Dear Santa; Book Review

Dear Santa; Book Review

Dear Santa is one of the many great Christmas books carefully selected by our editors and experts.
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Dear Santa

Rod Campbell
Scores 4.8 from 2730 ratings

Dear Santa is a lift-the-flap book written and illustrated by Rod Campbell. It was first published in 2004 and is a follow-up to Campbell’s popular book Dear Zoo.

The story follows a child who writes a letter to Santa Claus asking for a present. Santa receives the letter and sets off on his sleigh to deliver the gift. Along the way, he encounters various animals who ask him to deliver gifts to their children as well. Santa is happy to oblige, and he soon has a sack full of presents.

When Santa arrives at the child’s house, he leaves the gift under the tree. The next morning, the child wakes up and finds the present. She is overjoyed and opens it to find a beautiful doll. The child is so happy that she decides to write a thank-you letter to Santa.

Dear Santa is a charming and heartwarming story that is perfect for young children. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and the lift-the-flaps add an element of interactivity that children will love. The story is also a great way to introduce children to the magic of Christmas.

In addition to being a fun and engaging read, Dear Santa also teaches children about the importance of giving and sharing. The story shows how Santa is willing to help others, even when he is busy delivering presents to all the children in the world. This message is sure to resonate with young readers and help them to develop a sense of compassion and empathy.

Overall, Dear Santa is a wonderful book that is sure to be enjoyed by children of all ages. It is a heartwarming story that teaches important lessons about giving, sharing, and the magic of Christmas.

Here are some additional thoughts on Dear Santa:

  • The book is well-written and easy to follow. The language is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for young children.
  • The illustrations are beautiful and colorful. They capture the magic of Christmas perfectly.
  • The lift-the-flaps are a great addition to the book. They add an element of interactivity that children will love.
  • The story is heartwarming and teaches important lessons about giving, sharing, and the magic of Christmas.

We highly recommend Dear Santa to anyone looking for a fun and engaging Christmas book for young children.

Recommended reading age: 1-3 years old

About the Author

Rod Campbell makes books for babies and toddlers, the best known being Dear Zoo, which has sold over two million copies worldwide. All his books have simple text, often with repeating phrases, ideal for the pre-reader. He uses flaps and touch-and-feel elements when appropriate.

 

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Granny Got a Sprout Stuck Up Her Sneezer; Book Review

Granny Got a Sprout Stuck Up Her Sneezer; Book Review

Granny Got a Sprout Stuck Up Her Sneezer is one of the many great Christmas books carefully selected by our editors and experts.
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Becci Murray 
Scores 4.6 from 427 ratings

Granny Got a Sprout Stuck Up Her Sneezer by Becci Murray is a funny and heartwarming picture book about a family’s Christmas dinner gone wrong. When Granny gets a sprout stuck up her nose, the whole family goes absolutely crazy trying to get it out. But the more they help, the more Granny yelps, and the more festive foods disappear. Will that pesky sprout ever leave Granny’s snout?

The book is written in rhyming couplets that are sure to get kids giggling. The illustrations are colorful and detailed, and they perfectly capture the chaos of the situation. The characters are all well-developed and relatable, and kids will love rooting for Granny to get her sprout out.

The book is a great choice for kids ages 4-7. It’s a fun and festive story that will have them laughing out loud. It’s also a great way to teach kids about the importance of family and teamwork.

Here are some of the things that we loved about the book:

  • The rhyming text is fun and engaging.
  • The illustrations are colorful and detailed.
  • The characters are well-developed and relatable.
  • The story is funny and heartwarming.
  • It’s a great choice for kids ages 3-7.

    Overall, we really enjoyed Granny Got a Sprout Stuck Up Her Sneezer. It’s a fun and heartwarming story that we would definitely recommend to kids.

    Recommended reading age: 4-7 years old

    About the Author

    Becci Murray is a British author from Gloucestershire. She used to write for children’s television and now writes humorous fiction for young readers. She is mum to a teenager, a big-footed cat, a chocolate Labrador and a giant snail, and her favourite books are by Roald Dahl, Philip Pullman and Terry Pratchett.

    You can learn more about Becci or send her a message by visiting llamahousebooks.com – she would love to hear from you!

     

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    Dasher; Book Review

    Dasher; Book Review

    Dasher is one of the many great Christmas books carefully selected by our editors and experts.
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    Dasher

     Matt Tavares
    Scores 4.8 from 4,201 ratings

    Dasher by Matt Tavares is a beautifully illustrated and heartwarming story about a young reindeer who dreams of a better life. Dasher lives in a traveling circus with her family, but she longs for the freedom to roam the snowy mountains. One night, she escapes from the circus and sets off on her own. She soon meets a kind man in a red suit with a horse-drawn sleigh. The man’s name is Santa Claus, and he is on his way to deliver presents to all the good little boys and girls. Dasher offers to help Santa, and together they have a magical Christmas Eve adventure.

    Dasher is a wonderful story for children of all ages. It is a story about courage, hope, and the power of dreams. The illustrations are stunning, and they perfectly capture the magic of Christmas. Tavares does an excellent job of bringing Dasher’s story to life, and he creates characters that readers will love. Dasher is a heartwarming story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

    One of the things that I love most about Dasher is that it is a story about following your dreams. Dasher is a young reindeer who is not content with her life in the circus. She wants to experience something more, and she is willing to risk everything to make her dream come true. This is a message that I think is important for all children to hear. It is important to never give up on your dreams, no matter how big or small they may seem.

    Another thing that I love about Dasher is the relationship between Dasher and Santa Claus. Santa is a kind and generous man, and he is always willing to help those in need. He sees the potential in Dasher, and he gives her the opportunity to live her dream. This is a reminder that there are good people in the world who are willing to help us achieve our goals.

    Dasher is a beautiful and heartwarming story that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a Christmas read. It is a story about courage, hope, and the power of dreams. Dasher is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

    Here are some additional thoughts on the book:

    • The illustrations are stunning and perfectly capture the magic of Christmas.
    • Tavares does an excellent job of bringing Dasher’s story to life, and he creates characters that readers will love.
    • Dasher is a heartwarming story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. 

    We highly recommend Dasher to anyone looking for a Christmas read.

    Recommended reading age: 3+ years old

    About the Author

    Matt Tavares created his first picture book as his senior project in college. That book eventually became Zachary’s Ball (Candlewick), which received a Massachusetts Book Award Honor, and was named one of Yankee Magazine’s 40 Classic New England Children’s Books.

    Since then, Matt has illustrated nineteen more books, nine of which he also wrote. Three titles received Parents’ Choice Gold Awards, two were named ALA Notable Books, one was an Orbis Pictus Honor Book, and eleven were selected for The Society of Illustrators Original Art exhibits.

    The most recent book he wrote and illustrated is Dasher (Candlewick). Learn more about Matt Tavares at tavaresbooks.com.

     

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    The Crayons’ Christmas; Book Review

    The Crayons’ Christmas; Book Review

    The Crayons’ Christmas is one of the many great Christmas books carefully selected by our editors and experts.
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    The Crayons’ Christmas

     Drew Daywalt
    Scores 4.7 from 1,095 ratings

    The Crayons’ Christmas is a children’s book written by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers that spent many months on the New York Times Top Ten bestseller list. Published in 2015 by Candlewick Press, the book is about a group of crayons who are trying to figure out what to do for Christmas. They decide to write a letter to Santa Claus, but they can’t agree on what to ask for. In the end, they decide to ask for a new crayon case.

    The book is told from the perspective of the crayons, and it is full of humor and heart. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and they perfectly capture the personalities of the crayons. The book is a great choice for young children who are looking for a fun and festive Christmas story.

    One of the things that makes The Crayons’ Christmas so special is its humor. The crayons are all very different, and they have their own unique personalities. This leads to a lot of funny moments, as the crayons try to figure out what to do for Christmas. For example, the red crayon is always trying to be the leader, while the blue crayon is always trying to be helpful. The yellow crayon is always happy, while the green crayon is always grumpy. The crayons’ different personalities make them very relatable to young children, and they help to create a lot of humor in the story.

    In addition to its humor, The Crayons’ Christmas is also a heartwarming story. The crayons are all very close friends, and they care about each other very much. This is evident in the way that they help each other out, even when they are arguing. For example, when the red crayon gets lost, the other crayons all work together to find him. The crayons’ friendship is one of the things that makes the story so special, and it is sure to touch the hearts of young readers.

    The illustrations in The Crayons’ Christmas are also a big part of what makes the book so special. Oliver Jeffers does a wonderful job of capturing the personalities of the crayons in his illustrations. The crayons are all very expressive, and they perfectly capture the humor and heart of the story. The illustrations are also very colorful, and they help to create a festive Christmas atmosphere.

    Overall, The Crayons’ Christmas is a wonderful children’s book. It is full of humor, heart, and beautiful illustrations. The book is sure to be a favorite of young readers for years to come.

    Here are some additional thoughts about the book:

    • The book is a great way to introduce children to the concept of Christmas. The crayons’ excitement about Christmas is contagious, and it is sure to get young children excited about the holiday as well.
    • The book is also a great way to teach children about friendship. The crayons’ friendship is one of the things that makes the book so special, and it is sure to teach young children the importance of friendship.
    • The book is also a great way to teach children about creativity. The crayons’ different personalities and talents are a great way to show children that everyone is creative in their own way.

    We highly recommend The Crayons’ Christmas to anyone who is looking for a fun, festive, and heartwarming children’s book.

    Recommended reading age: 3+ years old

    About the Author

    Although Drew Daywalt grew up in a haunted house, he now lives in a Southern California home, haunted by only his wife, two kids, and German Shepherd. A Hollywood screenwriter by trade, The Day the Crayons Quit was his first book for children. His favorite crayon is Black.

     

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    A Christmas Carol; Book Review

    A Christmas Carol; Book Review

    A Christmas Carol is one of the many great Christmas books carefully selected by our editors and experts.
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    A Christmas Carol

    Charles Dickens
    Scores 4.6 from 24,027 ratings

    When Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in 1843, he created an everlasting gift to the world, capturing the essence of the Christmas season’s love, kindness, and generosity. It is a timeless classic, and the uplifting magic of the story is as powerful today as it was when it was first published.

    First published in London on 19 December 1843, A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. After their visits, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man.

    The story is set in London in the 19th century. Scrooge is a cold-hearted man who cares only for money. He is cruel to his clerk, Bob Cratchit, and refuses to give charity to the poor. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley, who was once a miser like Scrooge. Marley tells Scrooge that he is doomed to wander the Earth for eternity, weighed down by heavy chains made of his own greed. He warns Scrooge to change his ways before it is too late.

    The next day, Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, who shows him scenes from his childhood and early adulthood. Scrooge sees how he was once a kind and generous man, but he was corrupted by money and greed. The Ghost of Christmas Present then shows Scrooge scenes of Christmas celebrations happening all over London. He sees how people are enjoying the holiday season with their families and friends. Finally, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Scrooge a vision of his own death. He sees how no one will mourn him, and how his only friend, Bob Cratchit, will be left to care for his crippled son, Tiny Tim.

    Scrooge is horrified by what he has seen. He realizes that he has wasted his life on money and greed, and that he has missed out on all the joy that Christmas can bring. He vows to change his ways, and he does. On Christmas Day, Scrooge is a changed man. He is kind and generous, and he takes pleasure in helping others. He even gives Bob Cratchit a raise.

    A Christmas Carol is a classic story that has been enjoyed by generations of readers. It is a story about the importance of love, compassion, and generosity. It is a story that reminds us that it is never too late to change our ways and make a difference in the world.

    The story is well-written and engaging. Dickens’s characters are memorable and relatable. The plot is simple but effective, and the message is clear. A Christmas Carol is a timeless classic that is sure to bring joy to readers of all ages.

    In addition to its timeless message, A Christmas Carol is also a beautifully written story. Dickens’s prose is lyrical and evocative, and he brings the Victorian world to life with his vivid descriptions. The characters are well-developed and believable, and the plot is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. A Christmas Carol is a classic for a reason, and it is sure to continue to be enjoyed by readers for many years to come.

    Here are some of the reasons why A Christmas Carol is such a beloved story:

    • It is a heartwarming story about redemption and the power of love.
    • It is a timeless tale that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
    • It is a well-written story with memorable characters and a compelling plot.
    • It is a story with a strong message about the importance of compassion and generosity.

    A Christmas Carol is a classic story that has stood the test of time. It is a story that is sure to bring joy to readers of all ages for many years to come.

    Recommended reading age: 9+ years old

    About the Author

    Near Portsmouth, where his father worked as a clerk in the navy pay office, Charles Dickens was born in 1812. In 1823, the family relocated to London, but their financial situation suffered greatly. When Dickens’ father was put in prison for debt, Dickens was made to work in a blacking warehouse. Both encounters had a significant impact on the aspiring novelist. He started submitting pieces to periodicals and newspapers in 1833, and in 1836 he began serialising The Pickwick Papers. Following that, Dickens released his best-known books over the period of the following 20 years, starting with Nicholas Nickleby and ending with Little Dorrit. He also served as editor of the publications All the Year Round and Household Words. He passed away in June 1870.

     

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