🎄Some Last Minute Gift Book Suggestions 📚

 

When I was young, I loved getting books as Christmas presents and still do. What could be better than spending the holidays curled up under a blanket with a new book? This form of delight must be in the genes, because when my Kiddo was young, she felt the same way. Here, then, are some book suggestions that might make your young readers very happy.

I begin with pop-up books and there are three favorites this year:

My First Pop-Up Mythological Monsters: 15 Incredible Pop-ups

written, illustrated, and paper engineered by Owen Davey

Candlewick Studio, 2021, 32 pages, age 5+

A while back, I shared Davey's first pop-up book about dinosaurs with my young readers, who are at that age with kids begin to really like dinos, and they loved it. So I decided to see what they thought of this new book about mythological monsters. What a hit it was! First, we looked at the two monsters, dragons and unicorns, with which they were already familiar. Some of them did think the Firebird from Russia was the Phoenix from Harry Potter. So we talked about the different between those two birds. Then we looked at the other 12 pop-up monsters that they didn't know at all. This pop-up book is about the size of a board book, so the pop-ups are simple and small, just right for the age. Each two-page spread gives the area of origin and an explanation of the monsters characteristics, with the pop-up in the center. They are boldly colored and basically a nice introduction to some of the mythological monsters that young readers will no doubt run into again and again as they get older and begin reading.  

The Weather Pop-up Book

written, illustrated, and paper engineered by Maike Biederstaedt

Prestel Junior, 2021, 14 pages, age 7+

Here is a wonderful STEM book for any young reader who is interested in the weather and weather related events. On the front end papers, the author begins with the question Why is the weather the way it is? and goes on to give a detailed, illustrated explanation. Turn the page and experience a storm at sea complete with a supply ship being tossed in the waves as if it were a toy. Not only is there an explanation for this kind of storm, but also suggestions for how storm's winds can be a source of renewable energy. From the sea to the Midwest and a look a tornadoes and how they are formed. This is followed by an explanation of how rain is formed. From rain to the hot, dry Sonoran Desert and why it exists the way it does. The last pop-up looks at how snowflakes are formed and why it seems to snow more in the mountains. Finally, on the back end papers, Biederstaedt looks at The Weather and Climate Change, with suggestions for finding more information. 

Dinosaurs (Encyclopedia Prehistorica #1)

written, illustrated, and paper engineered by 

Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart

Candlewick Press, 2005, 12 pages, age 7+

This book came out a while ago but is still available, because it is simply fabulous, especially if you're a dino lover. Readers will discover a large, intricately detailed dinosaur pop-up on each of the two page spreads, beginning with an introduction to dinosaurs called Ruling Reptiles with a lovely pop-up of that all-time favorite, the T-Rex or Tyrannosaurus Rex. This is followed by the Shield Bearers or Stegosaurs, small-headed herbivores whose armored bodies were covered with vertical plates or spikes; the Frill-Heads or Triceratops, hoofed herbivores with large heads with horns on their head and snout, and a bony frill around their neck; then the Long-Necked Giants or Sauropods, recognizable by their long necks, large bodies and even larger appetite; next are the Meat Eaters or Theropods, gigantic bipedal carnivores (perhaps you've heard of the newly discovered Giganotosaurus from Argentina); and finally the Raptors or Dromeosaurs, feathered, flying carnivores in the theropod family, known for their retractable claws. Each page has pockets with additional information and smaller pop-up about each type of dinosaur. I gave this book to my nephew for Christmas one year when he was a 7-year-old budding Paleontologist. When he saw I had this copy of it for review thanks to Candlewick, he told me that he still has his copy, still looks at it once in a while and hopes to share it with his own children whenever that happens. There is a wonderful Teacher's Guide that can be downloaded for this book as well as an activity sheet for making a simple pop-up T-Rex. They can be found Here and Here.

For your STEM/STEAM loving young readers, may I suggest the following:

Einstein: The Fantastic Journey of a Mouse Though Time and Space

written and illustrated by Torben Kuhlmann,

translated from the German by David Henry Wilson

NorthSouth, 2021, 128 pages, age 8+

This is definitely one of my favorite STEM books of 2021. It's the story of a mouse who wants to attend the big cheese festival, a/k/a Käsefest. But when he arrives, the mouse discovers the festival is over, he's told "that [it] was yesterday, Einstein" and he will just have to turn back time if he wants to be there. And that's just what the mouse sets out to do. Only problem is he goes all the back to 1905 instead of the day of the festival. Now the mouse must figure out how to go forward in time to the day of the festival. And for that he enlists the unwitting help of Albert Einstein by leaving a series of riddles in his workspace that are too enticing to ignore. Eventually, it all results in Einstein's theory of relativity. But does it work? There's just so much to love about this book. There are the stunning pencil and watercolor illustrations, some full page and some two page spreads, some filled with equations and all printed on heavy paper with makes them even lovelier. What I really loved is that the mouse's journeys in time and space really do reflect the theory of relativity. If you know even a little bit about Einstein's theories, you'll recognize what is going on, but even if you don't, it doesn't take anything away from the enjoyment of this brilliant book. There is lots of back matter about Einstein, his life and his theories, and their importance. There is an excellent 22-page Teacher's Guide that can be downloaded HERE, thanks to the publisher NorthSouth

Or perhaps the new STEM book in Kate Messner's Over and Under series, or even the whole series:

Over and Under the Canyon by Kate Messner, 

illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

Chronicle Books, 2021, 56 pages, age 6+

"Down in the canyon is a whole world of its own, where animals find shelter from the desert sun." Using the same format she has used in her previous books in the Over and Under series, Messner invites readers to travel along with a mother and son as they hike and explore a desert canyon ecosystem. Carefully climbing down the canyon, the pair notice the different animals, like the bighorn sheep moving from rock to rock, kestrels flying over the canyon, geckos, tarantulas and snakes hiding among the rocks and boulders, an eagle eying a jackrabbit for lunch. They also notice the footprint of other animals in the sandy part of their walk. Eventually, they make it down to the sandy canyon floor, a vision of beauty - wildflowers, desert lilies, poppies and monkey flowers, as well as a fox kit, cottontails, and harvester ants. Back at their camp, their tent is up and Dad's making supper. As night falls, coyotes howl, bobcats prowl, and owls hoot as this biracial family goes to sleep, in the "hidden world nestled away in the canyon." This is an informative, beautifully illustrated book that really brings out the magical beauty of a desert canyon. The comprehensive mixed media illustrations are done in desert browns, greens, and oranges, while the night is done in shades of blue. Back matter includes information about the plants and animals the mother and son encounter, as well as suggestions for further reading. In her Author's Note, Messner writes that the book is based on a family trip to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California. 

For young readers who like trivia:

Weird but true! New York City:

300 Bizarre Facts About The Big Apple

National Geographic Kids, 2021, 208 pages, age 8+

National Geographic Kids Weird but true! series always makes a great stocking stuffer. And because I'm a New Yorker, I couldn't resist this one that has 300 bizarre facts about the Big Apple. And there is some really weird stuff in this book, but also interesting facts. For example, did you know that NYC's nickname Big Apple comes from a reporter using the term to describe the city's horse racing circuit as "the best of its kind?" and that the NY Knicks are named for the style of pants called knickerbockers worn by the early Dutch settlers? Two of my favorite pieces of trivia are about the NYPL. The Rose Main Reading Room at the 42nd Street research library is as long as two city blocks and that a book borrowed by President George Washington was returned to the library 221 years overdue. Did I know all the trivia in the book? No, indeed. I knew a lot, but enjoyed reading all of the entries just the same. This would make a great present for kids who may be visiting the city at some point, either for real or virtually. Whatever your reasons for gifting this, it will no doubt be a hit and you can certainly expect some occasional NYC trivia at the dinner table.

For budding home chefs:

Bake, Make & Learn to Cook: Fun & Healthy Recipes for Young Cooks

written by David Atherton, illustrated by Rachel Stubbs

Candlewick Press, 2021, 88 pages, age 5+

I love cookbooks aimed at young home cooks. This one is particularly pleasing. It is written by the 2019 winner of The Great British Baking Show, so he really knows his way around the kitchen. The book is aimed at kids just developing an interest in cooking and baking, so Atherton begins with A Quick Equipment List, a  list of Cooking Terms, and a list of helpful measurements, plus some handy tips to read before kids begin to make any of the recipes, mostly about adult supervision and being safe in the kitchen. The book is divided into four sections - Starting the Day, Lunches and Simple Suppers, Delicious Treats, and finally Cakes and Bakes. My Kiddo and I tried a few recipes from this book and they were really easy and delicious. Some of our favorites were Oatmeal Toppers, Edible Chia Bowls, Craveable Corn Bites (are really good), and Magic Tomato Sauce, which we've used a number of times now. All the recipes include easy to follow instructions and are very kid-friendly tastewise. Each page has humorous ink and graphite spot illustrations that were finished digitally. Most of the recipes can be made anytime, but there are some for holidays, like the Valentine Upside-Down Cake, the Christmas Cookie Baubles, and the Sweetie Birthday Cake. Cookbooks are always a great gift idea for kids because working in the kitchen with a parent or other adult can be such a wonderful bonding experience. 

For both animal and poetry lovers:

Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright! An Animal Poem for Each Day of the Year

selected by Fiona Waters, illustrated by Britta Teckentrup

Candlewick Press, 2021, 328 pages, age 4+

I love a poetry book as a gift for kids as much as I love a cookbook for the same reason. This is a book that is chockablock with poems about animals for each month of the year, 366 poems altogether. It's a big hefty book (4.5 pounds), some of the poems are only a few lines long, others are much longer, but there is a wide range of poetry by a wide variety of poets. Some are easily recognizable, some not so much, others will be new to most readers. It actually might make a nice family book, where poems can be shared and talked about at dinner, or read at bedtime. I gifted this to a teacher friend for use in her classroom, who has been using it as a poem-a-day paet of her teaching ever since, but it would also be a nice gift for someone who home schools. The illustrations were created digitally and as you turn the pages, you will understand why Britta Teckentrup has become one of my favorite artists. Her illustrations are lush and simply breathtaking. Poetry and animal lovers will enjoy exploring the offerings in this book for a long time to come.   

 

For the adventurer:

Frozen Mountain: Decide Your Destiny With a Pop-Out Fortune Spinner

by Emily Hawkins, illustrated by R. Fresson

Wide Eyed Editions, 2021, 64 pages, age 8+

This was a fun book to read for this post. It's an oversized book, almost 14 inches high and almost 12 inches wide, but it is filled with interactive adventures on every page. Begin by popping out the Survival Spinner that will determine your adventure at each step. And that adventure begins when you must parachute out of a disabled helicopter over some snowy mountains. What happens next is determined by placing the Survival Spinner on the circles on each page you have landed on and spinning. If you survive the spin, you go on, but if you die or perish, well, time to begin a new adventure and hope for better spin results. As you go along on your adventure, you will learn all kinds of survival skills, from surviving an avalanche to how to build a snow shelter, how to build a fire, how to judge distances, and how to treat a bleeding wound, among other survival techniques. I thought this looked like an interesting book, so I gave it to my neighbor who has a 10-year-old son to test drive. He loved playing with it and I had a hard time getting it back to write this review (yeah, I promised him he could have to keep when I'm done with it). 

So these are my last minute gift suggestions and I hope you find them useful. And yes, I do have a soft spot for pop-up books, mostly because I love to study the way each page is paper engineered. 

🎄More Holiday Picture Books📚

 

Here are a few more picture books that help make the season a little jollier and brighter, and the wait for Santa a little easier. I read all of them with my young readers, and although they are a little young for the last book, they sure had fun with it anyway. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

Santa in the City written by Tiffany D. Jackson,

illustrated by Reggie Brown

Dial Books, 2021, 32 pages

Two weeks before Christmas, city girl Deja is getting really excited, but some kids don't think Santa exists. After all, they ask, how does Santa deliver gifts for kids who live in apartments and don't have a chimney? Or live up in the cold, cold North Pole. Luckily, Deja's mom has some answers for her. Christmas is magical, and magic always finds a way. Santa has a magical keychain that lets him in each and every apartment after parking on the roof. But each answer her mother has leads to another question that Deja has. Where does Santa park his sleigh and reindeer? How will Santa find them in among all the buildings? And how can Santa be a Kings Plaza Mall and the North Pole at the same time? And what about when they visit grandparents in Jamaica? How does Santa know where to find them? Still skeptical after all the answer, Deja decides to wait up for Santa himself to answer her questions, but she just couldn't keep her eyes open and Santa came and left, but not before leaving a special message just for her. This is a great book for all those city kids who may have the same questions and the answers are quiet feasible. I remember wondering the same things as Deja and so did my Kiddo when she was young. The bright, boldly colored digital illustrations capture all of Deja's emotions surrounding Christmas and Santa, perhaps because they were made with a pinch of Christmas magic.

The Christmas Owl 

written by Ellen Kalish and Gideon Sterer,

illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki 

Little, Brown BFYR, 2021, 40 pages

Every year, there is lots of local NYC news coverage for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, but the 2020 tree got some extra coverage. And no wonder - that tree came with a young saw-whet owl living among its branches and no one noticed until the tree arrived in NYC. How this little owl get from his home in Oneonta, NY to Rockefeller Center and then on to Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in Saugerties, NY is the inspiration for this imaginative picture book. Christmas is coming, but what does that mean? Is the tree little own calls home Christmas? Hiding on the branches of a large fir tree, the men cutting it down don't notice her sitting there. Soon, they are on a big truck and heading to NYC, where the tree is prepared for decorating. Where am I? wonders the little owl as she looks around at the big buildings, at the people and cars hurrying by. When a surprised worker discovers her, little owl, now called Rockefeller, is carefully put into a box and driven  out of NYC, and handed over to Ellen (the author) from the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center. There, Rocky is cared for until she is able to fly high and far. On Christmas, Rocky is released into the wild, ready to go back where she came from. This is a sweet feel-good story in which the little owl (and readers) discovers some of what Christmas is all about. The digitally created illustrations are soft and very Christmasy. Back matter consists of a note from the author and the real story of Rockefeller the owl. 

The Mice Before Christmas

written by Anne L. Watson, illustrated by Wendy Edelson

Skyhook Press, 2021, 36 pages

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house/ Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse..." Well, of course the mice were stirring, they were simply exhausted from all the holiday hustle and bustle of the day and evening before Christmas. The mice are having a party and that means lots of cooking and baking, house and tree decorating, present wrapping, and lots of stockings to hang as the excitement grows until the guests arrival. Then there are holiday greetings and wishes, carol singing, presents to open, food to eat and enjoy, after which the youngsters are sent off to bed to await Santa Mouse, while everyone else dances as a seven piece orchestra plays. The evening's festivities end with a visit from Santa Mouse before all visitors leave and the rest of the mice family fall into bed exhausted. This is a sweet alternative to the original Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore. It's told in the same rhyme scheme which never falters, and the illustrations are detailed and very traditional. I read this with my young readers right before we read the traditional Night Before Christmas and they loved how the stories kind of connected to each other, although they did wonder what the human occupants of the house were doing all day, too.

Twenty Big Trucks in the Middle of Christmas

written by Mark Lee, illustrated by Kurt Cyrus

Candlewick Press, 2021, 32 pages

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas as trucks of all kinds, big ones and small ones and even a pink and blue donut truck, begin arriving in the middle of this snowy town to decorate for the holidays. And the town's children watch and count the as the trucks arrive. Besides the donut truck, there's a snow plow clearing the way; a semitrailer bringing a giant sized tree; a digger to make a hole in the ground for the tree, trucks full of decorations; a crane to reaching the top of the tree; a stake struck carrying a band to play holiday music; a van bringing a choir, even a tow truck after the van breaks down; another truck brings Santa's sleigh, and a different truck brings Santa himself. There's plenty of activity, as more children and adults gather round to watch as the decorations are hung, But when the big star falls and breaks, a substitute tree topper needs to be found and the donut truck has just what is needed. This is a cute rhyming/counting book with simple, realistic illustrations that really capture the excitement and even the cold temperatures. I read this over and over to my young readers who loved learning the names of the different kinds of trucks (the kids are only 4-5 years old and English is necessarily their first language). This has already found a permanent place in our little library of favorite books.  

Where's Waldo? Santa Spotlight Search

written and illustrated by Martin Handford

Candlewick Press, 2021, 16 pages

It just wouldn't feel like Christmas without some kind of wimmelbuch, a wordless picture book of everyday scenes filled with small but many details, and the Waldo books certainly fill that bill. In Santa Spotlight Search, readers are given a spotlight searcher to help them meet the various challenges found on each of six pages. Simply slide the spotlight searcher under the red plastic shield to illuminate each of the different scenes revealed as you move it around the page. Each page has a different theme beginning with The Santa Meet, a gathering of Santas from far and wide to enjoy food and have fun. The second page is all about Christmas Shopping, including all the crowds that come with that; page three involves Festive Baking from gingerbread, cupcakes and chocolate cakes. Next is Santa's Workshop and all the toy treasures of children's dreams. Page five is a Jolly Jamboree because what's Christmas without music and a party and Santa's like a good time, too. And last but not least is Christmas Eve complete with presents, reindeer, even elves. Each page comes with several games and puzzles for those willing to accept the challenge.    

🎄Holiday Picture Books 📚

It's Christmastime again and that means holiday books. Here are five that I have shared with my young and not-so-young readers, and each one was a hit. 

 

Red and Green and Blue And White

written by Lee Wind, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

Levine Querido, 2021, 32 pages

Isaac and Teresa live across from each other and are best friends. Isaac's family is Jewish, in fact, the only Jewish family in the neighborhood. They celebrate Hanukkah with decorations and a menorah in their front window that glows blue and white. Teresa's family celebrates Christmas with a tree and lights that glow red and green. One night, someone throws a rock through the window at Isaac's house, knocking down the menorah and sending a clear message. Not to be intimidated, Isaac's family sets the menorah back up the next night. Across the street, Teresa decides to draw a picture of a menorah and hang it in her family's front window in a show solidarity with Isaac and his family. Before long, windows all over town are displaying hand drawn menorahs in their windows as they stand against hate and anti-Semitism. The story of Isaac and Teresa is based on a true incident that happened in 1993 in Billings, Montana. Lee Wind's fictionalized version of that incident really sheds light on the true meaning of the holidays. Oh, yes, and a reminder that kids can really make a difference in the world. Let Isaac and Teresa be your inspiration.

Carla and the Christmas Cornbread

written by Carla Hall, illustrated by Cherise Harris

Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster BFYR, 2021, 40 pages

I've always been a fan of Carla Hall, she just seems to delight in everything food related. And I remember her talking about her granny when she was on The Chew, so I was pleased when I heard Carla had written a picture book her Granny's cornbread, because like Carla, cornbread is one of my favorite things to eat. The tradition of Christmas cornbread began one year when young Carla, her sister Kim and their mother headed over to Granny's house on Christmas Eve. It was an evening full of excitement, Christmas songs, dinner with Granny, her grandfather Doc, and, of course, cornbread. Later, after changing into pajamas, Carla noticed a sugar cookie complete with icing and sprinkles, which she immediately took a big bite of. Uh oh, that was a cookie for Santa. Feeling terrible about she had done, Carla was sure she was now on Santa's naughty list. But when Granny calls her back into the kitchen, she has an idea - why not make a special cornbread for Santa, after all, he gets so many cookies on Christmas Eve, but probably doesn't get any cornbread. But will Santa like it? Carla discovers the answer the next day in a note from Santa himself. This is such an uplifting, inspiring story about a close-knit Black family, and the Granny that Carla always talked about comes shining through. Santa is depicted here as Black, and there is some bonus back matter - the recipe for Carla's Christmas Cornbread and the Cinnamon Butter to go with it, which I can't wait to try.

The Real Santa written by Nancy Redd,

illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow

Random House BFYR, 2021, 32 pages

A young Black boy just loves Christmas, and especially all the brown-faced Santas that are around his home - on the tree, on the gift wrap, even on his sweater. Every year, his family visits Grandma and Grandpa on Christmas Eve, where there's a special present for him and his younger sister this time - a jolly brown-faced Santa complete with list of names including theirs. After some photos and a snack, he asks his Daddy which one in their collection of Santa's looks like the real Santa. As they set out a plate of cookies and glass of milk for Santa, and carrots for the reindeer, all the adults agree that no one has ever seen the real Santa. No one? Well, this young boy has a great idea. After everyone's asleep, his plan is to sneak downstairs with the brand camera he just received from his parents, and stay awake until Santa's arrival, then to quickly snap a photo. But as the night wears on, sleep overtakes his best intentions. Will this curious young boy ever see what the real Santa looks like? As he is carried off to bed, he wakes up just enough to see that Santa looks just like him. This is such a sweet, gentle, heartwarming story about a happy family celebrating Christmas together. The illustrations are red, white, and green Christmasy, and the book is just a delight to read. My young readers loved it, particularly seeing Santas that look more like them that the usual white Santa.  

 

Bulldozer's Christmas Dig

written by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann

Caitlyn Dlouhy Books/Atheneum, 2021, 40 pages

It's Christmas Eve, and all the trucks are busy. Dump Truck is carrying garland, Digger Truck is stringing lights onto a wreath that Crane Truck will lift and hang. Looking at all this activity, Bulldozer Truck is worried - he hasn't any presents to share with his friends. Maybe, just maybe, he can find some treasures if he digs around the construction site. But it seems that all he finds is junk - nothing that looks like a proper Christmas present. As he continues to dig, the junk piles up. Suddenly, Bulldozer looks at the pile of junk he's dug up and sees...possibility. Quickly and carefully, pushing the pile this way and that way, until he decides one thing is missing - a string of lights. But now Dump Truck, Digger Truck, and Crane Truck are ready to go home for the night. That is until Bulldozer Truck reveals his lovely Christmas tree, and with the help of his kitty cat friends, it even has to lovely tree topper. "It's a present to treasure" says Roller Truck. And he's absolutely right. This is the third book in the Bulldozer series and a welcome addition for fans of that little truck, and a delightful story for new fans. The illustrations are big, bold, and colorful and jolly. My young reader's loved this warmhearted story, especially the sound effects that are incorporated into the text and repeated by them with each reading. Does that make it an interactive story? Yes, it does. My kiddos love participatory stories like this. 

The Star Tree written and illustrated by Gisela Cölle,

translated by Rosemary Lanning

NorthSouth, 2021, 32 pages

This is the story of an old man who lives alone in a house surrounded by tall buildings. He's watched the city grow, the parks and gardens disappear, and people living in apartments who don't know their neighbors anymore. A few days before Christmas, the old man starts thinking about how friends and family would gather round, sing carols and make welcoming golden stars to hang in their windows. Pulling out some gold paper, the old man begins to make stars, lots of stars. He decides to take his stars to the countryside to see them shining in the darkness. When a storm knocks the power out in the city and people find themselves in darkness and silence, they can see the old man and his shining stars on top of a hill. Soon, the old man's neighbors are heading out of the city and up the hill, where they stop and stare in wonderment at his beautiful stars hanging from a tree. Soon, everyone is singing and it begins to feel like Christmas again. The old man gives everyone one of his shining stars, which they take home and hang in their windows and the city shines again with Christmas stars. This is such a charming Christmas story, it has become one of my personal favorites. I particularly like the message it sends about Christmas -  the simple pleasure of  time spent peacefully with friends and family. This magical story has kind of an old fashion feel to it and the painted illustrations, done in a dreamlike style, are a perfect compliment. If you are looking for a good Christmas Eve tale, this would be ideal.   

🎄A Christmas Too Big by Colleen Madden

 

A Christmas Too Big 

written and illustrated by Colleen Madden

Two Lions, 2021, 40 pages

The day after Thanksgiving has arrived and that means the Christmas season has begun, and Kerry's family is filled with the holiday spirit - maybe a little too much spirit as far as Kerry is concerned. 

Now, there are lights to be strung everywhere, music plays throughout the house all the time, lots and lots holiday cookies are being made, and of course, the family watches all the Christmas specials on television that were ever made, and little brother hides elves all over the house. But when her family buys the biggest Christmas tree they can find, Kerry has had enough of over zealous Christmasing. So she puts on her coat and heads outside.

While everyone outside is also doing Christmas too big, Kerry helps her neighbor Mrs. Flores get her  stuck shopping cart out of the deep snow and is invited in for un poco de cocao (a little cocoa). First thing Kerry notices is that Mrs. Flores does not do Christmas too big. Instead, she has a little table top Christmas tree, with a family picture by it. Mrs. Flores tells Kerry her family is in Mexico, so they light a candle for them.. Then, Mrs. Flores shows Kerry how to make beautiful tissue paper flowers with which to decorate the house.

Before going home, Kerry shows Mrs. Flores how to open the present she received from her family in Mexico - tablet so that they can see and talk to each other. It is, indeed, becoming a wonderful Christmas for Mrs. Flores and a different kind of Christmas for Kerry, who finally is feeling some holiday spirit. 

"Maybe I could find a way to have my own kind of Christmas in my own crazy Christmas house." Kerry thinks when she gets home and begins to make her own tissue paper flowers. But when she's finished, will her family embrace this new tradition?  

Told in the third person from Kerry's point of view,  A Christmas Too Big is a sweet, heartwarming story that reminds us that Christmas isn't really just about decorations, songs, cookies, and movies, it's also about peace and goodwill. Sometimes those two things can get lost or buried in the all the excitement of the Christmas season. But, peace and goodwill are exactly what Kerry brings home after her visit with Mrs. Flores. When Kerry lights her own candle for Mrs. Flores and her family, her mom suggests they invite her over for Christmas dinner.   

Madden uses plenty of humor mixed into this story, so it doesn't sound at all preachy, and most importantly, it isn't at all judgmental with regards to the way Kerry's family celebrates Christmas, instead it organically includes Kerry's contributions into their celebrations. Madden also includes lots of Spanish words into the story, all of which are easy to understand because she has seamlessly incorporated their meaning into the text and her colorful illustrations. 

The digitally produced illustrations are boldly colored and full of details just as they should be and that young readers will love to explore. When you only live a few miles and one river away from Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, known far and wide for their elaborate holiday decorations, you can really appreciate the wonderful, true to life illustrations in A Christmas Too Big. 

Dyker Heights, Brooklyn (click to enlarge)

Be sure to check out the end papers where you will find a variety of traditional Christmas objects. The front end papers has the names of each item in English, and the back end papers has the name of the same objects in Spanish. And there are simple instructions for making Mrs. Flores' tissue paper flores de Navidad that you can use to decorate your own home. It would also be a great class project after reading the book together. 

A Christmas Too Big is a wonderful, bilingual, intergeneration story to share with your young readers as a family read aloud and is sure to become a family favorite, read again and again. I can't wait to share it with my young readers next time we meet. 

This book is recommended for readers age 4+

This book was gratefully received from Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media

Meet the Author:

Colleen Madden grew up in a crazy Christmas house and, like Kerry, she found a break by spending time with her neighbor who was from another country. She has illustrated many children's books, including the bestselling What If Everybody? series, written by Ellen Javernick, and the picture book adaptation of All I Want for Christmas, by Mariah Carey. She recently published Monkey Walk, her debut as both author and illustrator, and is currently working on her first graphic novel. She lived in Philadelphia with her husband and two sons. 

Reviews:

“An intergenerational friendship and a busy holiday made meaningful set this title apart.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Madden’s bilingual tale strikes both humorous and poignant notes; the visual blend of comic-style panels, playful fonts, speech bubbles in both English and Spanish, and traditional spreads offers readers plenty to celebrate.” —Publishers Weekly

😷🎄Six Christmas Picture Books

I love holiday picture books and here are some that came out this year. And a Christmas story book always makes a great gift for your young readers. I always found they were the perfect calming Christmas Eve answer to all that excitement that begins to build up once Thanksgiving is over. Here are six we really enjoyed reading.

Christmas is Joy

written and illustrated by Emma Dodd

Templar Books, 2020, 24 pages 

Emma Dodd always writes such sweet, gentle books for the youngest readers and this one is no different. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. A doe and her young calf explore the meaning of Christmas while wandering through a wintery woodland as large sparkling snowflakes fall around them. The trees are also laden with shiny snow and bits of green peeking out, and there are snowy mountains in the distance. Mother and baby snuggle before setting off to find the rest of their reindeer family. The text is a gentle rhyme in four line stanzas, all beginning with Christmas is... and teaching baby reindeer the different meanings of Christmas - giving, family, happiness, kisses. In the end, warm and safe in her mother's embrace, baby learns that "Christmas is peace/ stars twinkling above/ a night of sweet dreams/ and a heart full of love." The digitally created illustrations use a minimum of color, lots of white and silver, and brown for the reindeer and there's even a bright green appearance of the aurora borealis. This is another tender, heartwarming Emma Dodd book. 

Jack and Santa by Mac Barnett,

illustrated by Greg Pizzoli

Viking BFYR, 2020, 80 pages

Santa has two lists - one is for good kids, the other is for the bad kids. Jack isn't too happy about discovering he is on Santa's naughty list. Jack has a list, too, a long wish list of all the things he wants for Christmas. But when Santa arrives, he get caught in the snare Jack has set for him. And when Jack takes and opens Santa's bag, he discovers gifts for Rex the dog, and for the lady Jack lives with, but nothing for him. He frees Santa and before he leaves, he gives Jack a small gift box. But, to Jack's disappointment, there's only a lump of coal in it. Can Jack redeem himself in Santa's eyes? This is really a fun book, in fact, I found myself laughing out loud an number of time. Also, I had an incredible craving for a grilled cheese sandwich after I read it - maybe you will, too. It's also perfect for beginning readers. The story is divided into four short chapters, the text is simple, words are repeated, and illustrations convey a lot of the humor that might otherwise be missed by a beginning reader. I read this book to my young readers, some of whom do not celebrate Christmas, but nevertheless, they found Jack's situation very funny. In fact, I've had requests for more Jack books. This is the 7th one, so fans of Jack will certainly appreciate his Santa problems, and newcomers will no doubt end up fans. Which is just what happened with my young readers. 

Ming's Christmas Wishes by Susan L. Gong,

illustrated by Masahiro Tateishi

Shadow Mountain, 2020, 49 pages

In 1930s California, Ming Gong, the oldest child of immigrants from China, has three wishes - to sing in the school choir, to have a Christmas tree, and to feel like she belongs somewhere. She's not Chinese enough at home and not American enough at school. But Ming's mother is adamant about not have a tree - it's just not Chinese. To break the tension, Ming's Pop says he will take Ming with him when he visits the Lins the next day. After a long truck ride, the two arrive at the shack where Uncle Lin and his father live, old friends of Pop's father. Ming listens to their stories about living in Hong Kong, visiting Yosemite and Canada, and surviving San Francisco's big earthquake, as she looks around at the carvings all around the house. Carvings, Ming learns, made out of pine trees for long life and strong character. When they leave, Pop takes Ming to a grove of sequoias and one with an altar in its hollow base. Here, Ming learns about her father's life when he first came to America and receives some good advice from him. Before they leave, they find a way for Ming to have a Christmas tree that will be true to her Chinese culture. This is a nice historical fiction picture book that is more about what it was like to be Chinese in America and Chinese culture. It reminds us that we are a nation of immigrants, all of whom brought traditions with them and combined them with those in their new home land, much the way Ming's tree does. I really liked this story, and the old-fashioned color palette used for the illustrations, but some of the adult faces were a drawn a little too harshly, I thought. This is a picture book will probably lead to some lively conversations about how Christmas is celebrated in different homes.   

Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Tort, 

illustrated by Jarvis

Candlewick Press, 2020, 40 pages

This book was issued a few years ago in an oversized edition. Now, here is the same story in a smaller version perfect for younger kids. Back in 2017, I wrote "the anticipatory excitement of picking out a Christmas tree, buying it, and taking it home to decorate is captured perfectly in this story about a family of four as they set off on their tree buying day. At home, the furniture is moved around, the trunk of the tree is trimmed to fit the stand, and the decorations are brought down from the attic. When everything is ready, the family hosts a decorating party, inviting all their friends to help trim the tree with bright lights, jolly Santas, dancing elves, paper dolls, all kinds of ornaments. Finally, it's time for the crowning touch - a shiny golden star at the very top. The story is told in rhyme with spot on four line stanzas on each page describing every task that needs to be done for the spectacular finished tree that can be seen...at the end. Jarvis's simple pencil, chalk, and paint illustrations are done in a wintery palette outside, and a warm, cozy palette inside the house, and include diverse characters throughout." This is sure to become a yearly classic for many families, after all, it was wonderful in 2017, and it still is - it's just smaller.

Mouse's Night Before Christmas by Tracey Corderoy,

illustrated by Sarah Massini

Nosy Crow, 2020, 32 pages

This story opens with those oh so familiar words "Twas the night before Christmas..." but this is Mouse's story and he is definitely stirring. Looking at the Christmas tree, and all the presents, lonely Mouse notices the star atop the tree and remembering that star wishes sometimes come true, he wishes had a friend to give gifts to and have fun with. Suddenly, there's lots of noise outside. Santa and his reindeer have gotten caught in a storm and lost their way. When Santa sees Mouse, he asks if it was his wish he had just heard that knocked him off course. Mouse, realizing Santa needs help, and knowing his way around the area, offers to be his guide so he can deliver all his toys. The two set off together, with Mouse having a great time in Santa's company and helping. But what about his wish? Santa hasn't forgotten and gives Mouse two pair of ice skates and a map with a path marked on it for Mouse to follow. "Will the path lead the way to my wish?" he asks, to which Santa replied "Why not see for yourself?" There's nothing like a little Christmas magic, and sure enough, Mouse's wish comes true, but not quite the friend I expected. This was a fun take on the original Clement Moore tale, told in the same rhyme and it never falters. The mixed-media illustrations are colorful with a very traditional feel. I read this to my young readers a number of times who loved it, especially since Mouse found a friend who had made the same wish that night. 

The Christmas Feast by Nathalie Dargent,

illustrated by Magali Le Huche

Eerdmans BFYR, 2020, 32 pages

Christmas is coming and burrowmates Fox, Weasel, and Wolf have decided they want a nice turkey dinner for their holiday feast. Clever Fox goes off to steal a turkey and brings back one that looks good. But when Turkey sees the mess in the burrow, she insists that they clean it up, and oversees the job they do. When dinner time arrives, Turkey wants to know what they made for her to eat. After all, don't they want to fatten her up before eating her? After dinner, the four of them play cards and have a great time. And so it goes on like this with Turkey making demands and Fox, Weasel, and Wolf complying until Christmas Eve. How are they going to cook her, Turkey wants to know and tells them that she would liked to be flambéed.  But the three friends have hemed and hawed about the idea of cooking Turkey because they really don't want to lose their new friend. Seeing their discomfort, Turkey suggests that they spend the next year fattening her up for a really great feast. And so year after year, the four friends renew this arrangement of fatten Turkey up for the next year's Christmas feast, living a happy life in a joyful burrow in the meantime. But, uh-oh! Take a close look at that last picture of Turkey sitting in her rocking chair and reading a cookbook. Don't you just love a trickster tale? Especially a Christmas trickster tale? I know I do and I just loved the dry humor of this story translated from the French and originally called Le Festin de Noël. The fun cartoon style illustrations are just delightfully perfect for this story and, I know it is going to be a holiday favorite in my house for years to come.   

 

😷🎄Unplugged Gifts for the Young and the Young at Heart in My Family (Part 2)

The books I've included in this roundup of gift suggestions are a little more sophisticated than the last unplugged roundup, but they are every bit as exciting and interesting, and since they will appeal to readers of all ages, they may very likely generate some lively conversations between kids and the adults in their lives. And they have all been kid tested and received their 'seal of approval.'  

One of a Kind: A Story about Sorting and Classifying

written and illustrated by Neil Packer

Candlewick Studio, 2020, 48 pages, age 7+

At first, a book about sorting and classifying may seem like an odd gift choice, and more like a topic kids might study in school. But once readers open this book, they will meet Arvo and travel with him throughout his day. learning how Arvo and the individual objects he comes into contact with belong to much larger but related groups. For example, Arvo belongs to a whole family tree that goes back generations and includes a diverse number of people. Arvo's cat Malcolm belongs to a large family of all kinds of cats, and Arvo's violin belongs to a whole group of instruments. The book goes on like that, until the end when it circles back to the one-of-a-kind individual. By the end of Arvo's day, readers will definitely appreciate the idea of sorting things as a way to making sense of the world. As the author says, imagine trying to find a library book without the benefit of classifying them. I thought the mixed media illustrations in this oversized book were wonderfully quirky with a kind of old-fashioned feeling to them and spent quite a bit of time exploring them, especially the wide variety of apples Arvo found in the farmers' market until I found my individual favorite, the honeycrisp. This is surely a book that young and old readers will enjoy alone and together.

Gridiron: Stories From 100 Years of the National Football League

written by Fred Bowen, illustrated by James E. Ransome

Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2020, 112 pages 8+

I do not know much about football and yet, I found the stories in this book to be more than just interesting. The book covers 100 years of the NFL, and is set up like a football game. After the introductory Pregame Show, it is divided into four quarters with each quarter covering 25 years of football history. Did you know that the NFL had some humble beginnings, formed in an car dealership by the managers of some important midwestern football teams?  Or that the Super Bowl wasn't always called that, and that it wasn't always to popular games it is today? Originally, it was called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game, but thanks to Lamar Hunt, owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, it's name was changed to Super Bowl and how he came up with that name is worth reading about. This is a book that is mostly about fun anecdotes like that, but Bowen doesn't ignore problems of racism within the league, or CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) injuries, either. Back matter includes an extensive bibliography and articles. What really makes this book special are the many beautiful, wonderfully detailed watercolor illustrations by James Ransome. I bought two copies of this book - one for an 11-year-old fan and the other for my 95-year-old uncle who literally grew up with the NFL.

The Language of the Universe: A Visual Exploration of Mathematics

written by Colin Stuart, illustrated by Ximo Abadía

Candlewick: Big Picture Press, 2020, 80 pages 8+

When I was a kid, if someone had given me a math book for Christmas, I would probably have been pretty disappointed. So why am I recommending this math book? Because it's fun and different and interesting and useful. The book is divided into four sections: Math in the Natural World; Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering; Space;  and Technology. Using visuals, readers will discover "how, as [they] go about [their] life each day, everything around [them] is buzzing with math." They will also learn some basic scientific principles and mathematical terminology, covering areas like atom patterns, Einstein's energetic equation, a great explanation of the Fibonacci sequence, and even a section on Cryptography and Encryption. Each concept is clearly defined and explained, and then visually illustrated. This is an ideal gift for math lovers, but even people who aren't into math will appreciate this book, and who knows, it may even spark a dormant interest. I'm a diagnosed dyslexic who has avoided math all my life like the plague, so I can honestly say this is an exceptional book.

 

Lost in the Imagination: A Journey Through 

Nine Worlds in Nine Nights

written by Hiawyn Oram, illustrated by David Wyatt

Candlewick Studio, 48 pages 8+

If you are looking for something different for the fantasy lover on your list, look no further than this beautifully executed book. The conceit is that it is the notebook of a fictional theoretical physicist named Dr. Dawn Gable after she had visited nine imaginary worlds in nine nights. She did this with the help of Hyllvar, a dragon descended from ancient Norse dragons, and his flying machine. The first world they visited was the lost city of Kôr. But when Dr. Gable protested that they could not be there, Hyllvar merely said "Be curious. Curiosity will take you further than you can dream." And it does, including Camelot (my favorite), Lilliput, Atlantis, and four more worlds. Each world has illustrations showing what they look like, the animals and beasts that inhabit them along with vegetation and other interesting bits. It isn't a book that goes into great detail, but it will inspire readers to seek out more imaginative worlds and perhaps develop a love of fantasy and science fiction if they don't already. Diehard fans of fantasy will no doubt appreciate having this lovely book as part of their library. I'm giving a copy of this book to a 10-year-old fan who has coveted my review copy since it arrived. Oh, yes, there's a coded message in the books edges. Can you decode it? Hint: read Dawn's introductory letter.

How We Got to the Moon: The People, Technology, and Daring Feats of

Science Behind Humanity's Greatest Adventure

written and illustrated by John Rocco

Crown BFYR, 2020, 264 pages 10+

Space may be the final frontier, but it is a mystery that we have already begun to explore, beginning with man's first trip to the moon in 1969. And for anyone who has wondered how it was done without the benefit of today's technology, Rocco has provided all the answers from the beginnings of NASA's space program, and including the step-by-step work of the engineers, mathematicians, and scientists involved in that successful moon landing. Rocco leaves nothing to the imagination, giving realistic explanations and descriptions of every step in the process of what he calls humanity's greatest adventure. He clearly loves his subject, and has done all the detailed illustrations himself. His goal was to produce the kind of book he would have wanted and poured over as a boy. The result is both informative and riveting. What makes it really work for young readers interested in science is that it isn't dry or boring, but written in a reader-friendly narrative style. Rocco has also included many of the diverse people who worked on the moon landing and who don't generally get the credit they deserve. Back matter includes A Note About Research, Sources, Documentaries, websites, Places Visited, and suggestions for Further Reading, and more. If you have a young or old reader who is interested in space, this is the book for them. It will keep them occupied for a long time and I wouldn't be surprised if they returned to it again and again. I'm giving a copy of this to a friend's son, as well as to my 95-year-old uncle who will love it.