Christmas Picture Book Spotlight: Santa, Please Bring Me a Gnome by An Swerts

 

Dear Santa... That's how Tess starts her letter. You don't have to bring me any toys this year. The only thing I want is a real gnome. Full of anticipation, Tess looks forward to the day her new friend arrives: a friend she can take everywhere, and with whom she can share everything. With Grandpa and Grandma's help, she gets everything ready. Grandpa builds little pieces of furniture, Grandma sews a little blanket, and Tess prepares a welcome meal. And then it's finally Christmas Eve ... Will Santa bring a real gnome? A heartwarming picture book with wonderfully funny illustrations.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clavis (September 15, 2017)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1605372757
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1605372754
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 6 years
• Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD490L
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3

Christmas Picture Book Review: Kevin's Christmas by Liesbet Slegers

 

Toddlers will love sitting down with you to read Kevin's Christmas by Liesbet Slegers.

It's Christmas time. Kevin and his family get ready. They put up a tree, set the nativity at the base of their tree, send out greeting cards, and buy food for the Christmas meal. How exciting!

I love Slegers' books. She really knows how to get in touch with a child's heart and mind. In this adorable new release in her Kevin and Katie series, young Kevin gets involved in Christmas preparations for the first time. The story speaks to toddlers using words they will be familiar with and has Kevin acting in ways similar to this age group. Young readers will feel his excitement and joy in sharing this holiday with his family.

The artwork Slegers creates for this one is wonderful. It's simple, yet uses great colors that will captivate young readers. I also like the multicultural aspect of the book. When Cousin Sally arrives we see she is African American. It's a subtle message, but one that makes you appreciates family diversity, and can help show kids that differences are great.

This is a sweet story that would make a perfect gift.

• Publisher: Clavis Publishing
• ISBN-10: 1605371041
• ISBN-13: 978-1605371047
• SRP:  $12.95

I received a FREE copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions. I did not receive monetary compensation of any kind for this review.

Christmas Picture Book Review: Ricky's Christmas Tree by Guido Van Genechten

 

 

The art and prose of Guido van Genechten returns in this classic Christmas story of one bunny's pursuit for a Christmas tree.

It's almost Christmas, but Ricky's family doesn't have a tree yet because his parents have been so busy. Dad begrudingly takes Ricky on his tree quest, as long as they make it quick. While Ricky takes in all the winter beauty and fun around him, his father pushes him to fine the tree and get back home. When the Christmas tree falls off the sled, Ricky's enthusiasm for winter play becomes infectious, and soon Dad and Mom are caught up in the joys of the season.

This is a beautiful story made even lovelier by van Genechten's adorable artwork. I love his books because they capture the heart of a child so well. As I was reading , I wondered if this is how my kids see me--constantly working, not appreciating the little things that make life worth living.

Ricky's Christmas Tree is probably going to end up being my favorite van Genechten book. He's truly done a wonderful job with this one. It would make the perfect gift any time of the year.

• Publisher: Clavis Publishing
• ISBN-10:1605371068
• ISBN-13: 978-1605371061
• SRP:  $16.95

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation of any kind for this review.

Luke and Lottie: It's Christmas by Ruth Wielockx

 

It’s Christmas! The twins, Luke and Lottie, are so excited. Christmas Eve is the best night of the year. A warm and recognizable story about celebrating Christmas together. For children ages 3 and up.

Lexile Measure : 480

Grade Level : Preschool - 2 

Hardcover : 32 pages

ISBN-10 : 1605374911

ISBN-13 : 978-1605374918

Publisher : Clavis (September 3, 2019)

Children's Picture Book Spotlight: A Purrfect Christmas by Ellen DeLange

It’s Christmas Eve when a young kitten is left alone on the deserted streets of the city. She’s hungry and cold. She would like to go to a home of her own. Is she the only one with a holiday wish?

A heartwarming story in which the magic of Christmas results in surprises. For animal lovers ages 5 years and up.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clavis (September 13, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1605377252
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1605377254
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 5 - 10 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 1 - 2

Visit the book's Goodreads page at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62328949-a-purrfect-christmas