The holidays are the perfect time to hunker down and nestle in with some new books. I received several books from Sterling Children’s Books. Here are three of my favorites for enjoying over a cup of hot cocoa or before bed.
My favorite is If It’s Snowy and You Know It, Clap Your Paws! by Kim Norman with illustrations by Liza Woodruff.
You could just read the book but it’s more fun to put it to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know it, Clap Your Hands.” A series of unlikely animal friends (who might otherwise eat each other), spends a busy day doing all sorts of fun, wintry activities like building a snowman or a fort, sharing a meal, reading a book and finally, having a nice rest. I liked that these were all great ideas for things kids can really do – and no electronics involved!
Parents will be able to relate to Brownie Groundhog and the Wintry Surprise by Susan Blackaby, illustrated by Carmen Segovia. Brownie the Groundhog ditches his friends the fox and rabbit (more unlikely friendships) to go have his long winter’s nap. His two friends are lonely without him and would like to borrow Brownie’s warm, red scarf for the winter since he won’t need it. They enter his home to “borrow” it, repeatedly interrupting Brownie’s sleep (think every weekend morning, Mom and Dad), and end up putting together a wonderful surprise that even the grumpy, sleep-deprived Brownie has to admit is pretty wonderful.
Lift the various flaps to help Mrs. Claus (a polar bear) take care of her various tasks in Christmas Eve with Mrs. Claus by M.P. Hueston, with illustrations by Teri Weidner. The drawings are charming as are the concepts of making “magic flying biscuits” for the reindeer, stringing popcorn garland for the tree, etc. Simple, holiday pleasures! The little mice around the house are sometimes helpful and sometimes problematic. It’s a very sweet book.
Courtney received several books to facilitate a review. She selected these three to review. Her opinions are her own.
