Picture Book Review: How to Decorate a Christmas Tree by Vikki VanSickle

How to Decorate a Christmas Tree by Vikki VanSickle is a sweet story of the season.

A young girl is sharing the steps to decorate a Christmas tree... but it is so much more. It's about the special memories, beloved traditions, and favorite things that happen as this family decorates the tree that is so endearing. Readers of How to Decorate a Christmas Tree will be delighted by this seasonal tale with beautiful three-dimensional artwork by Miki Sato. And with a special surprise at the end, this wonderful story is sure to charm readers of all ages.

I know it's early in the year yet, but this might be my favorite children's Christmas book of the 2023.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tundra Books (October 10, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0735268584
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0735268586
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3

This review first appeared at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. I requested a NetGalley copy of this story for review. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in anyway.

Picture Book Review: 'Twas the Night by Marin

 

‘TWAS THE NIGHT by Marin is a wordless book that “tells” a heartwarming and inspirational Christmas story. The illustrations gift each reader, young and young at heart, the opportunity to re-imagine the season’s wonder and the freedom “to script” (if they choose to) their own lines to go with the images. Keep dreaming big!

In this book filled with stunning artwork, the reader discovers a story of their own making. A young boy finds an injured bird and brings it back to full health, leading to a magical experience for both of them.

This is an interesting concept for a children's picture book. There is no doubt the artwork is beautiful and weaves a magical story. I'm not sure younger readers will grasp the concept since they are still learning to read, but with a parent's help, they can be guided along. The artwork lends itself to many possibilities, and your imagination can run a bit wild with backstory for the child and the bird.

‘TWAS THE NIGHT is unique and meaningful. I would like to see more from this artist.

Publisher: Fontreal

Pages: 32

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Purchase from Fontreal

This post first appeared at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. 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.

Picture Book Review: Little Mole's Christmas Gift by Glenys Nellist

A sweet story from beginning to end is what you’ll find in Little Mole’s Christmas Gift by Glenys Nellist.

Little Mole is thrilled when he finds the perfect mushroom for Mama’s Christmas gift. As he is dragging it home, he comes upon some woodland friends in need, and proves kindness is one of the best gifts of the season.

This is one of those Christmas stories you and the kids will never tire of reading. A little one so excited about giving his mother the best gift he can find, suddenly has to make decisions about how he can best help his friends.

Sally Garland’s artwork on Little Mole’s Christmas Gift is adorable and so realistic you can almost feel the wind blowing the snow around. These two women collaborate so well together. I can’t wait for more Little Mole stories.

A charming story of the season awaits you and your little ones. Highly recommended.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Beaming Books; Illustrated edition (October 6, 2020)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1506448755
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1506448756
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 6 years, from customers
• Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD520L
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 1 - 2

This review first appeared at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. I received a digital copy from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Picture Book Review: Merry Myrrh The Christmas Bat by Regan W.H. Macaulay

What do you get when you combine a bat, a squirrel, and a farmhouse family during Christmas? A sweet, seasonal story that is sure to become a Christmas classic. 

Myrrh is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Raft, who live in the brown barn next to the white farmhouse with its big bay window all decorated for Christmas. Myrrh wants to visit the farmhouse's Nativity scene like his parents have done year after year. When he sneaks off with the help of Sensa Squirrel, Myrrh finds himself in a spot of trouble and gets some unexpected help.

Merry Myrrh The Christmas Bat by Regan W. H. Macaulay, has been updated and published by Pandemonium Publishing House. This wonderful story that first caught my attention in 2018, is even more delightful than I remember.

Macaulay teamed up with artist Alex Zgud again to bring Myrrh's story to life. The glorious colors that fill this book's pages alongside Macaulay's descriptive text paint the perfect Christmas story for this animal family settled on this farming family's land. I fell in love all over again.

If you only buy one new Christmas book for your youngster this year, make it Merry Myrrh The Christmas Bat.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pandamonium Publishing House (October 8, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1989506437
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1989506431
• Purchase from the publisher at https://pandamoniumpublishing.com/product/merry-myrrh-the-christmas-bat/. Also available at other online retailers.

This review first appeared at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. I received a free digital copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.