Category: children

Author: Howard Binkow
Illustrator: Susan Cornelison
Publisher: Thunderbolt Publishing
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-0-9826165-4-3
Pages: 32
Price: $15.00

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Howard B. Wigglebottom doesn’t like to share. He keeps his toys all to himself and he is working on a very long gift list for Santa. But when he is unexpectedly separated from his family at the train station, along with his big bag of toys, Howard has to figure out what to do. He’s very fortunate to meet some new friends who want to help him get home. And in the process he learns to be thankful for what he has and how to give.

Just like the rest of this series, Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Power of Giving includes a discussion guide for parents and teachers to focus on the main points of this story. Kids will talk about why new gifts lose their luster quickly, how to start letting others play with their toys, and what it might feel like not to have the people and home they take for granted. This book provides a great lesson in gratitude and sharing.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author & Illustrator: Simon Abbott
Publisher: Ticktock Books
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1-78325-184-1
Pages: 64
Price: $8.99

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The anticipation of Christmas can be hard for little ones to bear. So it’s a good idea to keep them occupied while waiting for Santa’s arrival. The Christmas Fun Sticker Activity Book is the perfect answer to their impatience. With plenty of puzzles, reusable stickers, and images of Santa and his reindeer, kids will enjoy Christmas for weeks preceding the holiday.

Keep this book on hand, along with plenty of hot chocolate and cookies, Christmas music, decorations and lights, and your kids will really enjoy the holiday season.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Jessika Daly
Illustrator: Terdell L. Johnson
Publisher: Yourmom206
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-692-23251-4
Pages: 28
Price: $19.99

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Turkey is excited because tomorrow is Thanksgiving and there will be cake and presents and a big party. But when he shares his enthusiasm with Mr. Bear, he finds out that those things happen on his birthday, not on Thanksgiving. Running through each of the holidays and events over the course of the year, Turkey keeps coming back to Mr. Bear, only to find out that, once again, he’s mistaken.

Mr. Bear only shakes his head each time saying, “Silly Turkey.” Finally, Turkey comes back and asks about what will really happen on Thanksgiving. Mr. Bear’s parting line is priceless, and I won’t spoil the fun by revealing it. But kids will roar with laughter when they hear what he has to say.

Thanksgiving is all about the turkey, and we know this story can’t end well. But since Turkey and Mr. Bear concludes with a humorous line, kids won’t dwell on what might happen to Turkey, and can simply enjoy the joke. This book is pure Thanksgiving fun.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Lisa Trumbauer
Illustrator: Jannie Ho
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1-4549-1356-6
Pages: 32
Price: $6.95

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It’s the week before Christmas, and Santa is frantic. The reindeer are on strike and decide they won’t be pulling his sleigh this year. So Santa decides to hire some new staff. Surely there are other animals who would be willing to help!

But poor Santa doesn’t anticipate the many problems he’ll run into as he attempts test runs with his new crews. Dogs, cats, elephants, and kangaroos all try hard, but just can’t handle the job. What can Santa do?

Using rhyming verse in the style of “Twas the night before Christmas…” this wacky book details Santa’s frustrations in attempting to replace his striking reindeer. Kids will giggle with delight over the silly predicaments the replacement animals find themselves in. But all ends well, as Santa and the reindeer finally come to an agreement.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Philip Yates
Illustrator: Sebastia Serra
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1-4549-1357-3
Pages: 32
Price: $6.95

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“Twas the night before Christmas aboard the Black Sark…” These pirates aren’t waiting for Santa Claus – instead they are hoping for a visit from Sir Peg. Riding a sleigh pulled by eight giant sea horses, and sporting an eye patch, peg leg, and hook, Sir Peg is a sight to see. But he comes bringing joyous gifts to all the crew.

With the same rhyming cadence as the original, A Pirate’s Night Before Christmas is an alternative and fun Christmas Eve read. Kids of all ages will enjoy it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Lisa Marsoli
Illustrator: Keith Andrew Finch
Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1-62686-197-8
Pages: 12
Price: $19.95

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“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” first appeared on television in 1964. In celebration of its 50 year anniversary, the original story has been reproduced in this pop-up book. These beloved characters – Rudolph, Yukon Cornelius, Hermey the elf, and the Abominable Snow Monster, as well as many others – are all recreated with actual images from the TV special.

Journey with Rudolph, listening to the other reindeer laugh at his nose, meeting Yukon Cornelius, visiting the Island of Misfit Toys, and finally guiding Santa’s sleigh in the blizzard. This book has been recommended for children ages three and up, but adults may want to handle this somewhat fragile pop-up book for young children. All fans of classic Christmas TV programs will love this book.

Reviewer: Alice Berger