Jessica's bookshelf: holidaybooks en-US Wed, 25 Dec 2024 22:33:07 -0800 60 Jessica's bookshelf: holidaybooks 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Let It Glow 203056389
One thing the girls do have in common is their curiosity about how the other celebrates the holidays. What better way to discover the magic of the holidays than to experience them firsthand? The girls secretly trade lives, planning to stage a dramatic reveal to their families at the pageant. Two virtual strangers swapping homes, holidays, and age-old traditions–what could possibly go wrong?]]> 292 Marissa Meyer 1250360811 Jessica 5 3.96 2024 Let It Glow
author: Marissa Meyer
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/20
date added: 2024/12/25
shelves: christmas, contemporary, holidaybooks, middle-grade, own, read-aloud
review:
A real charmer! Essentially a Parent Trap story, but without the unhinged parents-separating-siblings-at-birth part. Also fun to explore both Christmas and Hanukkah, and the meaning of family and tradition.
]]> <![CDATA[Things that Go Bump in the Day]]> 201751461
Vampire Vlad is all tucked in, ready for bed. But his imagination runs wild when he hears all the daytime noises happening outside. A clickety-clack, a skreek and a clang? Who knows what that could be!

With each new sound, Vlad races to his patient and reassuring, but tired mama’s room until he learns how to calm himself down and finally get a good day’s rest. Melinda Beatty’s clever text and award-winning illustrator Charlene Chua’s imaginative illustrations make the perfect bedtime read (during the day or night) for anyone a little nervous to go to bed.]]> 32 Melinda Beatty 0593616642 Jessica 5 3.76 Things that Go Bump in the Day
author: Melinda Beatty
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.76
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/22
date added: 2024/10/27
shelves: holidaybooks, picture-books, werewolvesnvampires
review:
Darling picture book about a little vampire who can't sleep because of the scary things he's hearing outside, and the clever explanations his mama vampire comes up with to explain away those awful noises! The pictures are an absolute treat!
]]> So, This Is Love 60703971 In the sequel to Tracy Andreen's debut romantic comedy So, This Is Christmas, we follow Finley and Arthur back to Barrington Academy for a swoony semester.

Finley and Arthur are back at boarding school and neither quite knows where the other stands--are they couple? Are they not a couple? What does one magical Christmas Eve kiss in Oklahoma mean for their relationship status? This confusion isn't helped by the re-entry of old enemies into their school lives, especially ones that may or may not be crushing on Arthur. Finley is at a loss when navigating the complexities of her new (maybe) relationship, which could very well turn into love. . . if she doesn't blow it.

So, This Is Love is a perfect read for the Valentine's Day season, or for anyone looking for a delightful romantic comedy that has just a dash of drama. Once again, Tracy Andreen has proven that no one writes a holiday rom-com like her.]]> 368 Tracy Andreen 059352540X Jessica 4
Merged review:

Very, very cute follow up to So, This is Christmas. This one, which takes place immediately after, plunges Finley and Arthur back into life at their elite prep school, to navigate their newfound romance in front of an audience of their peers. But all is not well in Romanceland! Can they even make it to the Valentine's Day dance?!]]> 3.71 So, This Is Love
author: Tracy Andreen
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.71
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/01/09
date added: 2024/04/14
shelves: library, holidaybooks, youngadult, contemporary
review:
Very, very cute follow up to So, This is Christmas. This one, which takes place immediately after, plunges Finley and Arthur back into life at their elite prep school, to navigate their newfound romance in front of an audience of their peers. But all is not well in Romanceland! Can they even make it to the Valentine's Day dance?!

Merged review:

Very, very cute follow up to So, This is Christmas. This one, which takes place immediately after, plunges Finley and Arthur back into life at their elite prep school, to navigate their newfound romance in front of an audience of their peers. But all is not well in Romanceland! Can they even make it to the Valentine's Day dance?!
]]> The Widow's Broom 55776 32 Chris Van Allsburg 0395640512 Jessica 0 4.27 1992 The Widow's Broom
author: Chris Van Allsburg
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.27
book published: 1992
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/10/30
shelves: picture-books, holidaybooks, witches
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Okay Witch (The Okay Witch, #1)]]> 43822757 Magic is harder than it looks.

Thirteen-year-old Moth Hush loves all things witchy. But she’s about to discover that witches aren’t just the stuff of movies, books, and spooky stories. When some eighth-grade bullies try to ruin her Halloween, something really strange happens. It turns out that Founder’s Bluff, Massachusetts, has a centuries-old history of witch drama. And, surprise: Moth’s family is at the center of it all! When Moth’s new powers show up, things get totally out-of-control. She meets a talking cat, falls into an enchanted diary, and unlocks a hidden witch world. Secrets surface from generations past as Moth unravels the complicated legacy at the heart of her town, her family, and herself.]]> 272 Emma Steinkellner 1534431454 Jessica 5
Reread 2021: Just. So. Darling. Mr. Laszlo's tiny paws will never stop being my favorite thing.]]> 4.14 2019 The Okay Witch (The Okay Witch, #1)
author: Emma Steinkellner
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2021/09/29
date added: 2023/10/30
shelves: graphics-n-comics, holidaybooks, middle-grade, witches
review:
Delightful from start to finish! All the best elements of story: mystery, magic, humor, a hint of romance, friendship, family relationships, drama, dynamic characters, all combined with charming art to make an excellent Halloweeny story about a brand new witch, her crotchety familiar, her family, and her family secrets.

Reread 2021: Just. So. Darling. Mr. Laszlo's tiny paws will never stop being my favorite thing.
]]> <![CDATA[Long Live the Pumpkin Queen: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas]]> 57190803 Jack and Sally are "truly meant to be" ... or are they?

Sally Skellington is the official, newly-minted Pumpkin Queen after a whirlwind courtship with her true love, Jack, who Sally adores with every inch of her fabric seams -- if only she could say the same for her new role as Queen of Halloween Town. Cast into the spotlight and tasked with all sorts of queenly duties, Sally can't help but wonder if all she's done is trade her captivity under Dr. Finkelstein for a different -- albeit gilded -- cage. But when Sally and Zero accidentally uncover a long-hidden doorway to an ancient realm called Dream Town in the forest Hinterlands, she'll unknowingly set into motion a chain of sinister events that put her future as Pumpkin Queen, and the future of Halloween Town itself, into jeopardy. Can Sally discover what it means to be true to herself and save the town she's learned to call home, or will her future turn into her worst... well, nightmare]]> 315 Shea Ernshaw 1368069606 Jessica 5 3.84 2022 Long Live the Pumpkin Queen: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
author: Shea Ernshaw
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2023/10/30
date added: 2023/10/30
shelves: own, audiobooks, fantasy, holidaybooks, youngadult
review:
It's just days before Halloween, and the newly crowned Pumpkin Queen, fresh off her honeymoon, isn't sure where she belongs and if she even belongs. And then . . . some wild stuff happens. I'm always skeptical of things like this (sequels not by the original author), but this is honestly a perfect followup to the movie. It gives you glimpses into the other realms, but the plot doesn't hang on, say, Sally taking over Valentine's Day or anything too obvious. It expanded the lore and deepened the characters, without going too crazy.
]]> The Witch Family 42366 240 Eleanor Estes 015202610X Jessica 4
But anyway, I had never heard of this, even though I love books about witches: worst witches, okay witches, little witches, sexy grownup witches, whatevs. So naturally I had to grab a copy and read it aloud to my kids this October, all of us going in completely blind. Had I known that this book skewed so young, though, I probably would have just read it myself and left it out for the kids to flip through as they wanted. The main characters of Real Girls Amy and Clarissa are both six, and so is Little Witch Girl Hannah. They say things like "banquish" instead of "banish" and the world of the witches is basically a story that Amy is making up and drawing with her crayons. I mean, it's ADORABLE, but I was reading it aloud to a 15yo and an 11yo, so they were not that into it! ]]> 4.05 1960 The Witch Family
author: Eleanor Estes
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.05
book published: 1960
rating: 4
read at: 2023/10/24
date added: 2023/10/25
shelves: fantasy, own, read-aloud, holidaybooks, witches
review:
I cleverly did not tell my daughter that this was written by the author of The Hundred Dresses (a book I love and she HATES) until after I had read it aloud!

But anyway, I had never heard of this, even though I love books about witches: worst witches, okay witches, little witches, sexy grownup witches, whatevs. So naturally I had to grab a copy and read it aloud to my kids this October, all of us going in completely blind. Had I known that this book skewed so young, though, I probably would have just read it myself and left it out for the kids to flip through as they wanted. The main characters of Real Girls Amy and Clarissa are both six, and so is Little Witch Girl Hannah. They say things like "banquish" instead of "banish" and the world of the witches is basically a story that Amy is making up and drawing with her crayons. I mean, it's ADORABLE, but I was reading it aloud to a 15yo and an 11yo, so they were not that into it!
]]> <![CDATA[The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt]]> 49155321
Ghosts are supposed to be sheets, light as air and able to whirl and twirl and float and soar. But the little ghost who is a quilt can't whirl or twirl at all, and when he flies, he gets very hot.

He doesn't know why he's a quilt. His parents are both sheets, and so are all of his friends. (His great-grandmother was a lace curtain, but that doesn't really help cheer him up.) He feels sad and left out when his friends are zooming around and he can't keep up.

But one Halloween, everything changes. The little ghost who was a quilt has an experience that no other ghost could have, an experience that only happens because he's a quilt . . . and he realizes that it's OK to be different.]]> 42 Riel Nason 0735264473 Jessica 5 4.37 2020 The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt
author: Riel Nason
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/07/30
shelves: picture-books, own, new-favorites, holidaybooks
review:
My sister brought us this book on Halloween and I am DYING from the cuteness! The descriptions of what it's like to be a ghost who is a quilt instead of a sheet- too heavy to fly! Flopping around, getting mistaken for laundry! are just so hilarious (and kind of spot on). But the Halloween adventure of this little quilt ghost will absolutely melt your heart! And the pictures are gorgeous!
]]> The Matzah Ball 57968220 A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK SELECTED BY * POPSUGAR * BUSTLE * BUZZFEED * BOOKPAGE * GOODREADS MEMBERS

"The Matzah Ball had me laughing out loud...an all-around terrific read."—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Oy! to the world

Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a shameful she loves Christmas. For a decade she’s hidden her career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family. Her talent has made her a bestseller even as her chronic illness has always kept the kind of love she writes about out of reach.

But when her diversity-conscious publisher insists she write a Hanukkah romance, her well of inspiration suddenly runs dry. Hanukkah’s not magical. It’s not merry. It’s not Christmas. Desperate not to lose her contract, Rachel’s determined to find her muse at the Matzah Ball, a Jewish music celebration on the last night of Hanukkah, even if it means working with her summer camp archenemy—Jacob Greenberg.

Though Rachel and Jacob haven’t seen each other since they were kids, their grudge still glows brighter than a menorah. But as they spend more time together, Rachel finds herself drawn to Hanukkah—and Jacob—in a way she never expected. Maybe this holiday of lights will be the spark she needed to set her heart ablaze. 

"A luminous celebration of all types of love, threaded with the message that everyone is worthy of it.”—Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of The Ex Talk
Ěý±Ő±Ő> 416 Jean Meltzer 0369706099 Jessica 4 3.82 2021 The Matzah Ball
author: Jean Meltzer
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2022/12/31
date added: 2023/01/01
shelves: contemporary, holidaybooks, romance, own
review:
Very cute story about a rabbi's daughter with a chronic illness and a dark, dark secret . . . and the handsome man who was her Jewish sleep away camp nemesis and first love! Lots of fun comparisons between Christmas and Hanukkah, lots of romance, and delightful (and delightfully frustrating) misunderstandings. I love that the author used her own experience with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and with observant Judaism, to inform the plot as well as fleshing out the characters. I did wish that the guy hadn't been SO clueless, at the risk of being a total dick, up until he realized, Hey, I'm being a total dick! But her parents were SO GREAT, and so were all the secondary characters, like Mickey, Bubbe Toby, and Shmuel!
]]> The Halloween Tree 48894661 4 Ray Bradbury 1501981110 Jessica 4 3.75 1972 The Halloween Tree
author: Ray Bradbury
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.75
book published: 1972
rating: 4
read at: 2022/10/09
date added: 2022/10/09
shelves: audiobooks, fantasy, holidaybooks, horror, own, middle-grade
review:
For some reason I always thought this was just a collection of Bradbury's more Halloween-centric stories, a la The October Country, but it's actually it's own thing, a story set on Halloween night about a group of friends traveling through time, seeing Halloween/harvest festivals/Dia de los Muertos/Samhain, as they search through the centuries for their missing friend. Very unusual, well- very Ray Bradbury- and the narration of the audiobook by Kirby Heyborne is excellent.
]]> The Little Leftover Witch 17197801
When Felina, a little witch, breaks her broom on Halloween and can’t fly home, she is stuck with the Doon family and their black cat, Itchabody, for an entire year. Although she’s homesick and unhappy, the Doon parents and their daughter, Lucinda, do their best to make Felina feel welcome. (And she has no trouble with Itchabody at all!) As time passes, the mischievous Felina learns what it means to be part of a family—and how, with love, she will always belong.

This timeless tale, originally published in 1971 and cherished ever since, brims with witchy whimsy and will find a home in the hearts of a new generation of readers.]]> 96 Florence Laughlin 1442486724 Jessica 4 4.12 1960 The Little Leftover Witch
author: Florence Laughlin
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.12
book published: 1960
rating: 4
read at: 2021/11/07
date added: 2021/11/09
shelves: holidaybooks, middle-grade, own, read-aloud
review:
Very, very cute book about a young witch who is left behind on Halloween, and has to spend the year living with a normal human family. She's like a weird feral creature, she doesn't know how to read or write, has never bathed or had people food, and likes to sit up in the tree in the yard with their crotchety cat. The ending surprised us all, and we honestly weren't sure how we felt about it. But it was overall a very cute story, and reminded me of Poo-Poo and the Dragons or something Betty MacDonald would write.
]]> <![CDATA[Gustavo, the Shy Ghost (The World of Gustavo, #1)]]> 53146827 This winning debut picture book from Mexican artist Flavia Z. Drago about finding the courage to make friends is perfect for the spooky season � or anytime.

Gustavo is good at doing all sorts of ghostly things: walking through walls, making objects fly, and glowing in the dark. And he loves almost nothing more than playing beautiful music on his violin. But Gustavo is shy, and some things are harder for him to do, like getting in a line to buy eye scream or making friends with other monsters. Whenever he tries getting close to them, he realizes they just can’t see him. Now that the Day of the Dead is fast approaching, what can he do to make them notice him and to share with them something he loves? With fancifully detailed artwork and visual humor, debut picture-book creator Flavia Z. Drago’s vivid illustrations tell a sweet and gently offbeat story of loneliness, bravery, and friendship that is sure to be a treat for little ghouls and goblins everywhere.]]> 34 Flavia Z. Drago 1536211141 Jessica 4
A shy little ghost wants so badly to have friends, and he especially likes one beautiful little monster girl. But he's too shy to play with anyone, or talk to them. The only thing he feels good about, is playing the violin. JUST SO ADORABLE. The art looks like concept art for the movie Coco, and if you love that, as I do, you need this book. ]]> 4.36 2020 Gustavo, the Shy Ghost (The World of Gustavo, #1)
author: Flavia Z. Drago
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2021/10/13
shelves: holidaybooks, own, picture-books
review:
ADORABLE.

A shy little ghost wants so badly to have friends, and he especially likes one beautiful little monster girl. But he's too shy to play with anyone, or talk to them. The only thing he feels good about, is playing the violin. JUST SO ADORABLE. The art looks like concept art for the movie Coco, and if you love that, as I do, you need this book.
]]> Vampenguin 55261892
On a Saturday morning, baby Dracula visits the zoo with his family, where baby Penguin lives with hers. But these intrepid young adventurers are not content with staying in their proper places.

Instead, baby Dracula slips into the Penguin House to spend the day eating, swimming, and hanging around, while baby Penguin waddles into the stroller to explore the rest of the zoo. Dracula’s family doesn’t even notice the switch—will they bring the right baby home?

Observant and adventurous young readers will love this tale of the shenanigans that happen when parents� backs are turned.]]> 48 Lucy Ruth Cummins 1534466983 Jessica 5 3.90 2021 Vampenguin
author: Lucy Ruth Cummins
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2021/10/05
date added: 2021/10/06
shelves: holidaybooks, own, picture-books
review:
Absolutely adorable story about the vampire family visiting the zoo, and having a lovely time . . . although not as lovely as their youngest child, who switches places with a penguin. I just love picture books where the pictures tell a different story from the words! And this is so well done! There's something so appealing about the shape of the penguins and the shape of the vampires . . .
]]> <![CDATA[The Okay Witch and the Hungry Shadow (The Okay Witch, #2)]]> 55710745
In this hilarious and heartwarming sequel to the bestselling and critically acclaimed graphic novel, The Okay Witch , half-witch Moth Hush uses magic to boost her confidence with disastrous results—perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Molly Ostertag!

Moth Hush is starting to settle into her newfound witch heritage and powers, but life at school continues to be rough. Even her best friend, Charlie, doesn’t entirely understand what it’s like for her to always be the one who gets mocked, and things only get worse when Moth’s mom starts dating one of the dorkiest teachers in the school! Then Moth gets hold of a mysterious charm that can unleash another version of herself—one who is confident, cool, and extremely popular. What could possibly go wrong?]]> 256 Emma Steinkellner 1534431489 Jessica 5
I love how Moth has to come to terms with being a witch, and still being bullied at school. And I love her solution to it. And it's just flat out hilarious and fun!]]> 4.20 2021 The Okay Witch and the Hungry Shadow (The Okay Witch, #2)
author: Emma Steinkellner
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2021/09/30
date added: 2021/09/30
shelves: own, fantasy, holidaybooks, middle-grade, graphics-n-comics
review:
My daughter and I agree: This is even better than the first!

I love how Moth has to come to terms with being a witch, and still being bullied at school. And I love her solution to it. And it's just flat out hilarious and fun!
]]> <![CDATA[Bonaparte Falls Apart: A Funny Skeleton Book for Kids and Toddlers]]> 34052898 When he plays catch, his throwing arm literally takes a flyer. Eating lunch can be a real jaw-dropping occasion. How can he start school when he has so many screws loose?
Luckily, Bonaparte hit the bone-anza when it came to his friends. Franky Stein, Black Widow, and Mummicula all have some boneheaded ideas to help pull him together. But will it be enough to boost his confidence and get him ready for the first day of school?]]> 40 Margery Cuyler 1101937688 Jessica 4 3.86 2017 Bonaparte Falls Apart: A Funny Skeleton Book for Kids and Toddlers
author: Margery Cuyler
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2020/11/01
shelves: holidaybooks, own, picture-books
review:
Very cute crew of monsters need to help poor little skeleton Bonaparte keep his bones from coming apart! It's the charmingly quirky illustrations by Will Terry that really make this book stand out.
]]> <![CDATA[The Life of Our Lord: Written for His Children During the Years 1846 to 1849]]> 5342 128 Charles Dickens 0684865378 Jessica 4
This book led to some interesting discussions with my children, in that there are a couple of things that we as members of the Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that Dickens does not (he says, for instance, that Jesus was such a good man he was CALLED the son of God). But the language is so simple that it actually helped my kids understand some of the details about Christ's last days and crucifixion that the Bible is too obscure about. ]]> 4.02 1934 The Life of Our Lord: Written for His Children During the Years 1846 to 1849
author: Charles Dickens
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.02
book published: 1934
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/25
date added: 2020/03/26
shelves: own, read-aloud, christmas, holidaybooks
review:
I had never heard of this until my mom passed her copy on to me this year. But then, that was the intent! According to the introduction, Dickens didn't want this book published, and he didn't want it known as a work of Dickens. He wrote it to instruct his children about the life of Jesus Christ at the time when his popularity was at its height. He knew that if it were published, it would become part of the Dickens oeuvre, and he didn't want that. The family, many years after his death, decided to publish it, the underlying message being that they wanted the world to see the Charles Dickens they had grown up learning about: as a devoted father and devout Christian.

This book led to some interesting discussions with my children, in that there are a couple of things that we as members of the Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that Dickens does not (he says, for instance, that Jesus was such a good man he was CALLED the son of God). But the language is so simple that it actually helped my kids understand some of the details about Christ's last days and crucifixion that the Bible is too obscure about.
]]> Mooncakes 44774415
Nova Huang knows more about magic than your average teen witch. She works at her grandmothers' bookshop, where she helps them loan out spell books and investigate any supernatural occurrences in their New England town.

One fateful night, she follows reports of a white wolf into the woods, and she comes across the unexpected: her childhood crush, Tam Lang, battling a horse demon in the woods. As a werewolf, Tam has been wandering from place to place for years, unable to call any town home.

Pursued by dark forces eager to claim the magic of wolves and out of options, Tam turns to Nova for help. Their latent feelings are rekindled against the backdrop of witchcraft, untested magic, occult rituals, and family ties both new and old in this enchanting tale of self-discovery.]]> 243 Suzanne Walker 154930304X Jessica 3 3.82 2019 Mooncakes
author: Suzanne Walker
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2019/12/22
date added: 2019/12/23
shelves: library, graphics-n-comics, holidaybooks
review:
I feel like this was both too short and too long. I didn't really get to know the characters, and yet the book felt long . . . There seemed to be quite a bit of repetition (so and so had had a hard time, this person had done that before, etc.) but the reasons why or the details about these things were not clear. I would happily read more about these characters.
]]> Grimoire Noir 29225550
His best friend left him to hang out with way cooler friends, his dad is the town sheriff, and wait for it―he lives in Blackwell, a town where all the girls are witches. But when his little sister is kidnapped because of her extraordinary power, Bucky has to get out of his own head and go on a strange journey to investigate the small town that gives him so much grief. And in the process he uncovers the town’s painful history and a conspiracy that will change it forever.]]> 290 Vera Greentea Jessica 4 3.81 2019 Grimoire Noir
author: Vera Greentea
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/10/17
date added: 2019/10/17
shelves: library, holidaybooks, graphics-n-comics, youngadult
review:
Let me just get this off my chest: THE ART IS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. I mean, seriously. The book is worth it for the art ALONE. The story is also good, but I felt a little cheated. There was so much world building and character building that when it was over I was like, WAIT WHAT NOW THAT CAN'T BE ALL YOU MUST TELL ME MORE! So, yes, I would love a sequel, should the author and illustrator choose to bless us with one. In the meantime here's a wonderful spooky ghosts/witches/detective story, perfect for Halloween!
]]> The Worst Witch 20708816
Mildred Hubble is starting her first year at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches � and making a mess of it! She can’t ride her broomstick without crashing, she’s always getting her spells mixed up, and worst of all, the teacher’s pet, Ethel, has just become her sworn enemy.]]> 96 Jill Murphy 0763672602 Jessica 4 4.01 1974 The Worst Witch
author: Jill Murphy
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.01
book published: 1974
rating: 4
read at: 2015/10/21
date added: 2019/04/30
shelves: own, holidaybooks, middle-grade, fantasy
review:
A simple and charming story of a student witch, with fun illustrations by the author. I've never read these, and thought we'd give it a try as a read-aloud. The kids loved it, and so did I, but it was very short!
]]> <![CDATA[Mary, Bloody Mary (Young Royals, #1)]]> 759555 227 Carolyn Meyer 0152164561 Jessica 3 middle-grade, holidaybooks 3.83 1999 Mary, Bloody Mary (Young Royals, #1)
author: Carolyn Meyer
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.83
book published: 1999
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2019/03/26
shelves: middle-grade, holidaybooks
review:

]]> Ghosts: A Graphic Novel 28508620 256 Raina Telgemeier 0545540623 Jessica 5
It was, of course wonderful. I love her art, I loved the dialogue and the story, and the interaction between sisters. The plot was very unexpected, and I shall not go into details. Grab yourself a copy and read it, if you haven't already!]]> 4.17 2016 Ghosts: A Graphic Novel
author: Raina Telgemeier
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2019/02/19
date added: 2019/03/25
shelves: holidaybooks, middle-grade, graphics-n-comics
review:
It was brought to my attention yesterday by my daughter that I had not read Ghosts! She loves Raina Telgmeier's books, and I usually keep up with her on these, but somehow I had missed that she had this one and had read it several times!

It was, of course wonderful. I love her art, I loved the dialogue and the story, and the interaction between sisters. The plot was very unexpected, and I shall not go into details. Grab yourself a copy and read it, if you haven't already!
]]> <![CDATA[The Boy Who Fell Off the Mayflower, or John Howland's Good Fortune]]> 24727078 In the first book he has both written and illustrated, master artist P.J. Lynch brings a Mayflower voyager’s story to vivid life.

At a young age, John Howland learned what it meant to take advantage of an opportunity. Leaving the docks of London on the Mayflower as an indentured servant to Pilgrim John Carver, John Howland little knew that he was embarking on the adventure of a lifetime.

By his great good fortune, John survived falling overboard on the crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, and he earned his keep ashore by helping to scout a safe harbor and landing site for his bedraggled and ill shipmates. Would his luck continue to hold amid the dangers and adversity of the Pilgrims� lives in New England?

John Howland’s tale is masterfully told in his own voice, bringing an immediacy and young perspective to the oft-told Pilgrims� story, P.J. Lynch captures this pivotal moment in American history in precise and exquisite detail, from the light on the froth of a breaking wave to the questioning voice of a teen in a new world.]]> 64 P.J. Lynch 0763665843 Jessica 5 4.19 2015 The Boy Who Fell Off the Mayflower, or John Howland's Good Fortune
author: P.J. Lynch
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/19
shelves: historical-fiction, own, picture-books, holidaybooks
review:
As you all surely know, I am the HUGEST FAN of Lynch's work! And this is his first book that he wrote and illustrated! It's gorgeous, and is a wonderful and a wonderful addition to the rather small Thanksgiving canon!
]]> <![CDATA[Star Wars: Are You Scared, Darth Vader?]]> 36382378 Right?]]> 48 Adam Rex 1484704975 Jessica 5 4.35 2018 Star Wars: Are You Scared, Darth Vader?
author: Adam Rex
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2018/11/04
date added: 2018/11/05
shelves: picture-books, own, new-favorites, holidaybooks
review:
This book is adorable, hilarious, and even a little tragic. Perfect for Star Wars fans, but also a great Halloween read, our whole family loves it!
]]> In the Middle of Fall 33385246 32 Kevin Henkes 006257311X Jessica 5 3.96 2017 In the Middle of Fall
author: Kevin Henkes
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2017/11/28
shelves: holidaybooks, own, picture-books
review:
Exquisite look at the turning of the season, fall into winter. I had to read Rylant's In November to the kids immediately after, and they go together perfectly. This is a simpler, brighter book, Rylant has more of a hush to it. But it's just as lovely.
]]> All Hallows' Eve Collection 25460515
Another addition to the popular Timeless Romance Anthology series. ALL HALLOW'S EVE is not to be missed. Romance, thrills & chills. Need we say more?

In Sarah M. Eden’s mysterious novella OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS, if Enid Pryce has one downfall, it’s that she talks to the ghost in her garden, which doesn’t make her too popular among society’s elite. In fact, she returns to her home in Wales after a Season in Bath with not one offer of marriage. Deeming herself a failure at the nearly-spinster age of nineteen, she is pleasantly surprised when an English gentleman shows up in her garden, apparently intent on finding out more about the ghost. Burke Kennard, grandson of an English marquess, quickly becomes utterly charmed by the young Welsh woman, but the ghost in the garden is more likely to push them apart than pull them together.

In Annette Lyon’s enthralling story IT’S YOU, when Charlie and Anna both see the ghost of Nanny Mae, they think they’re losing their minds. Anna tries to find out more about the ghost and uncovers a decades� old family secret. One that separated two people in love. Now, the ghost of Nanny Mae must set her wrongs to right. As Charlie and Anna explore the past, and the truth of what happened, they discover that the mistakes of the past might lead to love of the future.

In SOPHIA’S CURSE, a suspenseful novella by Heather B. Moore, Joan grows up in an abbey in France, believing that she is an orphan. A chance encounter with the foreboding owner of a neighboring estate, alters everything she’s understood about her parents. She discovers she’s an integral part of changing a decades-old curse, and that her life, as well as the handsome and intriguing Simon Rousseau’s life, are both in danger unless she makes an enormous sacrifice that will change the course of her dreams.

In Lisa Mangum’s haunting story THE SIRENS� SONG, we meet recently widowed Oliver, the lead physician on a luxury cruise liner traveling to Greece. He hopes that the change of scenery will help ease his grief over his deceased wife, Cate. After falling overboard, though, he is captured by a siren and taken to a mystical island. Through the sirens' song, Oliver is able to relive his memories of Cate—both the good and the bad—as long as he gives away his memories of her. But can he sacrifice his best memory in exchange for one last chance to say good-bye?

In Jordan McCollum’s thrilling novella THE MAN OF HER DREAMS, homicide detective Alexandra Steen dreams about real murders before they happen, seeing the crime through the eyes of the killers. But the dreams never contain enough clues to save the victim before it's too late. Then one dream ends before a murder occurs—in a place she knows. She finds herself racing against time to prevent the deadly act, only to discover that the intended victim is a man she thought she’d never see again. Seven years might have passed since her breakup with Nick, but the years haven’t changed her feelings for him. Now, she must convince Nick that her dreams are real and find a way to prevent his death.

In Elana Johnson’s chilling story THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION, Naomi knows her crush on Colt Jennings is unreasonable. When he invites her to his reclusive mansion to restore an old wooden rocking horse, Naomi can’t resist accepting the job. The more time Naomi spends touring his home, the more interested she becomes in Colt. Until she sees a man in the library who vanishes into thin air. She thinks she’s losing her mind until Colt tells her about the ghosts he’s been seeing for years.
]]> 310 Cassidy Wadsworth 1941145566 Jessica 4 holidaybooks, own, romance 3.82 2015 All Hallows' Eve Collection
author: Cassidy Wadsworth
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/13
date added: 2017/11/13
shelves: holidaybooks, own, romance
review:
So fun! I thought that since I had a novella in a recent Timeless Romance Anthology, I would like to try another. It was Halloween time and so this seemed like a good fit! A really fun selection of spooky stories, light on scares, heavy on the romance, though the romances are of course quite clean.
]]> In November 874393 Cynthia Rylant's lyrical language and Jill Kastner's rich, cozy paintings capture the cherished moments of this autumn month--the moments we spend together and the ones we witness in the world around us.]]> 32 Cynthia Rylant 0152010769 Jessica 5 3.98 2000 In November
author: Cynthia Rylant
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2000
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2017/11/12
shelves: picture-books, own, holidaybooks
review:
Beautiful words and pictures evoke the changing of autumn into winter.
]]> Fiona's Luck 599507 32 Teresa Bateman 1570916519 Jessica 5 4.07 2007 Fiona's Luck
author: Teresa Bateman
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 2017/06/16
date added: 2017/06/19
shelves: own, picture-books, holidaybooks
review:
Charming story about how Ireland's luck is stolen by the leprechauns, and how an enterprising young girl named Fiona tricks their king into giving it back. All the tropes of a classic fairy tale, done very well, and combined with wonderful art!
]]> Too Many Leprechauns 831218 32 Stephen Krensky 068985112X Jessica 5 3.61 2007 Too Many Leprechauns
author: Stephen Krensky
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2017/03/12
shelves: holidaybooks, picture-books, own
review:
Fabulously fun story about how Finn O'Finnegan tricks the leprechauns overrunning his village. The pictures are gorgeous as well, making this my favorite St. Patrick's Day picture book.
]]> <![CDATA[The Night Before St. Patrick's Day (Reading Railroad)]]> 6251426 32 Natasha Wing 0448448521 Jessica 3 3.78 2009 The Night Before St. Patrick's Day (Reading Railroad)
author: Natasha Wing
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2009
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2017/03/12
shelves: holidaybooks, own, picture-books
review:
Not all the lines scan correctly, which drives me wild. But it's fun to see the kids try to trap a leprechaun, resulting in their being tricked as well!
]]> St. Patrick's Day 244012
In this bright picture book, nonfiction master Gail Gibbons tells you everything you need to know about this holiday. You'll learn the story of Patrick's life, legends about the saint, and the history of the holiday.

From shamrocks to shillelaghs, Gail Gibbons' signature combination of accessible text and clear, colorful illustrations creates a perfect introduction to a fun holiday.  A perfect introduction to the customs surrounding the holiday-- parades, special meals, and of course wearing lots of green. 

Filled with facts, legends, and traditions, this book is ideal for kids learning about the holiday, Irish culture, and history.]]> 32 Gail Gibbons 0823411737 Jessica 4 3.79 1994 St. Patrick's Day
author: Gail Gibbons
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.79
book published: 1994
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2017/03/12
shelves: own, picture-books, holidaybooks
review:
Kind of confusing in that it starts out as a story about Patrick, and then devolves into facts about modern St. Patrick's Day celebrations. But still, crams a lot of St. Patrick info into there. (Though frankly I skipped over the bit about giving family members cards, because . . . what?) But love the pictures!
]]> <![CDATA[The Story of Saint Patrick's Day]]> 1561256 26 Patricia A. Pingry 0824941454 Jessica 4 3.62 2002 The Story of Saint Patrick's Day
author: Patricia A. Pingry
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2017/03/12
shelves: own, picture-books, holidaybooks
review:
I love Pingry's series about each holiday. These are Christian books, so they mention things like giving gifts at Christmas to say Happy Birthday, Jesus! and (in this one) about how the shamrock represents God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost. They are board books, easy to read, with some bullet points about each holiday, essentially.
]]> XO, OX: A Love Story 29102930
"Dear Gazelle,

For some time now I have wanted to write a letter to say how much I admire you. You are so graceful and fine. Even when you are running from tigers you are like a ballerina who is running away from tigers.

I think that what I'm trying to say is that I love you.

XO,
OX"

And so begins an epic, if initially unrequited, love affair between a graceful gazelle and a clumsy, hapless ox. Romance will never be the same.

Adam Rex's hilarious, sweet, and at times heartbreaking letters between a hopelessly romantic ox and a conceited, beautiful gazelle is paired perfectly with Scott Campbell's joyful illustrations to bring you a romance for the ages.]]> 32 Adam Rex 1626722889 Jessica 4 3.67 2017 XO, OX: A Love Story
author: Adam Rex
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2017/03/10
shelves: holidaybooks, own, picture-books
review:
Utterly charming picture book that I got for the kids for Valentine's Day! An ox writes love letters to a beautiful gazelle, and through the eyes of love turns her tart replies into real answers to his correspondence. So cute!
]]> The Ballad of Valentine 225777 32 Alison Jackson 0142404004 Jessica 5 3.98 2002 The Ballad of Valentine
author: Alison Jackson
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2002
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2017/02/18
shelves: picture-books, own, holidaybooks
review:
I defy you to not start singing "Darlin' Clementine" as you read this aloud! The words scan perfectly, and the pictures, showing Valentine going about her chores, oblivious to her lover's attempts to woo her, are charming!
]]> <![CDATA[Boo! (Leslie Patricelli Board Books)]]> 23395708
It’s almost Halloween! How should Daddy carve the pumpkin? So many expressions to choose from! What should Baby be—a princess or pirate, ballerina or clown? When the jack-o�-lantern’s ready (looking suspiciously like Baby), it’s time for a little ghost to head out in the slightly scary night. But fear turns to excitement as the pumpkin fills up with treats. WOW!]]> 26 Leslie Patricelli 0763663204 Jessica 5 3.93 2015 Boo! (Leslie Patricelli Board Books)
author: Leslie Patricelli
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2016/10/05
shelves: own, holidaybooks, picture-books
review:
Adorable board book for Halloween. Especially if you are already a fan of Patricelli's series about this cute little toddler.
]]> <![CDATA[It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (Peanuts)]]> 23309506
Celebrate Halloween with Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang!

It’s Halloween night, which means costumes, trick-or-treating, bobbing for apples…and waiting for the Great Pumpkin. Linus is certain that the Great Pumpkin will rise out of the pumpkin patch to bring toys to all the children of the world. Could this be the year that it finally happens?

Find out in this stunning storybook with an embossed cover with holographic foil!

© 2015 Peanuts Worldwide LLC]]> 26 Charles M. Schulz 148143585X Jessica 4 4.41 1966 It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (Peanuts)
author: Charles M. Schulz
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.41
book published: 1966
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2016/10/05
shelves: holidaybooks, own, picture-books
review:

]]> Snowy Valentine 10780407 Step out into a snowy Valentine's Day with Jasper the bunny as he searches the forest valley for a special gift for his loved one.

In his picture-book debut, David Petersen, the Eisner Award-winning creator of Mouse Guard, tells a delightful tale that becomes the perfect way to say "I love you."

Bring this sweet story home to your Valentine today.

]]> 26 David Petersen 0061463787 Jessica 4 3.88 2011 Snowy Valentine
author: David Petersen
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2016/01/27
shelves: holidaybooks, picture-books, own
review:
Sweet story and beautiful pictures. The fact that it's about a married bunny looking for a gift for his wife for Valentine's Day reminded me of Beatrix Potter or the picture books of my youth, when not every person and creature in a picture book was required to be 5 years old.
]]> Room on the Broom 177246
The witch and her cat are happily flying through the sky on a broomstick when the wind picks up and blows away the witch's hat, then her bow, and then her wand!  Luckily, three helpful animals find the missing items, and all they want in return is a ride on the broom.  But is there room on the broom for so many friends?  And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from a hungry dragon?

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are the creators of many beloved picture books including The Gruffalo , The Gruffalo's Child , The Snail and the Whale , and The Spiffiest Giant in Town .


"A surefire read-aloud hit." - School Library Journal]]> 32 Julia Donaldson 0142501123 Jessica 5 4.45 2001 Room on the Broom
author: Julia Donaldson
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.45
book published: 2001
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2015/08/16
shelves: own, picture-books, holidaybooks
review:
Wonderful rhyming picture book about a witch, charming and fun to read aloud at Halloween.
]]> Ghosts in the House! 13165330 26 Kazuno Kohara 1596437251 Jessica 5 holidaybooks, picture-books
]]> 4.28 2008 Ghosts in the House!
author: Kazuno Kohara
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/10/03
shelves: holidaybooks, picture-books
review:
Absolutely delightful! I just discovered this book today (October 2013) on a display at Barnes & Noble, and couldn't resist the wonderful artwork! To my great joy, the story is equally wonderful! A young witch and her cat find a hilarious solution to the ghosts haunting their new house . . . my four-year-old laughed and laughed. the pages are all orange and black, and the white ghosts are actually translucent! So inventive, I just loved it! A fantastic addition to your Halloween library. (It's so hard to find Halloween books that aren't cartoon or movie tie-ins! The Disney princess Halloween? REALLY?!)


]]> <![CDATA[Scaredy-Cat, Splat! (Splat the Cat)]]> 7953998 40 Rob Scotton 0061177601 Jessica 4 picture-books, holidaybooks


Reading Challenge 2013 note: I am putting this on my Reading Challenge list as a representation/proxy/whatever for over two hours worth of picture book reading to my children over the past few days.]]> 3.95 2010 Scaredy-Cat, Splat! (Splat the Cat)
author: Rob Scotton
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2010
rating: 4
read at: 2013/10/03
date added: 2013/10/03
shelves: picture-books, holidaybooks
review:
While light on plot, my kids love Splat's Halloween adventure. And I love these books because they are good for reading out loud, not irritating, and the pictures are so wonderful. Splat is the softest-looking cat I've ever seen, and I want to touch him!



Reading Challenge 2013 note: I am putting this on my Reading Challenge list as a representation/proxy/whatever for over two hours worth of picture book reading to my children over the past few days.
]]> Five Silly Turkeys 1109922
From twirling on a dance floor to being chased by a bee to tanning in the sun, these are no ordinary Thanksgiving turkeys. The rhyming adventure makes for a fun read-aloud, and the tail feathers add a sensory element to the book as they crinkle when touched and are easy to grab for tiny hands turning pages. This shiny fabric–tabbed book is a holiday treat that is sure to be gobbled up quickly.]]> 12 Salina Yoon 0843114169 Jessica 4 holidaybooks, picture-books 3.85 2005 Five Silly Turkeys
author: Salina Yoon
name: Jessica
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2013/06/15
shelves: holidaybooks, picture-books
review:
My kids love this board book with shiny fabric "feathers" that they can grab to turn the page. The simple rhymes are easy for them to remember, too, so even the 4yo can read this to herself. A Thanksgiving favorite, especially when Thanksgiving picture books tend to skew heavily toward the real story of Thanksgiving, which is a bit much for younger children and often have too many words to make for fun read-alouds. This is short, sweet, and entertaining.
]]> <![CDATA[The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes]]> 532752
Like so many other classic stories for children, this one grew from being told and retold to a child for many years. That is why Mr. Heyward gives credit on the title-page to his eight-year-old daughter, Jenifer.]]> 46 DuBose Heyward 0395159903 Jessica 5 4.32 1939 The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes
author: DuBose Heyward
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.32
book published: 1939
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2012/04/07
shelves: childhoodfavorites, holidaybooks
review:
One of the greatest picture books ever, I read this over and over as a kid. The story of a sweet little brown mother rabbit who dreams of being an Easter bunny is just utterly delightful. The pictures are simple but I love the color palette, which seems to have sort of gray undertones that somehow remind me of Easter eggs.
]]> The Easter Egg 7151485
Spring is everywhere in gorgeous illustrations framed with pussy willows, flowering vines and flowers. Side borders feature busy rabbits making their unusual eggs and, in a border above, the Robin’s family drama unfolds.

A gatefold surprise reveals the Easter Rabbit.

Watch a Video]]> 32 Jan Brett 039925238X Jessica 5 picture-books, holidaybooks 4.21 2010 The Easter Egg
author: Jan Brett
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2010
rating: 5
read at: 2011/04/14
date added: 2012/04/07
shelves: picture-books, holidaybooks
review:
A gorgeous book! Jan Brett's art is amazing, of course, but the story is just as good. My kids loved seeing the different eggs, and the different types of rabbits, all getting ready for Easter. Such fun!
]]> <![CDATA[The Golden Egg Book (Big Little Golden Book)]]> 282436
Once there was a little bunny. He was all alone. One day he found an egg. He could hear something moving inside the egg. What was it?

The tale of a bunny's discovery of a mysterious egg--a Big Golden Book beloved by generations--is available for the first time in the Little Golden Book line, with its original illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Leonard Weisgard. This Springtime classic by the author of Goodnight Moon is now perfectly sized for Easter baskets!]]> 32 Margaret Wise Brown 037582717X Jessica 5 picture-books, holidaybooks 4.08 1947 The Golden Egg Book (Big Little Golden Book)
author: Margaret Wise Brown
name: Jessica
average rating: 4.08
book published: 1947
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2012/04/07
shelves: picture-books, holidaybooks
review:
This is a charming book for Easter about a little bunny trying to figure out what's in the strange egg he finds. The pictures have a soft, classic look, and the story is easy for even very small children to follow.
]]>