Dasher; Book Review

Dasher; Book Review

Dasher is one of the many great Christmas books carefully selected by our editors and experts.
If you buy from a link, we may earn a small commission.

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.

 

Menkind Advent Calendars

Purchaser Reviews

L. Allan

L. Allan

Mrs W

Mrs W

Fiorenza

Fiorenza

Emma_C

Emma_C

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.
If you buy from a link, we may earn a small commission.

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.

 

Menkind Advent Calendars

Purchaser Reviews

ECW

ECW

Carrie Marshall

Carrie Marshall

CharlieFarley

CharlieFarley

Sarah

Sarah

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.
If you buy from a link, we may earn a small commission.

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.

 

Menkind Advent Calendars

Purchaser Reviews

rocky

rocky

Bernard Fletcher

Bernard Fletcher

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 April 2023

Dave Bloomer

Dave Bloomer

RedDream

RedDream

The Christmas Pig; Book Review

The Christmas Pig; Book Review

The Christmas Pig is one of the many great Christmas books carefully selected by our editors and experts.
If you buy from a link, we may earn a small commission.

The Christmas Pig

J K Rowling
Scores 4.7 from 3,738 ratings

The Christmas Pig is a children’s novel by J.K. Rowling, illustrated by Jim Field. First published in 2021, the story follows Jack, a young boy who loses his beloved toy pig. Jack loves his childhood toy, Dur Pig, who has always been there for him. Through the good and the bad. Until one Christmas Eve, something terrible happens – Dur Pig is lost. But Christmas Eve is a night for miracles and lost causes, a night when all things can come to life… even toys. 

Jack sets out on a magical journey to find Dur Pig, accompanied by the Christmas Pig, a new toy who comes to life on Christmas Eve. Along the way, Jack learns about the importance of friendship, family, and love.

The Christmas Pig is a heartwarming and magical story that will appeal to children of all ages. Rowling’s writing is evocative and engaging, and Field’s illustrations are charming and whimsical. The story is full of adventure, humor, and heart, and it will stay with readers long after they finish the book.

One of the things that makes The Christmas Pig so special is its cast of characters. Jack is a relatable and sympathetic boy, and the Christmas Pig is a loyal and funny friend. The other characters in the book are also well-developed and memorable, including Jack’s parents, his step-siblings, and the various creatures he meets on his journey.

The Christmas Pig is also a story about loss and grief. Jack’s parents have recently divorced, and he is struggling to adjust to his new life. He feels lost and alone, and he misses Dur Pig more than anything. The story explores the ways in which loss can impact a person’s life, but it also shows how love and friendship can help people to heal.

The Christmas Pig is a beautiful and moving story that will stay with readers long after they finish the book. It is a story about friendship, family, love, and loss, and it is a story that will resonate with readers of all ages.

Overall, The Christmas Pig is a wonderful book that we highly recommend. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Recommended reading age: 7-11 years old

About the Author

J.K. Rowling is the author of the enduringly popular, era-defining Harry Potter book series, as well as several stand-alone novels for adults and children, and a bestselling crime fiction series written under the pen name Robert Galbraith.

The Harry Potter books have now sold over 600 million copies worldwide, been translated into 85 languages and made into eight blockbuster films. They continue to be discovered and loved by new generations of readers.

 

Menkind Advent Calendars

Purchaser Reviews

SophieRambles

SophieRambles

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 April 2023

Peter

Peter

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 March 2023

Antony

Antony

Kindle Customer

Kindle Customer

The Jolly Christmas Postman; Book Review

The Jolly Christmas Postman; Book Review

The Jolly Christmas Postman is one of the many great Christmas books carefully selected by our editors and experts.
If you buy from a link, we may earn a small commission.

The Jolly Christmas Postman

Allan Ahlberg
Scores 4.9 from 5,930 ratings

This is a story that we’ve all loved as a family. Our kids love it and we’ve no doubt your kids will enjoy it just as much.

It’s Christmas Eve and the Jolly Postman has the very important job of delivering festive greetings to all the fairy-tale characters. Join him on his rounds and take a peek at the cards and presents he delivers. There’s a get-well-soon gift for Humpty Dumpty, a special note from Mr Wolf to Red Riding Hood, and four more surprise envelopes. The fun rhyming verses and charming illustrations will delight all ages.

Recommended reading age: 3-5 years old

About the Author

Allan Ahlberg, a former teacher, postman, plumber’s mate and grave digger, is in the super-league of children’s writers. He has published over 100 children’s books and, with his late wife Janet, created such award winning picture books as EACH PEACH PEAR PLUM and THE JOLLY POSTMAN – both winners of the Kate Greenaway Medal. He has also written prize-winning poetry and fiction and lives in Sussex.

Janet Ahlberg, along with Allan Ahlberg, created some of the world’s most popular picture books, including EACH PEACH PEAR PLUM and THE JOLLY CHRISTMAS POSTMAN, both winners of Greenaway Medals, and THE BABY’S CATALOGUE, inspired by their daughter Jessica. Janet died in 1994.

 

Menkind Advent Calendars

Purchaser Reviews

Steadly

Steadly

vonp

vonp

BelleOutdoors

BelleOutdoors

Mel

Mel

The Night Before Christmas; Book Review

The Night Before Christmas; Book Review

The night before Christmas is one of the many great Christmas books carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a small commission.

The Night Before Christmas

Clement C Moore
Scores 4.7 from 10,709 ratings

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

This enchanting Christmas classic is responsible for many of our modern ideas of Santa and was a considerable influence on the writting of Twelve Feasts of Christmas

Clement Clarke Moore (July 15, 1779 – July 10, 1863) was an American writer and Professor credited and widely considered the author of the Christmas poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas“, first published anonymously in 1823. Since then this well loved poem has been printed many times over and has often been in the New York Times Best Sellers lists.

If you haven’t yet read it then make sure it is on your Christmas reading list this year.

Recommended reading age: 3-5 years old

This classic board book edition includes:

    • A beautifully 24-page sturdy board book
    • Rounded corners for toddlers
    • Lavish illustrations by renowned, New York Times #1 bestselling artist Charles Santore
    • The original poem by Clement Clark Moore
    • A nod to Dutch references in the poem, specifically the Dutch name “Donder” for one of the reindeer

Purchaser Reviews

Gez

Gez

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 January 2023

Amazon Customer

Amazon Customer

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 December 2022

Thomas Tobin

Thomas Tobin

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 November 2022