Christmas Picture Book Review: Small Camel Follows the Star by Rachel W. N. Brown

Join small camel as he journeys with Balthazar, Melchior, and Gaspar, following a star to deliver special packages to a newborn king.

Small Camel Follows the Star by Rachel W. N. Brown tells the story of the Three Wise Men visiting the Holy Family from a young camel's perspective. A calf of one of Balthazar's camels, Small Camel and his mother watch as Balthazar studies long scrolls filled with important lines and words. On the night a bright star appears, Balthazar announces they must prepare for a journey. Unsure of why he is being chosen to join the caravan, Small Camel endures an arduous journey while they add two more packages to his back. Will he be happy when they arrive?

Small Camel Follows the Star is a heartwarming way to share a story we know well. Everything about this story is precious: Small Camel's curiosity about Balthazar and their journey, his overhearing what the three men say, his wondering about what he is carrying, and the book's touching ending. With beautiful artwork by Guiliano Ferri, Small Camel Follows the Star is certain to be a wonderful and unique way to share a well-known Christmas story.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B098Z44XY7
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Albert Whitman & Company
• Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 1, 2007
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 12.2 MB
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled 
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled 
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0807590362
• Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled 
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years

I borrowed this book from the local library. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. This book appears to only be available in digital format for sale.

Christmas Romance Review: Christmas on Reindeer Road by Debbie Mason

 

If you're looking for a sweet, heartwarming, and sometimes funny small-town Christmas romance, then grab a copy of Christmas on Reindeer Road by Debbie Mason. 

After her husband's death, Mallory Maitland returns to Highland Falls to give her stepsons a magical holiday despite the trauma of a history of abandonment connected with her childhood home. But when Oliver and Brooks land in hot water, the caring and handsome Chief of Police Gabriel Buchanan becomes a distraction. 

When Gabriel's wife died, he left his job as a homicide detective in New York City to focus on raising his three sons, Dylan, Cody, and Teddy. Though he is attracted to Mallory, with his mother-in-law looking for any excuse to gain custody of his sons, he can't afford to misstep, even if he's certain Mallory is the only woman capable of bringing his family joy this Christmas--and in the future. 

This book is Christmas magic! I loved everything about this novel from beginning to end. The small-town feel with modern elements, like Mallory's best friend Abby, who is a social media influencer. The spirit of the season pitted against some slightly annoying teenage boys who are determined to interfere with Teddy's desire to have a magical Christmas and Mallory's attempts to bring her closer to her stepsons. How grief affects people and how mistakes can lead to years' worth of misunderstandings. And most importantly, that despite it all, love often wins out. 

Christmas on Reindeer Road is the perfect book to read if you are a fan of reconciliations, happy endings, and the magic of the season!

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Forever
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 29, 2020
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1538716968
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1538716960

I purchased this book from ThriftBooks. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas Picture Book Review: Little Angel's Christmas Son by Kerstin Hau

One little angel wonders what type of angel they are, so they try out different things until they discover their true purpose on Christmas Eve.

Little Angel's Christmas Song by Kerstin Hau is a beautifully told, stunningly illustrated story of an angel seeking their purpose. The little angel knows that every angel is created with a special purpose, but theirs seems to elude them. They try and try, but nothing seems to work right, until the sounds of bells ring in the air on Christmas Eve.

After reading two humorous children's titles in a row, stepping back to approach a touching, heartwarming story like Little Angel's Christmas Song was such a treasure. The folk-inspired artwork by Sela Marlin Soganci is just as lovely and wonderful as the story by Hau.

Young readers ages 4 to 8 will enjoy following along this little angel's journey to find its special and meaningful purpose.

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

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ NorthSouth Books
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 9, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 073584576X
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0735845763

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

Christmas Picture Book Review: Never Let A Unicorn Meet A Reindeer! by Diane Alber

If you are looking for an outrageously funny Christmas story to share with the young people in your life, grab a copy of Never Let A Unicorn Meet A Reindeer! written and illustrated by Diane Alber.

When a girl asks for a reindeer to visit her summer birthday party, chaos ensues. After all, Santa has warned her not to let her unicorn meet a reindeer, so what should she expect when it happens? Unicorn and reindeer clash, but they rise to the occasion when Santa needs help on Christmas Eve.

I applaud an author who has such creativity. Alber has a series of Unicorn books that are so playful and silly that it's no wonder they are so popular. Also a talented artist, her black and white illustrations with spots of color are instantly recognizable. Love the expression on the girl's face on the front cover.

This is a modern and unique twist on a familiar Christmas story that will delight young readers and have them laughing aloud. Such a fun book!

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sourcebooks Wonderland
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 2, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1464259291
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1464259296

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

Christmas Picture Book Review: The Birds of Christmas by Olivia Armstrong

 

Lovers of Christmas and folktales will enjoy The Birds of Christmas by Olivia Armstrong.

On a chilly night in Bethlehem, the Raven spreads the exciting news to his feathered friends that a child has been born. They fly to a humble stable, where they give gifts to the newborn babe. The little Robin fears he has nothing to give, but quickly discovers even the tinniest bird can make a difference.

The Birds of Christmas is a beautifully told folktale that reminds us we all have special talents and gifts. With the Raven's recurring call to wake up, he spreads the joy of a new baby being born to them. Then the birds busily get to work before meeting the child and his mother, Mary. 

Young readers will be treated to reading a legend of how robins got their red breast in a tale that unfolds against the stunning artwork from Mira Miroslavova. Golds and blues blend together in delightful artistry, bringing forth an eye-catching story that will have readers turning page after page. 

A unique and meaningful way to celebrate the Nativity can be found in The Birds of Christmas. Coming August 19 from Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, you can pre-order the book now. 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 12, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0802856470
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0802856470
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12 ounces
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years

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

Reminder I'm Looking to Review Your Christmas Products in 2025!

 

Photo credit: freepik

Being a lover of all things Christmas and as someone who has been reviewing products since 2007, I am looking to help you spread the word about your seasonal book, family-friendly movie, home decorating, or cooking/baking products.

Here is a short list of what I'm most interested in, but I'm open to other inquiries:

Books

• Picture books
• Chapter books
• Clean romance novellas

Movies

• Animated 
• Drama
• Clean romance
• Clean comedy

Decor and Storage Items

• Cottagecore
• Modern farmhouse
• Traditional
• Country/Rustic
• Indoor and outdoor
• Holiday storage products

Cooking/Baking

• Supplies--specialty pots, pans, utensils, cookie cutters, aprons, tools, etc.
• Ingredients
• Cookbooks

If you would like me to help spread the word, please contact me at ccmal(at)charter(dot)net, replacing at and dot with the appropriate symbols. Please put "Christmas Product Review" in the subject line of your email. 

Below are the stats from personal social media accounts as of June 14, 2025. Books might be cross-posted to The Book Connection or The Children's and Teens' Book Connection, so I am including that information as well.

Facebook friends 2.4K
Author page followers 589
Twitter/X followers 3,630
LinkedIn Connections 2,201
Instagram followers 1,532

Pinterest followers 229

Goodreads Friends - 792

The Book Connection - Average Monthly Visits 10,532

The Children's and Teens' Book Connection - Average Monthly Visits 265

Christmas Year Round blog - Average Monthly Visits 2,781

Looking to Review Your Christmas Products in 2025!

 

Photo credit: freepik

Being a lover of all things Christmas and as someone who has been reviewing products since 2007, I am looking to help you spread the word about your seasonal book, family-friendly movie, home decorating, or cooking/baking products.

Here is a short list of what I'm most interested in, but I'm open to other inquiries:

Books

• Picture books
• Chapter books
• Clean romance novellas

Movies

• Animated 
• Drama
• Clean romance
• Clean comedy

Decor and Storage Items

• Cottagecore
• Modern farmhouse
• Traditional
• Country/Rustic
• Indoor and outdoor
• Holiday storage products

Cooking/Baking

• Supplies--specialty pots and pans, utensils, cookie cutters, aprons, tools, etc.
• Ingredients
• Cookbooks

If you would like me to help spread the word, please reach out to me at ccmal(at)charter(dot)net, replacing at and dot with the appropriate symbols. Please put "Christmas Product Review" in the subject line of your email. 

Below are the stats from personal social media accounts as of January 14, 2025. Books might be cross-posted to The Book Connection or The Children's and Teens' Book Connection, so I am including that information as well.

Facebook friends 2.3K
Author page followers 590
Twitter/X followers 3,570
LinkedIn Connections 2,190
Instagram followers 1,444

Pinterest followers 228

Goodreads Friends - 789

The Book Connection - Average Monthly Visits 16,673

The Children's and Teens' Book Connection - Average Monthly Visits 265

Christmas Year Round blog - Average Monthly Visits 1,096

Devotional Review: Jesus Listens for Advent & Christmas by Sarah Young

 

If you are looking for a beautifully illustrated, meaningful devotional for Advent and Christmas, Jesus Listens for Advent & Christmas by Sarah Young needs to be on your list. 

Including excerpts from Jesus Listens® and Jesus Calling, this heartwarming devotional is filled with prayers, reflections, and Bible verses. At the end of the 40 days, which runs from December 1st - January 6th, the reader will find blank, lined pages to write down their Christmas prayers.

I loved everything about Jesus Listens for Advent & Christmas: the format, the stunning illustrations, the carefully crafted devotions and reflections, and the choice of verses. The illustrations display the beauty of God's nature, the symbols of Christmas and the peace, love, and joy that fills the season. A gold ribbon allows the reader to easily keep track of their progress. Perfect as a gift for others or for you, Jesus Listens for Advent & Christmas will be one of the most touching gifts received. I look forward to reading this book again next Christmas.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thomas Nelson (October 3, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1400244242
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1400244249

This is a book from my personal collection. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

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 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.

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 Romance Book Review: A Celtic Yuletide Carol by Jennifer Ivy Walker

 

Adventure and romance await you in A Celtic Yuletide Carol by Jennifer Ivy Walker. 

After the loss of his wife, Sir Cardin, now known as Basati, the Basque Wolf, drowns his guilt with golden mead in raucous taverns, amassing incredible debt and acquiring dangerous enemies. 

Ulla, the widowed daughter of a Viking chieftain, was rendered mute by trauma. She now avoids humans--especially babies and children--preferring the company of her wolf and falcon as she hunts in the Brocéliande Forest.

Summoned home by his dying mother's wish, Cardin finally meets the son he abandoned and Ulla, who is teaching his son to hunt. With the holidays approaching, Basati finds himself smitten with the beautiful Ulla as he bonds with his forsaken child. But with past enemies plotting against him, Basati is soon ensnared in a dangerous trap. 

Can music lure his savage heart into the light of love? 

The reader first meets a drunken Cardin after his brother Gaultier comes to collect him after another barfight has left him incapacitated. None too happy, Gaultier vows to bring his brother home. But it will be their mother's letter stating she wants to see her sons before she dies that brings them back, giving Cardin a chance to meet the son he abandoned on the the night he was born. 

In the following chapter, the reader meets Ulla, who has experienced her own tragedy, which traumatized her so much that she lost her beautiful voice and is now mute. They also meet Cardin's parents and his son. 

The romance unfolds between Cardin and Ulla nicely, but their happiness is threatened by powerful enemies determined to seek revenge on the Basque Wolf from Biarritz and motivated to interfere in world affairs. 

While I found the opening a bit slow, once Cardin and Gaultier returned, the pace picked up and the fate of well-developed characters in A Celtic Yuletide Carol encouraged me to turn page after page to see how Cardin and Ulla's intense, yet new, romance would survive and if Cardin could become the father his son desperately wanted. With a hint of healing magic, fans of historical holiday romances will be intrigued with A Celtic Yuletide Carol. 

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CXMB26VL
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (November 6, 2024)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 6, 2024
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 816 KB
• Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 187 pages

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 Women's Fiction Review: The Merry Matchmaker by Sheila Roberts

 Come along with Frankie Lane as she meddles in everyone's lives in the town of Carol with a mix of interesting, and sometimes hilarious, results. 

The Merry Matchmaker by Sheila Roberts is a modern retelling of Jane Austen's Emma. In this fun and romantic novel, widow Frankie Lane enjoys matchmaking and meddling in the lives of the residents in Carol. Owner of the Holiday Happiness gift shop, Frankie thinks she knows just what everyone needs: her mother, her daughter, her friend Viola, even the young woman who works at her shop, Elinor. Seemingly unaware of the disastrous turns some of her meddling creates, Frankie never seems to run out of ideas. That's okay, because she is certain no one can get along without her help. 

Her idea of the Santa Walk has been a huge success for the town of Carol. She and Mitch have played Santa and Mrs. Claus since Frankie came up with the idea, and it just gets better every year. Mitch was her strong shoulder when Frankie lost her husband in a freak accident, and she is determined to repay the favor by finding him someone special, whether Mitch is interested or not. 

The Merry Matchmaker is equal parts funny, romantic, and heartwarming. This charming cast of characters living in the small town of Carol will capture your heart and tickle your funny bone. As Frankie maneuvers to "help" her friends and loved ones, the unanticipated consequences bring about mixed results, especially as far as Elinor is concerned.

Roberts has that knack for knowing what works. She is the queen of women's fiction, and her style and wit make for a fantastic story that keeps you turning page after page. I polished this one off sooner than planned because I couldn't put it down. 

If you love romantic tales of the season, women's fiction, or stories sprinkled with a dose of humor set in memorable places, you will want to grab a copy of The Merry Matchmaker. 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ MIRA; Original edition (October 1, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0778369609
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0778369608

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

Christmas Inspirational Romance Review: The Prodigal's Holiday Hope

 

The Prodigal's Holiday Hope by Jill Kemerer is a story of moving on from past hurts and the hope that comes from second chances. 

When Sawyer Roth decides to return to Sunshine Bend, he has no idea what his buddies will think of him. Rumor is he has been up to no good since his father's death and squandering away his inheritance, but Ken McKay needs a ranch manager and Sawyer needs a job away from the city, so he returns to the ranch once owned by his family for a fresh start. What he doesn't expect is Tess Malone.

Tess and her son, Tucker, live with Ken on the ranch. Her stubborn father didn't even tell her that he hired that no good Sawyer to manage it. Well, Sawyer won't win her over quickly, even if he did grow up on Sunshine Bend and she is desperate for help. But with Christmas approaching, and her dad in dire straits, Tess has to lean more on Sawyer than she would like. 

Sawyer isn't fond of getting too close to Tess either. But she and her son sure could weave their way into his heart if he isn't careful. 

I loved The Prodigal's Holiday Hope so much that I stayed up late to finish it. I simply couldn't wait to see how it all turned out. The first book in Kemerer's Wyoming Ranchers series is a strong debut, bringing together an engaging plot, well-developed characters, romance, and the ranching life. Cowboy romances remain one of my favorites, and The Prodigal's Holiday Hope is a fine example of an author knowing her audience and delivering a solid story that will leave you yearning for more. Lucky for readers, there are four other books in this series.

If you enjoy romance, second chances, seeing characters learn how to move on from past hurts, and seasonal stories filled with the joy and hope of the holidays, then you need to grab The Prodigal's Holiday Hope today!

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B095X2R6NY
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love Inspired; Original edition (October 26, 2021)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 26, 2021
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 1707 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 174 pages

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

Looking to Review Your Christmas Books, Movies, and Products

 

Photo credit: freepik

Looking to review your Christmas products! Being a lover of all things Christmas, and as someone who has been reviewing products since 2007, I am looking to help you spread the word about your seasonal book, family-friendly movie, home decorating or cooking/baking products.

Here is a short list of what I'm most interested in, but I'm open to other inquiries:

Books

• Picture books
• Chapter books
• Clean romance novellas

Movies

• Animated 
• Drama
• Clean romance
• Clean comedy

Decor

• Modern farmhouse
• Traditional
• Country/Rustic
• Indoor and outdoor

Cooking/Baking

• Supplies--speciality pots and pans, utensils, cookie cutters, aprons, tools, etc.
• Ingredients
• Cookbooks

If you would like me to help spread the word, please reach out to me at ccmal(at)charter(dot)net, replacing at and dot with the appropriate symbols. 

Below are the stats from personal social media accounts. Books might be cross-posted to The Book Connection or The Children's and Teens' Book Connection, so I am including that information as well.

Facebook friends 2.3K
Author page followers 589
Twitter followers 3,633
LinkedIn Connections 2,183
Instagram followers 1,462

Pinterest followers 228

Goodreads Friends - 792

The Book Connection - Average Monthly Visits 11,435

The Children's and Teens' Book Connection - Average Monthly Views 53

Cookbook Review: Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Comfort Foods Cookbook

 

Are you in the mood for some comfort foods? Then you need to check out Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Comfort Foods Cookbook. 

Though not a Christmas cookbook, comfort food and the holidays go hand in hand. Brunstetter, a bestselling author of Amish fiction, has compiled hundreds of comfort food recipes submitted by Amish and Mennonite friends who live in plain communities around the country. 

In between, readers will find a personal story, Scripture verses, Amish sayings, and stunning photography. This cookbook includes everything from beverages to desserts to main dishes and sides and so much more! I'm eager to try some of the "cozy and crusty breads."

This NetGalley digital copy was only a sample of the text, but if the rest of the book is like the sample, I'll be hooked. And so will you! It's like taking all the comfort food recipes from your favorite Amish novels and compiling them in one sweet spot. 

Highly recommended!

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Barbour Publishing (November 1, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Spiral-bound ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1636099734
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1636099736

I downloaded this digital sample from NetGalley. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in anyway.

Christmas Picture Book Review: One Wild Christmas by Nicholas Oldland

One Wild Christmas by author and illustrator Nicholas Oldland is a delightful, zany, and creative holiday treat for young readers.

A moose, a beaver, and a bear get together to celebrate their favorite time of year. On Christmas Eve they are getting everything together when they realize they have forgotten the tree. So, off to the forest they dash to find the perfect one. But once find it, the bear can't stand the thought of the beautiful tree being harmed. Is there a way to save Christmas?

One Wild Christmas is part Goldilocks, part crazy antics, and part navigating friendship all rolled into one seasonal tale that will leave you with a warm heart and a full smile. Part of Oldland's Life in the Wild series, this book embraces nature with a storyline and artwork that make you feel like you're on an outdoor adventure alongside its animal characters.

If you and your youngsters enjoy seasonal stories with fun artwork and a tiny lesson tucked inside, One Wild Christmas should be on your wish list.

Highly recommended!

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kids Can Press; Illustrated edition (September 3, 2019)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1525302035
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1525302039
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7 years
• Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD590L
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 2

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

Christmas Cookbooks: The Christmas Movie Cookbook by Julia Rutland

 

While browsing social media one day in November, I came across an ad that included The Christmas Movie Cookbook by Julia Rutland. One of the kids ended up buying me this book for Christmas. 

This colorful and fun cookbook includes recipes from some of your favorite holiday films--or films with memorable Christmas scenes--through the decades: The Polar Express, Little Women, Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone, Christmas in Connecticut, Gremlins, Elf, and more.

Separated into typical cookbook section format, the glossy pages include beautiful photographs and a discussion of the movie from which each recipe comes. Rutland opens with her introduction, tips for entertaining, and holiday menu ideas based upon the recipes found inside, then concludes with metric charts for those outside of the United States, a helpful index, and information about herself.

What I love most about The Christmas Movie Cookbook is the variety of recipes included and the diverse types of movies featured. Whether you are looking for new holiday menus to inspire your entertaining, seeking to find some interesting pop culture tidbits, or just want to try some new recipes, The Christmas Movie Cookbook is an excellent resource to explore.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ S&S/Simon Element (September 6, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1982189371
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1982189372

This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas Picture Book Review: Scrapper's Christmas Story by Maria J. Andrade

A heartwarming tale of the season is what you'll find in Scrapper's Christmas Story by Maria J. Andrade.

An angel tells the story of Scrapper, the smallest dog in a pack of street dogs, without a home. Kind Mr. Rosario feeds them, but all of them run away when he comes too close. But on a snowy Christmas Eve, Scrapper steps in to help someone, which might just lead to all his dreams coming true.

If you like sweet holiday stories, Scrapper's Christmas Story is definitely one to add to your list. I can't give away too many details without revealing the plot, but Andrade's story is one that embodies the spirit of the season. While not a faith-based book, there are what some would call faith-based elements within the story.

I would have appreciated an editor's final touch on the text to fix a few punctuation and grammar errors, and the formatting for the e-book is not quite right when read on my Kindle or with the Kindle app on my laptop. Those didn't, however, take away from the story for me.

Besides the unfolding tale, the beautiful artwork by artist Julie L. Weaver makes this a book worth exploring. Snowy scenes throughout the city, featuring its many apartment buildings, the pet shop, the church, and even the alleyways, are brought to life through Weaver's illustrations.

If you know a child who likes dog stories, touching Christmas stories, or even stories with happy endings, then Scrapper's Christmas Story should be on your list to buy.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clara Publishing (November 18, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 36 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1734290005
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1734290004

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