Just in Time for Christmas! Now in Board Book: A Very Fiona Christmas and A Night of Great Joy

Book Description:
It’s Fiona the hippo’s very first Christmas, and the zoo is sparkling with holiday spirit. When the adorable little hippo asks her friends, “What’s Christmas?” they set out to show her all the wonders and excitement of the season. With each new experience Fiona lets out a snort, wiggles her ears, and asks, “Is THIS Christmas?”

Amidst the snow, twinkling lights, mistletoe, and stockings, Fiona ends up meeting a new friend at the zoo who helps her discover the true meaning of the holiday: Love. Snuggle up with your little ones and join Fiona and her adorable animal friends for a heartwarming holiday romp through the zoo.

My Review:
A Very Fiona Christmas is a delightful story of a baby hippo discovering Christmas for the first time. Living near Cincinnati, I am familiar with Fiona. She was born six weeks premature at the Cincinnati Zoo. She survived and thrived and has become a favorite of young and old. Richard Cowdrey's illustrations are fantastic. The color and movement of the beautiful characters will delight children. If you are looking for a gift for an animal lover, and what child isn't, pick up a copy of A Very Fiona Christmas. I won't spoil the ending, but I'll say it is perfect. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Night of Great Joy by Mary Engelbreit

Book Description:
Mary Engelbreit presents A Night of Great Joy, a delightful picture book that celebrates the joyful season of Christmas. This book tells the story of the nativity through the performance of a children’s Christmas pageant. With adorable illustrations and simple storytelling, Engelbreit paints a wonderful picture of the night that Jesus was born.

A Night of Great Joy recalls that fateful night with wonder and awe. From the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem to the gathering of many before the baby Jesus, this holiday treasure leads children through the tale of the birth of Jesus, guiding them with the star of Bethlehem.

Mary Engelbreit, New York Times bestselling illustrator of the blockbuster Christmas classic The Night Before Christmas, brings readers a new holiday picture book that’s sure to become a family favorite.

My Review:
Who doesn't love a Christmas pageant?

I've long been a fan of Mary Engelbreit's illustrations and of Christmas pageants. A Night of Great Joy embraces the colorful whimsy of her art with the sweet, often amusing joy of a children's play. Mary's simple telling of Jesus birth pairs beautifully with her wonderful illustrations. I love the expressions on the faces of the diverse cast of children as they participate in the most important holiday story. And the shepherds and angels are a hoot. Parents and children will have a lot of fun reading this version of the Christmas story. I see this becoming a classic in years to come. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Little Something

Can you guess my all time favorite holiday show?

If you guessed A Charlie Brown Christmas, you are right.

The scene with Linus on stage, reciting the Christmas story brings joy to my heart.

When he drops the blanket while saying "Fear not", 

I'm reminded to trust in the reason we celebrate

~Jesus birth!

Share the joy of Christmas with someone!

 

Two Christmas Books to Share with Little Ones

The Beginner's Bible Little Lamb's Christmas: A Finger Puppet Board Book

Book Description:
Introduce babies and toddlers to the Christmas story told through the eyes of little Lamb. Children will love listening to the story of Jesus' birthday and play with the adorable, plush lamb finger puppet included.

The Beginner’s Bible Little Lamb’s Christmas brings the story of Jesus' birth to life from a new and fun but faithful retelling. Readers will follow little Lamb from the hillside to the manger where he celebrates the arrival of God's only son.

Featuring vibrant art from the beloved The Beginner's Bible, this chunky, durable board book with finger puppet is perfect for parents to share with their children. It makes an adorable stocking stuffer or wrapped gift.

My Review:
Little Lamb is excited he gets to visit baby Jesus at the manger. Told in simple text, Little Lamb introduces children to the reason we celebrate Christmas. I like the interactive element of the lamb finger puppet as he tells the story on each page. What a fun way to share Jesus' birth with little ones. This would be a great stocking stuffer or teaching tool for toddlers. I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Over in a Stable by Suzanne Nelson (Author), Aleksandar Zolotic (Illustrator)

Book Description:
Over in a Stable, written by award-winning author Suzanne Nelson, is a beautiful and engaging Christmas read-aloud for you and your little ones that tells the story of the nativity, featuring the memorable counting and cadence of the beloved classic poem “Over in the Meadow.”

Children ages 4 to 8 will enjoy counting aloud from one little drummer boy to ten little children. 

Over in a Stable features vibrant illustrations from artist Aleksandar Zolotic, showing the animals and people who gathered to celebrate the arrival of baby Jesus on that miraculous night in Bethlehem

Over in a stable, though the hour was growing late,

grazed one mother sheep and her fleecy lambs eight.

“Give,” said the mother. “We give,” said the eight.

And they gave their hay to make a bed to rest a King so great. 

With a shiny cover that features glitter accents, Over the Stable is a treasured picture book your family will cherish for many years.

My Review:
Over in the Stable is a beautiful counting book that celebrates the birth of Jesus. The words of Suzanne Nelson and illustrations of Aleksandar Zolotic marry together for the perfect book to share on Christmas Eve before the little ones are tucked in. The animals in the story have such sweet, beautiful faces. This would also be a great book to use in Sunday School or Junior Church. I can see Over in the Stable becoming an annual holiday favorite. I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

Celebrating Christmas~Angels

Luke 1:28-33
The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

An angel carried hope to a broken world.

Years ago, I sewed an angel costume for my daughter to wear in the church's Christmas play. She was adorable. That same simple, white dress, and angel wings have been passed down through the family. What a delight to see the little ones dressed in glittery garland halos, and singing from their little hearts.

How do you picture an angel?
In my mind's eye I see cherub cheeks, ringlets in their hair, and bright eyes. Their tiny barefoot feet poke out under crisp white gowns. Each one stands erect and they sing the most beautiful melody. But the angels in the Bible weren't cute little cherubs, they were pictured as fierce warriors, men dressed in white, some bigger than life.

God created angels to minister to his people. In the Bible, angels prepared for spiritual combat, while others delivered divine messages. Either way, they are prepared to battle for and care for Jesus' followers.

Before Jesus was born, they led the brigades to prepare the way for the King of Kings. In the Christmas story these men God sent to earth, visited Joseph, Mary, Zechariah, and the shepherds. They showed up to spread the good news of hope, joy, and love.

You see, God sent the angels with purpose. Our world is broken. God's people need heavenly beings to fight for us, assist us, and speak to us. God asked his angels to spread God's words. I've not seen an angel (that I know of) but I believe they dwell among us. They minister to God's people even as they did in biblical times.

Read the Christmas story in Matthew and Luke and focus on the angels, find the joy they shared as hope for our weary world.

 

Historical Fiction Book Review: The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep

Book Description:
There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint

Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

My Review:
Constable Forge has a good heart that gets him into trouble. Kit has the wiles of a fox. The pair set out to solve a crime in the City of London. Griep sets the scene in this mystery, with quirky characters, dodgy streets, and historical description. Jackson and Kit don't know who to trust, so they have to depend on instinct and faith, as they search for the brain behind the crimes. If you enjoy stories set in the Victorian era, you'll want to read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane. I admire the tenacity of Kit and the dogged determination of Constable Forge. Join them as they track the missing cabbie. I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rejoice! Sing Loud!

I love Christmas music. 

From Hark the Herald Angels Sing to The Christmas Song (chestnuts roasting) 

the sounds of the season adds cheer to my day.

Can you imagine the song the angels sang to the shepherds, 

when Jesus was born?

What an incredible night. 

I would think the angels voices blended in perfect harmony.

But from us humans, God only asks for a joyful noise.

What's your favorite Christmas song?

 

Children's Picture Book Review: I'm Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug by Caroline B. Cooney, Illustrated by Tim Warnes

Book Description:
Let’s get ready to snuggle! This highly engaging sequel to the bestselling and beloved I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! imagines all the cozy, warm hugs little ones love to receive on cold, blustery days.

The story encourages parents and grandparents and their children and grandchildren to giggle and play as they cozy up for their own celebration of the winter season. Imagine who might stomp, sled, and swish through the snow to give a warm hug in these whimsical rhymes and sweet, playful illustrations.

My Review:
As I read I'm Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug, the snow was falling outside my window. Winter is a magical time for children, a let's build a snowman, make snow angels time. So why not be creative and play polar bear hug in the winter wonderland of pretend with "a shivery, quivery, forty below hug." Caroline B. Cooney, known for her young adult novels, has created a lovely, rhyming story celebrating the importance of hugs. In this fun story, the child is hugged by all kinds of animals, at the end, the little one shares a hug with someone special. Tim Warnes colorful illustrations show the story's whimsical words in bright, energetic drawings. This is a great read for 4 to 8 year olds and would make a wonderful holiday gift. Snuggle up with your little one and share a polar bear hug. This book will delight children and adults. I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.