First Snow in the Woods

Absolutely stunning photography.  This lovely storybook can be read aloud or just absorb the beautiful pictures.  It's one of those picture books that you can just turn the pages and talk about the pictures.  For older children, the story is just right. 

 It's a majestic book because of the photos. 

 It's a memorable book because of the gifted storytelling.

The Legend of the CANDY CANE

The real reason we celebrate Christmas.  I remember when this book came out in 1997.  It was the first time I had ever heard the story about the meaning of a Candy Cane.  My daughter was four years old.  In fact, the book was a gift to her from my mom and dad.  What a special gift indeed.  Just like the gift from God who sent His son Jesus into this world to save us.  

The Legend of the CANDY CANE is a perfect first book to read this Christmas season.  

Perhaps because it tells the true story of this beautiful time of year.

The BLANKET That Had to Go

The BLANKET That Had to Go

Most children get attached to a childhood stuffed animal, toy or blanket.  The BLANKET That Had to Go is a gentle reminder of how important a soft piece of fabric can become to a child's comfort.  It's a touchy situation for sure.  Published in 1981, this BLANKET story has a realistic yet satisfying approach to "losing the blanket" problem.

STOP THAT BALL!

STOP THAT BALL! is one of my favorite childhood books from when I was growing up.  I still have my original copy.  First my mother read it to me.  Then I read it over, and over, and over!  If you don't have a copy of STOP THAT BALL! for your kids, get one.  It's that important.  Of course I may be a bit biased, but I'm pretty sure you'll thank me.  Or least be thankful. It's a great rhyming book, which I am partial to as well.  Also, it's one of those circular stories.  The ending leaves you wondering what happens next. Oh no!

TOOLEY! TOOLEY!

TOOLEY! TOOLEY! published in 1979 by Scholastic is a story about two kids looking for a way to make some money.  They want to go to the movies.  Okay, so the book is a bit dated.  The seventies wasn't really that long ago, was it?  Remember when kids could still walk around on a Saturday afternoon without adults?  The story of Tooley! Tooley! isn't really inspirational.  However, the illustrations and era are a reminder of a different time in America.  Anyway, I love Scholastic books.  They're simply fun to read!

Part-Time DOG

 Part-Time Dog is one of the cutest stories I have in my vast picture book collection.  Not only are the illustrations cute, but the story is too.  Published fifty years ago, it still holds an abundance of charm.  Three adorable ladies live on the same block.  They are rather annoyed with a stray dog.  They end up taking care of him.  Then decide to call the dog catcher because they think he is too much trouble.  A guilty conscience plagues all three of the ladies and they must make a decision about the Part-Time Dog.

PETUNIA

PETUNIA is a pleasant read from 1950.  Petunia the goose gives lots of advice to her animal friends whether they want it or not.  She is a definite know-it-all.  I love the variety of illustrations.  Some pages are black and white.  Then full color, a good mixture.  Petunia would find it hard to be published today because of a couple of pages about fireworks.  The safety police would not approve.  I happen to love Petunia who gives a valuable lesson about the importance of reading in the end.