Love Monster is such a cute character. I was excited to see that he is now featured in a number of books. Love Monster and the Last Chocolate is a very sweet story that focuses on the importance of being a good friend and the rewards of showing kindness to others. We loved this one!
Do Unto Otters is a darling book about using good manners that features animals. It was an instant hit with our daughter. It provides great lessons about behavior while still being entertaining and fun.
Our daughter is very involved in Tae Kwon Do so this this little picture book caught her attention when we were at the library. Ninja Bunny is a cute story that features a bunny that wants to be the very best ninja ever. As he works on improving his ninja skills, he learns that great ninjas need great ninja friends in order to be as successful as possible. Ninja Bunny provides an entertaining story with a great message about the importance of friendship.
Born in the Wild: Baby Mammals and Their Parents is a beautifully illustrated book that young animal lovers will adore. This non-fiction text is highly accessible for young learners. This one is a winner!
Our daughter really enjoyed The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom. This re-examination of the fairy tale world introduces the reader to all of those unnamed Prince Charming characters. Not only does one get to learn their real names but also their views and opinions. Filled with silly as well as clever humor, this one is a winner!
God Gave Us Christmas begins with Little Cub asking his Mama about who “invented” Christmas. The Little Cub wonders if it might be Santa. Mama Bear explains that God invented Christmas and ultimately takes a journey with Little Cub in order to let him see that God is everywhere and how He gave us Christmas.
I really appreciate how this book directly addresses why we celebrate Christmas but also includes an explanation about Santa:
“Did God give us Santa?”
“Santa Claus reminds us about many good things like generosity and care. But it is God and Jesus that we celebrate most come Christmas.”
God Gave Us Christmas is a sweet and wonderful Christmas book which includes beautiful illustrations.
A Magical Christmas is a lovely story written in rhyme. Little Mouse wants to know what exactly is the magic of Christmas. In order to find the answer he goes and asks each member of his family, but each family member has a different answer. Finally on Christmas Day Mommy Mouse shares with Little Mouse that all the answers were correct because…”The magic is love, Little Mouse.”
The illustrations in this book are particularly noteworthy. They are simply beautiful. Each page includes sections that are gently enhanced with glitter which truly bring the illustrations to life.
Mary, Did You Know? is a picture book version of the popular Christmas song with the same name. The illustrations are stunning, and the scriptural references on each page along with song lyrics are a thought provoking combination. This is a new favorite for our family!
Throughout the month of December, I will be re-sharing some of our family’s favorite Christmas books that have previously been featured on the blog.
Today I am happy to re-introduce Olive, the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh.
Olive, the Other Reindeer is a delight. Olive is really a dog, but she becomes confused while listening to Christmas music as she is wrapping presents. Rather than hearing about: “…all of the other reindeer…”, Olive hears her own version of the lyrics: “Olive, the other reindeer…”. Although she was certain she was a dog, Olive doesn’t want to disappoint Santa, and she immediately heads to the North Pole. Before long, it is clear that Santa really does need the special skills that only Olive can provide.
I love Beekle! This story features an imaginary friend who has not yet met the real child who will be his friend. After a great deal of waiting, Beekle takes matter into his own hands. The subsequent discovery of the perfect friend provides a tale that can be appreciated by young children as well as adults. Colorful, engaging illustrations enhance the text.