New Book Tuesdays: Week 16
17 More Days 'Til Christmas!
Everyone is getting excited for the Winter break and all of the fun and festive events going on at school. Don't forget to take some quiet minutes to read a good book! Here are some new ones to get you started.
New Picture Book
The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert. This is a wonderful holiday book yall. The photographs by Per Breiehagen are truly beautiful and give the book a magical feeling.
"In the tradition of The Snowman, The Polar Express, and the many books of Jan Brett this cozy Nordic tale filled with extraordinary photographs will have readers of all ages believing in the magic of Christmas. This is one to pull out every year and savor. Long ago, a brave little girl named Anja wanted to be one of Santa's elves. So she leaves a note for her family and helps her elderly neighbor prepare for the holiday, then she straps on her skis, and heads out into the snowy landscape. From a red bird to a polar bear to a reindeer, a menagerie of winter animals help Anja make her way to Santa." -Image and blurb from GoodReads.com
New Chapter Books
A Shiloh Christmas by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. This is the conclusion to the Shiloh Quartet. It is a Junior Library Guild Selection.
A rescued beagle and his boy owner seek love and understanding for their troubled small town in this holiday companion to the Newbery Medal–winning Shiloh, from Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Christmas is coming and Marty and his rescued pup Shiloh are sure glad about that—for their town is sure low on love and understanding and they hope that the joy of the holiday will bring with it the generosity of spirit that’s so lacking. It’s been a year since Marty Preston rescued Shiloh from Judd Travers and his cruel ways, and since then, Marty and Shiloh have been inseparable. Anywhere Marty goes, the beagle’s at his side, and Marty couldn’t be happier about that. Even Judd has been working to improve his reputation. But just as townsfolk grow more accepting of Judd, a fire in the woods destroys many homes, including Judd’s, and Judd’s newly formed reputation. Doubt, blame, and anger spread faster than the flames—flames that are fanned by the new minister, who seems fonder of fire and brimstone than love and mercy. And why are his daughters so skittish around him? And what’s happened to Judd’s dogs? With Christmas right around the corner, Marty has a lot of questions, and how they’re answered might just take a Christmas miracle. Phyllis Reynolds Naylor’s fourth book in the Newbery Award–winning Shiloh series—following Shiloh, Shiloh Season, and Saving Shiloh—is full of heart-thudding suspense, as well as comfort and joy.
The Christmas Genie by Dan Gutman. Dan Gutman wrote the very popular Weird School books. This one also has some illustrations by Dan Santat.
Hear Dan Gutman talk about his book The Christmas Genie below...
"It’s the last day of school before Christmas vacation and Alex, Chase, and the rest of Mrs. Walter’s fifth-grade class couldn’t wish more for the final bell to ring. But the day takes a crazy turn when a mysterious meteorite crashes through the classroom window—and a genie pops out! Bob, as he’s called, is willing to grant only one wish for the class to share, and if they can’t agree on something before the bell rings in an hour, they’ll get nothing at all. What follows is a debate that is at times thought-provoking and hilarious—and at all times irresistible." -Image and blurb from SimonAndSchuster.com
New Nonfiction Book
Christmas Is... by Gail Gibbons. You know I love Gail Gibbons. I think she is so great at explaining things in a way that is easy for children to understand. We added Halloween is... in October, and it has been checked out ever since - even though Halloween is over and gone! I think this one will be the same.
"Beginning with a history of Christmas and then presenting a wide range of the holiday symbols, from angels to Christmas lights, and decorations to cards, Gibbons information is clear, concise and informative. She compares and contrasts St. Nicholas and Santa Claus, and later says, "Christmas is a time of giving gifts to show love for others." Family gatherings, carols and prayer are also important parts of this holiday. Dedicating the book to peace on earth, she concludes, "Christmas is...peace, love, and joy." Well-organized and inviting, the one or two sentences of explanation are perfectly chosen to satisfy primary grade children. The joy-filled watercolor illustrations capture the excitement of the season. There is a multi-page sequence of a family selecting and decorating their tree and welcoming the grandparents for Christmas dinner. It adds warmth and a bit of a storyline while presenting the symbols and their meanings." -Image and blurb from bn.com
