Ming's Christmas Wishes by Susan L. Gong, Masahiro Tateishi (Illustrations)

 

Ming wishes for three things at Christmas. First, to sing in the school Christmas choir. Second, to have a Christmas tree like the one in the department store window. And third, to feel she belongs somewhere.

As a daughter of immigrants in 1930s California, Ming is often treated differently than other children at school. She’s pointedly not invited to sing in the Christmas choir. At home, when Ming lobbies her parents for a Christmas tree, her mother scolds her for trying to be American. Ming doesn’t seem to fit in anywhere: she’s not quite American enough at school, not quite Chinese enough at home.

Seeing his daughter’s unhappiness, Pop takes her into the mountains to visit a wise old friend. Always happy for an adventure with her kind father, Ming hopes to persuade Pop to bring home a mountain pine to be their Christmas tree. But he has something else in mind, something that will help Ming draw strength from nature, from their Chinese heritage, and from deep and enduring family ties.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

What a sweet book.  I really loved the message of this story and the illustrations.  Ming's Pop takes the time to show Ming the places, the people and the purpose of her heritage instead of just telling her.  Ming is trying to find herself in a new country and it isn't easy to fit in and merge/keep traditions.  I can only imagine how difficult that would be.  Pop is a gentle, kind soul and I really loved him.

I loved learning a little more about the Chinese culture and especially what the pine tree represents.  The faces of the characters in the illustrations were my favorite.  They really told the whole story with their expressions.  

This is a beautiful story to add to my Christmas book collection.  

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Smarter Than a Monster: A Survival Guide by Brandon Mull, Mike Walton (Illustrations)

Page Count: 32
Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Manners & Etiquette
Ages 4 to 8, Grades 1 to 3
Cover Illustration by Mike Walton
Book Design: © Shadow Mountain

No monster wants you to read this book. The more you know about monsters, the more you will know how to defeat them.

Little kids have big fears, which they often imagine to be scary creatures, like monsters. But this book helps explain how knowing "Monster Facts" can help kids outwit them.

Want to avoid monsters?

Fact: Monsters love dirt and grime, so when faced with two kids, the monster will choose the dirty one every time.

And if toys and clothes are all over the floor, you may get ambushed by a mess-loving monster.

Survival Tip: Take baths and keep your room clean.

Smarter Than a Monster will arm young readers with practical advice in this innovative and imaginative parenting tool that teaches common sense and positive and healthy habits.

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This book is the cutest!  I absolutely adore it.  Of course, as a parent, this book encourages kids to do everything you want them to do- brush their teeth, clean their rooms, sleep in their own beds, take a bath, etc..  I can really get behind a book like that!   Yes, this book is filled with monsters, but they are more cute than frightening (as you can tell from the cover of this book).  The illustrations are bright, engaging and fun.  Youngsters will love looking at them.  I love looking at them!  The best kind of book is one that adults and children can enjoy reading together.  This book is perfect because adults will be just as entertained as the children.  I was laughing out loud in a couple places.  I really, really love this book!

-I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author:

Brandon Mull is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Fablehaven, Beyonders, and Five Kingdoms series. A kinetic thinker, Brandon enjoys bouncy balls, squeezable stress toys, and popping bubble wrap. He lives in Utah in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his four children and a dog named Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Brandon loves meeting his readers and hearing about their experiences with his books.
www.brandonmull.com
Follow the author on Instagram @writerbrandon and Facebook @authorbrandonmull

About the Illustrator:

Mike Walton has been a professional illustrator for more than twenty years. He earned his B.A. in Illustration from art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. He’s worked in animation, comic books, web comics, trading cards, and all manner of media throughout his career. Smarter Than a Monster is his debut children’s book. He currently resides in Southern California and considers himself a nerd who loves visiting Disneyland attending the San Diego Comic Con.  

 

The Adventures of Lucy Snigglefritz (Book One) by Patrick Milne (Author), Stephanie Faye (Illustrator)

Lucy Snigglefritz, world-famous circus dog, is the star attraction of Amazing Avido's Circus. But when ticket sales slump, Lucy is dumped by the circus and left to fend for herself.

On her own for the first time, Lucy sets out on a new adventure. What can a circus dog do without a circus? Maybe Sooty, a Dalmatian at the local firehall, has the answer...

"The Adventures of Lucy Snigglefritz" is an ongoing picture book series that follows former circus star, Lucy Snigglefritz, on her journey around the world to meet working dogs and find out what makes certain breeds of dogs suited to certain jobs. Along the way, Lucy gains the confidence and self-belief she needs to thrive in a strange new world.

The Adventures of Lucy Snigglefritz is a perfect picture book reader for ages 4-7, and for dog lovers ages 1-100.

For a preview of the book, watch our exclusive book trailer online here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLVJRf... and read more about the series at FayemousBooks.com

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

This is a cute picture book that will appeal to younger children.  The illustrations are fun and have lots of personality.  I like the idea of going on many adventures with Lucy Snigglefritz (catchy name, right?!) as she decides to find out what other things she might be good after being kicked out of the circus for being too old.

First stop:  the Fire Station.   Lucy meets a new friend and goes on a fire fighting adventure.  She overcomes her fear and gains courage and self confidence.  Those are some good messages for kids!  I also was happy to see a tiny bit of history thrown in!  (I went and did some reading of my own on Dalmatians and Fire Stations)  So there is an opportunity for more learning with your children if you were so inclined.

Included in Kindle Unlimited

 Content:  mild peril

- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

Candy and the Cankersaur by Jason Sandberg

This is the sweet and funny tale of a young girl named Candy and a Cankersaurus Rex! Candy receives a dinosaur as a gift and is determined to train him to be a good pet.

As a bedtime story Picture Book it’s aimed for children ages 3-6.

As a read-alone Picture Book it’s appropriate for children ages 6-9.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

This is, obviously, a children's book.  It's about a little girl named Candy and the dinosaur she receives as a pet, a not so nice neighbor boy named Chuck and a father who is too busy.  

The illustrations are cute and the story is one that kids will probably enjoy- especially younger children.  Who doesn't love stories about cute and well trained dinosaurs?  This is a fun one!

About The Author

Jason Sandberg, born in Minneapolis in 1971, discovered the artwork of Jacob Kurtzburg in 1977 and soon acquired a love of drawing. He received a Scholastic Art Award before studying History and Studio Arts at the University of Minnesota from 1989 to 1993. Sandberg has had several exhibits in Minnesota and his drawings and paintings were published in various national indy art magazines throughout the 1990s. PREVIEWS magazine described his Pop Art as "base alternative art on mescaline." Critic and historian Scott McCloud classified his art as "uncategorizable," and Alternative Press Review described him as a talented artist who defies expectations. Sandberg specializes in acrylic painting and his work has been purchased by collectors in Europe and Asia. A one man exhibit of his realist paintings was held in Manhattan in September of 2004. Sandberg's work has appeared in PREVIEWS, NEW YORK QUICK GUIDE, JUPITER and NEW ART INTERNATIONAL. His primary influences are J.M.W. Turner and Edward Hopper.

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Sam's Christmas Wish by George D. Durrant, Illustrated by Dan Burr

Sam Edwards isn't looking forward to Christmas, at least not this year. Since losing his job six months before, he hasn't had any luck in finding a new one. He isn't sure how he can give his family a merry Christmas, and the last thing he wants is charity from his neighbors. But when he falls asleep in his living room with his shotgun across his lap just to make sure no one attempts to visit him he wakes up to find his front porch laden with Christmas goodies. But when he tries to find out who left the presents, the freshly fallen snow reveals no footprints.

Years later, Sam's wife has passed away and his children are grown. Old and sick, Sam remembers the kindness of the anonymous stranger from long ago and wishes for an opportunity to bless another's life. So on Christmas Eve, when he sees his neighbor's house on fire, he hopes that he can be the means for another anonymous miracle. Sam's Christmas Wish is a story of love, service, and sacrifice.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

I love Christmas picture books.  I love books with a touching message.  This Christmas book is one of my new favorites.  The illustrations are beautiful- so life like and rich.  I absolutely loved them.

I have quite a collection of Christmas books.  Every year I wrap them up and put them in a basket for the month of December.  Then, every night we open a book and read it at dinner.  This is a tradition I love because all of these books bring the spirit of Christmas into my home.  Peace, love and joy.  This book will be a beautiful addition to my collection.  It's about giving and receiving.  It's about love and generosity.  It's about miracles brought through service and sacrifice.  This book brought out emotions in me.  In the beginning I was a bit upset at a father who would deny his children Christmas because of his pride.  But that father learns a valuable lesson and all his life seeks to return the Christmas miracle his family experienced to someone else.  It was so touching.

I love, love, love this book!  My thanks to Shadow Mountain for allowing me to read and review this title for them.

Julia's House for Lost Creatures by Ben Hatke

When Julia and her walking house come to town, she likes everything about her new neighborhood except how quiet it is! So Julia puts a sign up: "Julia's House for Lost Creatures." Soon she's hosting goblins, mermaids, fairies, and even a dragon. Quiet isn't a problem anymore for Julia...but getting her housemates to behave themselves is!

The simple, sweet text of this picture book by New York Times Best-Selling Zita the Spacegirl author/illustrator Ben Hatke is perfectly balanced by his lush, detailed, immersive watercolor illustrations.

In this house, we are, quite simply, Ben Hatke fans.  It's true.  It all started way back when the first Zita book came out.  I happened to win the book on a Goodreads giveaway and there was no going back.  Zita the Spacegirl is a graphic novel series for middle grade readers.  We love Zita and we have all the books.  I would say the series is fun for the whole family.

You can imagine how excited I am to be able to review this new children's book, "Julia's House for Lost Creatures".  Ben Hatke is one talented guy.  The creatures in this book are full of character and life.  The illustrations are beautifully done- there is so much to look at on every single page.  

My kids are all past the picture book stage now but this is a book I would have bought in a heartbeat for them when they were all younger and sitting on my lap to read books.  The pictures provide not only something fun to look at but things to talk about as well.  It's light hearted and fun with a great message about pitching in and helping so a home is better for all who live there.  I love this sweet book!

This book doesn't release until September but you can pre-order it at Amazon.

You can learn more about the author, Ben Hatke and his books HERE.

One Little Match by Thomas S. Monson- Illustrated by Dan Burr

Page Count: 32 * Children’s Picture Book* Hardback 9 X 11

Thomas S. Monson loved spending summers at his family's cabin in Utah's Vivian Park. One summer day, he and his best friend, Danny, decided to clear a field so they could gather with their friends and have a campfire that night. The tall, stubborn weeds would not pull out easily. So Tommy had the idea to burn them up instead.

He knew he shouldn't use matches without permission from his parents. But he ignored the feeling that warned him of the danger and raided the matchbox in the cabin. Back in the field, he lit one little match and prepared to set the parched June grass abaze...

Readers of all ages will resonate with this wonderful true story that demonstrates the blessings of obedience and "the dangers that can come from something as small as one little match."

Oh, I love this little book!  Everyone loved the story President Monson told at the last General Conference about this boyhood experience.  I'm so happy that it has been put together with these beautiful pictures to create a visual experience for the whole family.  

When mine came in the mail, I immediately read it.  How could I not?  I set it on the coffee table and everyone in my family picked it up as they walked by and read it.  :)  That is happy.  

This is the perfect book.  It's straight from the prophet's mouth and the illustrations combined with the words are really just beautiful.  It teaches an important lesson about obedience and reminds us all that obedience keeps us safe.  This book is a treasure to me and will be well used for many years to come.

You can purchase One Little Match at Deseret Book and Amazon.

About the Author:

Thomas S. Monson was set apart as the sixteenth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008. He was called to the Quorum of the Twelve in 1963 and served for twenty-two years in the First Presidency. His ministry has been characterized by his compassion for the needs of individuals and his gift for one-on-one service.