The first Friday of the month finds me blogging at Christian Children’s Authors. Today’s topic is summer reading programs. You can find my post at http://christianchildrensauthors.com/2017/06/02/summer-reading-programs
The first Friday of the month finds me blogging at Christian Children’s Authors. Today’s topic is summer reading programs. You can find my post at http://christianchildrensauthors.com/2017/06/02/summer-reading-programs
My first reading challenge was a success. I committed to reading 4 seasonal titles and ended up reading 7. Of course, 6 of them were short, so I almost felt like I was cheating a bit.
Here’s the list of books I read for the challenge:
Tumbleweed Christmas by Beverly Stowe McClure
Kevin’s Christmas by Liesbet Slegers
Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls illustrated by Veronica Vasylenko
Humbug A Christmas Carol by Lee Baker
Ricky’s Christmas Tree by Guido van Genechten
Main Street: ‘Tis the Season by Ann M. Martin
The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge was sponsored by The Christmas Spirit blog.
A tender, yet heartrending tale of the season can be found in Main Street: ‘Tis the Season by Ann M. Martin.
Christmas is coming to Camden Falls, but Ruby and Flora aren’t quite sure how to feel about it. Camden Falls looks like it came right out of a picture postcard during the Christmas season, but this is their first Christmas without their parents. Thankfully they’ve made lots of nice friends. But when Olivia and Nikki are dealing with troubles of their own, it might be up to Ruby, Flora and some other residents of town to make their Christmas bright.
I love reading seasonal stories, mainly because I am a Christmas fanatic. The author does a fine job of portraying small town America during the holiday season. Martin’s writing is so descriptive that you truly feel you’re right there walking along Main Street, down Aiken Avenue, and in the Row Houses where many of this small Massachusetts town live.
I have to admit to being on the fence about this story, though. There’s so much conflict that it’s a bit overwhelming at times. Olivia might have to leave Camden Falls because her parents both lost their jobs. Then there’s Nikki, whose happy that her abusive father has gone away, but she doesn’t know when or if he’ll return, and he hasn’t sent the family any money, so Christmas will be tight. On top of that, Ruby and Flora are coping with their first Christmas without their parents, and other residents of town have troubles of their own. There’s also the unusual visit of Aunt Allie from New York. Ruby and Flora’s aunt can be a bit prickly, to say the least.
While the book ends on a happy note, I had a difficult time plodding through all the misery to get there. In addition, I feel it’s important for parents to read this book first, because certain Christmas secrets are revealed that might ruin the magic for the young reader in their home.
I would like to read the previous two books in this series to see if I feel differently about Martin’s Main Street books. This one just didn’t do it for me.
Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂
I purchased a copy of this book from a Scholastic Book Fair two years ago. I received no monetary compensation of any kind to provide my review.
This is a book I read for The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge. To see my original list visit here. I have read 7 books for this challenge, and this completes my list.
The art and prose of Guido van Genechten returns in this classic Christmas story of one bunny’s pursuit for a Christmas tree.
It’s almost Christmas, but Ricky’s family doesn’t have a tree yet because his parents have been so busy. Dad begrudingly takes Ricky on his tree quest, as long as they make it quick. While Ricky takes in all the winter beauty and fun around him, his father pushes him to fine the tree and get back home. When the Christmas tree falls off the sled, Ricky’s enthusiasm for winter play becomes infectious, and soon Dad and Mom are caught up in the joys of the season.
This is a beautiful story made even lovelier by van Genechten’s adorable artwork. I love his books because they capture the heart of a child so well. As I was reading , I wondered if this is how my kids see me–constantly working, not appreciating the little things that make life worth living.
Ricky’s Christmas Tree is probably going to end up being my favorite van Genechten book. He’s truly done a wonderful job with this one. It would make the perfect gift any time of the year.
Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation of any kind for this review.
This is a book I read for The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge. To see my original list visit here. I have now read 6 books for this challenge.