas Penisten

What do you get when you cross a hippie Bigfoot with a Christmas mystery? One great read!

In The Adventures of Granola Squatch & the Mysterious Present by Landa & Thomas Penisten, Granola Squatch and his animal friends find they have each received an amazing present from an unknown gifter as they make their way to the Christmas Eve party. As they gather together, the sound of jingle bells makes them think they might not be alone, setting the stage for an awesome holiday for everyone.

I had never heard of the Granola Squatch books before, and now I want to read the others. What a cool idea for a series: a hippie Bigfoot having holiday adventures. Author and illustrator Thomas Penisten collaborates with his wife Landa to create this fun and unique series of books. His has a fabulous style that will draw young readers into the world inhabited by their zany characters.

I can't wait for more Granola Squatch!

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DL8L5KW1
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gamma Burst Books (November 11, 2024)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 11, 2024
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 11916 KB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled

I purchased a copy of this book for my Kindle. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas... in the News: Snow in NYC Before Christmas, California's Christmas Tree Lane & Childhood Christmas Tradition

 

Welcome to this week's edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a weekly review of some of the Christmas articles and news over the last week. 

Great to see you here today, just three short days before Christmas. Can you believe how quickly we have gotten here? As you probably expect, tons of Christmas news online these days. Here are a few stories that caught my eye.

The Weather Channel reported that New York City was turned into a winter wonderland this weekend with the city getting its first measurable snow. You can read the report here. Hopefully, this will give them a white Christmas. Our area of the Northeast is expecting some of the white stuff tomorrow night. 

CBS NEWS shared what it is like living on Christmas Tree Lane, which is located in Alameda, California. This is an ongoing tradition that has been happening for more than 80 years. Check out the video here.

Writing for SLATE, Susan Matthews shares a Christmas tradition from her childhood that she plans to share with her family. Read all about it here.

Hope you've enjoyed these weekly posts. I'm open to feedback and new ideas on what you would like to see at Christmas Year Round. Send me a direct message to ccmal(at)charter(dot)net with "Christmas blog" in the subject line. 

Our Christmas countdown continues,  and you might see a couple more reviews before the holiday. After that, we will take a short break so that our family can enjoy some time together. 

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year! 

Christmas Countdown: 3 Days Until Christmas

 

Christmas Picture Book Review: 12 Sleeps 'til Christmas by Mikayla Ruvalcaba

If you're looking for an adorable rhyming Christmas countdown book, then 12 Sleeps 'til Christmas by Mikayla Ruvalcaba is one to grab.

Young readers will enjoy following along as a child completes their list full of things to do as they wait for Christmas to come. Youngsters will feel the excitement hopping off the pages filled with colorful artwork by I. Bunet as the child helps Dad check the lights, writes their Christmas list for Santa, bakes, trims the tree, and more while discovering that the best gifts can't be bought.

There is so much to love about this rhyming, romping adventure. Love the format, the colors, and even the font selection. I hope this author and illustrator have a chance to collaborate again soon. It's magic!

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DJ69PY7G
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ruvalcaba Publishing (November 10, 2024)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 10, 2024
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 18450 KB
• Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 39 pages

I purchased a copy of this book for my Kindle. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas Countdown: 4 Days Until Christmas

 

Christmas Short Story Collection Review: Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories by L. M. Montgomery from Dreamscape Media

 

Lovers of Anne of Green Gables will be enchanted with this delightful collection of holiday stories from Lucy Maud Montgomery. 

Based upon story excerpts from Montgomery's most famous book series and other short stories published in magazines and newspapers, Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories features 16 holiday stories that will warm your heart and remind you of Christmases from a simpler time.

Readers of the Anne of Green Gables series will blissfully relive the story of Anne receiving a dress with puffed sleeves from Matthew. They will learn how three sisters inadvertently end a family feud by arriving at the wrong uncle's house for Christmas dinner. They will witness how Lucy Rose comes to love her Aunt Cyrilla's quirky old basket while they travel out of town. They will remember the surprising results when Anne invited sour Katherine Brooke to Green Gables for Christmas. They will rejoice as Bertie's invitation to New Year's dinner turns into something much more meaningful. Every story will remind you why Montgomery's books still attract new readers.

I own a paperback copy of Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories, and thanks to Dreamscapes Media, I can enjoy these stories anytime I want while I am driving around on appointments. 

If you're looking to spend time with some of Montgomery's characters at the holidays, then Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories is the perfect choice.

Release Date: October 1, 2013

Publisher: Dreamscape Media

Unabridged Audiobook

Highlights: Christmas

I purchased a copy of this audio book from Chirp. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas Countdown: 5 Days Until Christmas

 

Christmas Picture Book Review: A Little Labradoodle Christmas by April M. Cox and Kairi Fullerton

Can Kairi and her labradoodles turn Casper's grumpy behavior around for Christmas?

Grandmother Cox and granddaughter Fullerton collaborate on this rhyming story of a grumpy cat who thinks Christmas is a "Bah humbug!" Kairi and her labradoodles do their best, trying all sorts of ways to make Casper happy so he can embrace the spirit of the season.

A Little Labradoodle Christmas by April M. Cox and Kairi Fullerton is a sweet, funny, and delightful story of the season. As Kairi and her pups try to figure out a way to make Casper happy, that pesky cat is determined to dislike Christmas and everything about it. With colorful and eye-catching illustrations by Remesh Ram, A Little Labradoodle Christmas is bound to become a modern-day classic story of the season.

Rating: :) :) :) :) :)

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little Labradoodle Publishing, LLC (November 12, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 36 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 173755707X
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1737557074
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 7 years, from customers

I downloaded a digital copy from NetGalley. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas Countdown: 6 Days Until Christmas

 

Christmas Short Story Collection Review: Classic Christmas Stories from Dreamscape Media

 

Do you enjoy classic Christmas stories from days gone by? Do you appreciate the works of Mark Twain, O Henry, Willa Cather, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Hans Christian Andersen, and more? Then Classic Christmas Stories by Dreamscape Media is a book to which you should listen. 

While looking for affordable and quick Christmas reads, I found Classic Christmas Stories published by Dreamscape Media, which features numerous holiday tales from well-known authors. With classical piano music playing before and after these delightful stories, various narrators read:

• "A Christmas Inspiration" by L. M. Montgomery,
• "The Gift of the Magi" by O Henry,
• "The Burglar's Christmas" by Willa Cather,
• "The Fir Tree" by Hans Christian Andersen,
• "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle,
• "Susie's Letter from Santa" by Mark Twain,
• "Christmas in Poganuc" by Harriet Beecher Stowe,
• "How Santa Claus Came to Simpson's Bar" by Brett Harte,
• and "Christmas at Thompson Hall" by Anthony Trollope.

The narrators did a fine job recording these stories, and many were just as charming as I remember them. Montgomery's, O Henry's, and Twain's were some of my favorites. Though I had never read/heard "Christmas at Thompson Hall" before, I had the plot figured out by the middle of the story. Mrs. Brown was especially annoying, but she is made a great character because of it. 

The reader should keep in mind the times in which these Classic Christmas Stories were written, as gender roles were specifically noted in a story or two and some words or phrases may not hold up well with our more enlightened generations. It's still nice to appreciate the storytelling abilities of these authors in their seasonal short stories. 

Authors: Anthony Trollope, Arthur Conan Doyle, Bret Harte, Hans Christian Andersen, Harriet Beecher Stowe, L. M. Montgomery, Mark Twain, O. Henry, Willa Cather

Release Date: November 20, 2012

Publisher: Dreamscape Media

Unabridged Audiobook

Highlights: Christmas

I purchased a copy of this audio book from Chirp. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas Countdown: 7 Days Until Christmas

 

Christmas... in the News: Christmas Cookie Baking Frenzy, White Christmas & Christmas Luncheon for Veterans

 

Welcome to this week's edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a weekly review of some of the Christmas articles and news over the last week. 

The first thing you will notice is that this week's edition is two days late. Whoops! This time of year, a colleague and I coordinate a local Adopt A Family program, which supports three non-profit organizations dedicated to children. This year, 60 families were adopted and gifted with daily necessities and toys. Christmas... in the news being late worked out, however, because there are some neat stories from the last day or two. Let's get started.

KARE11 reported on a group of five women in Medina, Minnesota who baked close to 4,000 cookies that they donated to others. That sounds like a delicious project! Check out more details here. 

Lots of people are wondering if they will have a white Christmas this year. USA TODAY wrote this article sharing historical probabilities of a white Christmas. Are you expecting snow?

Now, for some local news from 22WWLP out of Springfield, Massachusetts. The Springfield Partners for Community Action hosted a Christmas luncheon to show their appreciation for our local veterans. They also plan to distribute coats to veterans in need. Read more here.

Starting tomorrow, the Christmas countdown is on. Have you finished your shopping yet? Come on, you can tell us. 

Christmas Short Story Review: Jingles by D.F. Jones

 

"Jingles" by D. F. Jones is a delightful short story filled with romance, magic, and destiny. 

The quaint town of HollyHaven holds a secret so mysterious and magical that most of its residents remain unaware. But Nick, the charming but reluctant heir to the Claus legacy knows the town's beloved Christmas shop, Jingles, which is owned by his family, is the heart of Christmas magic. As he approaches his destiny, Nick learns the magic is fading, and he must race against time before it is lost forever.  

When Nick meets Clara, the owner of the local cafe, he sees the key to restoring Christmas. Clara, however, is still recovering from past betrayals. As sparks fly between them, Clara is forced to confront what she has tried to avoid: belief in magic, love, and herself. Can Nick convince her to trust in the magic they share before it fades forever?

I cannot tell you how much I loved "Jingles." You know what makes a romance story even better for me is to set it during Christmas. But "Jingles" has more than just the perfect setting. It is the story of a young man, facing a huge responsibility he feels unprepared for, who is thrown an unexpected snowy curveball: the key to saving the magic of Christmas rests not only with him, but with a young woman who is determined to distance herself from everything needed to fulfill that destiny. 

Jones has a keen eye for detail and description, and considering the location of the story and the season, that makes for a charming read outside of the unfolding romance. Close ties to family and community also play a role.

If you love seasonal romance, Santa Claus stories, and stories surrounding the magic of Christmas, "Jingles" is a must read.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DJDQLY66
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 1, 2024
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 2988 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 96 pages

I received a free digital copy from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Website ➜ http://www.dfjonesauthor.com 

Twitter ➜ https://twitter.com/Author_DFJones 

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/DFJones.author 

Instagram ➜ https://instagram.com/D.F.Jones

Author Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/GoodreadscomdfjonesAuthor

Christmas... in the News: Unique New England Christmas Lights, Christmas Movies Filmed or Set in NC & 'Christmas in the Country'

 

Welcome to this week's edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a weekly review of some of the Christmas articles and news over the last week. 

Can you believe Christmas is only 17 days away? How are your holiday preparations going? My shopping is done. I try to finish as early as possible so that I can focus on what's important--creating special memories for and with the family. 

One of the most fun parts of the season is watching all the lights go up near and far. I am lucky because my job has me on the road a lot, so I get to see my fair share. Here in New England, we have several special light displays. We actually live about 15 minutes away from one of them: Bright Nights at Forest Park. Springfield, MA, known as the birthplace of basketball and Dr. Seuss, is home to an amazing three-mile light show. The Boston Calendar included Bright Nights in its article featuring, "The 10 Most Unique Holiday Light Displays in New England." You can read it here.

North Carolina has numerous locations that have been used in films. Movies and television shows have been filmed in Wilmington, where our daughter goes to school. The News & Observer shared an article listing "13 Christmas Movies Filmed or Set in NC to Watch This Holiday Season." You can read the article here. You must be a subscriber to read the entire article, but you can read this article from 2023 by The Charlotte Observer for a more detailed list. How many have you seen?

KXLG 99.1 out of South Dakota reported about the highly anticipated 'Christmas in the Country' at Country Road Barn in Watertown. It will feature a lineup of local musical talent. You can read the announcement here.

Hope you have a great week!

On Audible: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Narrated by Hugh Grant

 

Last week, I listened to this Audible edition of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens that was narrated by Hugh Grant. I first listened to it last year. It is my favorite so far, though I want to listen to the one narrated by Patrick Stewart to compare them. 

This is my favorite classic story of the season. Miserly Scrooge changes his ways after visits from his deceased business partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. Scrooge is given a glimpse into all he has lost, how his lack of charity and compassion has impacted others, and what lies ahead if he doesn't heed Marley's warning. 

Dickens' Christmas tale has inspired numerous modern remakes in book format and has been adapted into dozens of movies, plays, cartoons, and modernized retellings. Hallmark Channel's 1999 version of A Christmas Carol starring Patrick Stewart remains my favorite movie.

Oddly enough, even though I've loved the story of Scrooge for decades, I only recently read the book by Dickens. Have you read it? Which movie version is your favorite? Do you have a favorite retelling? 

Wintertime Picture Book Review: Rocky and Rory: The Frozen Tongue Disaster by Anngri Arts

Enjoy a rhyming frozen adventure filled with cute friends when you pick up a copy of Rocky and Rory: The Frozen Tongue Disaster by Anngri Arts.

This book tells the story of Rocky, who gets his tongue stuck, and the variety of friends who come to help him. It is geared toward readers ages 2 to 7.

Zany antics, delightful and unique characters, beautiful colors, and a spirit of friendship and cooperation abound in this rhyming picture book. This cute offering is part of The Adventures of Rocky and Rory series. I look forward to more!

Rating: :) :) :) :) :)

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DMW98SHB
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (November 12, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 41 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8344384221
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 2 - 7 years

Christmas Picture Book Review: Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir by Mike Martin

Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir by Mike Martin is the story of one Christmas-loving princess who is eager to restore the Christmas spirit to her kingdom. With the help of her rabbit friend, Hoppy, and a magician, she just might save the spirit of the season.

Princess Sophie loves everything about Christmas, and when she discovers that special Christmas feeling is missing in her kingdom of Melodica, she decides she must find a way to fix it. She asks her parents, the king and queen, but they don’t know what to do. Though she finds Hoppy’s hopping a bit distracting, she is happy that the hopping gives her ideas. So, she searches out the kingdom’s magician for some help. What she learns about the power of the Christmas elixir allows her to bring happiness to the people of Melodica all year long.

Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir is a fun and sweet story through and through, with a special message for readers woven right in. Loved this story from beginning to end: the meaningful message, the colorful illustrations by Shey Kalee, and the fabulous ending. My only niggle is that an editor needs to go through it and tidy up a few places where the grammar isn’t quite right and a punctuation mark or word is missing. Now, most people won’t notice that, and readers will love the story just the same because it is totally delightful. This would make a cute short movie.

Looking forward to reading more children’s books by Martin, whose work for adults I am already familiar with. 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mezzo Publications (October 16, 2024)

Language ‏ : ‎ English

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 25 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1068852925

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1068852923

I received a digital copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas... in the News: Kate Middleton's Christmas Letter, Santa Train Visit to Hurricane Survivors & NORAD Prepares to Track Santa's Sleigh

 

Welcome to this week's edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a weekly review of some of the Christmas articles and news over the last week. 

Can you believe that we are in December? There are only 24 days before Christmas! Will you be ready? I'm not sure I will be. The tree is up and so are some of the decorations. We will see how many trees go up this year.

This week's news brings us from Windsor, England, to Erwin, Tennessee, to Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

We start with the release of Kate Middleton's annual Christmas letter. US Weekly reported how this year's letter reflects on the challenging times the Royal Family faced in 2024, and about love and joy. You can read the article here.

Good News Network shared this year's annual Santa Train that runs through mountain towns in the Appalachians made a special stop to bring gifts and holiday cheer to survivors of Hurricane Helene. Want to read this heartwarming story? Check it out here.

The tracking of Santa's sleigh as it delivers presents on Christmas Eve is an annual tradition. CBS NEWS reported that NORAD is preparing for another year. It also shared how this tradition came to be, which I didn't know until today. Check out the article here.

Hope you have a great week!