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/Winter Fiction in My TBR Pile

 

Check out my books on Goodreads for more information on these and other titles.

Christmas Picture Book Review: A Christmas Secret by Candace Hall

 

Get your kids in the holiday spirit by sharing with them A Christmas Secret by Candace Hall.

Santa's reindeer discover a lost black kitten named O'Malley while they are helping Santa deliver presents on Christmas Eve. Unable to find his home, they hide O'Malley on the sleigh and keep his presence a secret from Santa. Once they arrive back at the North Pole, many of the residents help take care of the tired, hungry little kitten. What would Santa say if he knew?

This is an unbelievably adorable story. You have Santa's reindeer acting like a kid hiding something he discovered on the way home from school. They know they're not supposed to bring O'Malley home, but what are they going to do? It's cold out. Besides, isn't Christmas the season of peace, love, and joy? While I wish the interior illustrations were in color, they are still cute. The small size of the book makes it easy for little hands to hold too.

Your children will be enchanted by A Christmas Secret by Candace Hall.

• Publisher: Tate Publishing
• ISBN-10:1617773530
• ISBN-13: 978-1617773532

This review first appeared at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. I received a copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book in exchange for my honest opinions. I received no monetary compensation of any kind to provide my review.

Seasonal Stories with Great Messages

I received a box of books for Michael Neugebauer Publishing from their publicist. I've only had a chance to read a couple of them, but as soon as I did, I had to share them with you.

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry with pictures by Sonja Danowski

This edition takes the classic story by O. Henry and sets it to beautiful artwork by Sonja Danowski. The oversized hardcover makes a perfect coffee table book. I usually display my seasonal titles throughout the house at Christmas time, so this one will prominently be displayed in the reading room.

If you’re unfamiliar with the story, it goes something like this. Della and Jim are a young married couple who desire to give each other a special Christmas gift. After a year of scrimping and saving, Della discovers she has very little money to purchase a gift for Jim. But she soon comes up with an idea for how she can get enough money to buy him just what he needs, which leads to some surprises on Christmas Eve.

Keeping in mind that O. Henry lived from 1862-1910, the text is much more eloquent than one would expect of a picture book today. The author was also known for his wit and his wordplay, so some of the prose might not hit its mark with a younger audience. This would make a great read aloud for families.

ISBN-13: 9789888240579
Publisher: minedition
Publication date: 11/1/2013
Pages: 32
Ages 9 and up

The Message of the Birds by Kate Westerlund and illustrated by Feridun Oral

The Message of the Birds starts off with the old owl telling the story of the birth of a special child long ago in a stable, where all the animals hear the baby’s coos as a song of blessing and good will. The birds then ask why they don’t sing it anymore. After many possible reasons are given, the robin suggests sharing the message with the children. So the birds fly far and wide, telling every bird to share the message with every child, which the children then share with the world.

This is a touching story made lovelier by the stunning artwork of Feridun Oral. If you want to add meaning to your Christmas, this is great book to share with your family.

ISBN-13: 9789888240555
Publisher: minedition
Publication date: 11/1/2013
Edition description: Reprint
Pages: 32
Age range: 3 - 5 Years

I received free copies of these books. These reviews contain my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

The Snowy Nap by Jan Brett

 

When winter comes, Hedgie tries to stay awake so he doesn’t miss out on all the fun his friends are having.

Snow is on the way, and as Hedgie trundles around the farm all his friends tell him of the winter-time fun he will miss as he hibernates–Icicles decorating the chicken coop! Lisa making snowmen! The pond turned to slippery ice! It sounds so amazing, Hedgie decides to stay awake instead of going to his burrow. But then a snowstorm starts. Luckily, Lisa finds him and brings him inside so Hedgie gets to see the wonders of winter from inside the cozy house.

Age Range: 4 - 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 3

Lexile Measure: 0660

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers; 1st Edition edition (October 16, 2018)

ISBN-10: 0399170731

ISBN-13: 978-0399170737