After the war, factories began to make toys again, and Ellouise discovers a marvelous surprise when her parents take her to the city to see Santa Claus, a baby doll that opens and closes its eyes.
She tells everyone that she wants that baby doll from Santy Claus.
Then, she worries about Santa Claus being able to find her at her grandparents’. Will Ellouise get her baby doll from Santy Claus?
Joseph and his wife, Mary, expect a baby. With all that is happening, including the government requiring a census, Joseph feels a little overwhelmed and a bit left out of the preparations for the baby. Is there something he can do?
Merry Tilda discovers a small evergreen growing by her house. As years pass, the tree become larger and more important to her, her family, and her neighbors. She, with the help of grandchildren and their friends, decorates the tree each winter with goodies for the birds and animals. The tree becomes a winter fairy tale.
Christmas is the time for miracles, but sometimes, a child must make her own miracle, and one for her siblings.
Panther finds helping Katie and Emma decorate for Christmas fun.
However, Christmas morning brings a surprise. Katie and Emma love the surprise, but Panther doesn’t. It’s cold and wet and not fun, at least to him.
How does Katie help her cat adjust to a snowy Christmas?
Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who only has one request for Santa, Robert is confused about what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?
Beatrice likes the dark. She likes black clothes, graveyard picnics, and a sky full of stars. Her sister, Roo, likes the light. She likes bright clothes, picking strawberries, and hot, sunny days. Beatrice and Roo are nothing alike and don’t understand each other. Can Beatrice help Roo love the dark as much as she does? Can Roo help Beatrice love the light? Or are they simply too different to get along?
With lushly detailed artwork, award-winning illustrator Khoa Le brings to vivid life acclaimed author April Tucholke’s heartwarming, slightly spooky tale about two very different sisters who learn to celebrate their individuality, understanding that love runs deeper than their differences.
Publisher : Algonquin Young Readers (September 13, 2022)
It’s Christmas Eve when a young kitten is left alone on the deserted streets of the city. She’s hungry and cold. She would like to go to a home of her own. Is she the only one with a holiday wish?
A heartwarming story in which the magic of Christmas results in surprises. For animal lovers ages 5 years and up.
I caught up with Glenn from A Christmas Kindness in the mall parking lot and asked him a few questions.
How did you meet Robert?
I met Robert in line as we waited to talk with Santa. He bent over to tie his shoe, and when he stood up, he saw me.
What did he say to you?
He asked me my name. Then he asked me what I wanted for Christmas.
Did you tell him?
Yes, but he didn’t really understand why I planned to ask Santa for that special present.
How come?
Well, Robert had a long list of toys he wanted to ask Santa to bring him. He was surprised I wanted something else.
Did you talk more about what you wanted?
I explained about my mom and my brother. I think he understood after that. Not sure, though, because Santa called Robert over and we didn’t talk again.
What do you think Robert asked Santa for?
Don’t know, but he seemed really happy after he hopped off Santa’s lap.
Do you think you and Robert will find the gifts you asked Santa for under the Christmas tree tomorrow?
I hope so!
***
If you enjoyed our short character interview, I hope you’ll check out my book, A Christmas Kindness. The publisher released a second edition in 2020. The second edition includes discussion questions, activities, crafts, and more! Here is more about the book:
Title: A CHRISTMAS KINDNESS Author: Cheryl C. Malandrinos Publisher: 4RV Publishing Pages: 52 Genre: First Chapter Reader
BOOK BLURB:
Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who only has one request for Santa, Robert is confused about what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?
PRAISE
It is not often that a simple children’s book can nearly bring me to tears, but this one succeeded. There is nothing better than reading a story at Christmastime that reminds you that there are still good people and good kids in the world. This is one heartwarming Christmas story that you and your kids can read and enjoy. It will remind you of the true meaning of Christmas, and I believe that the author’s purpose is accomplished.
– Ruth, Amazon Reviewer
Robert can’t wait to see Santa. He’s got a pile of stuff he wants to ask for. Then he meets Glenn in line, and Robert himself gets to play Santa. I was touched by the main character’s transformation after he came in contact with someone in real need. The glow he walks away with can’t be bought, and he’ll never find it under the Christmas tree, but it’s the heart of the season that he’s found. Nicely illustrated, enjoyable story for readers of all ages.
“Oh, when will we get there?” whispered Robert from the backseat of his mother’s car. He fiddled with the pull on his coat. The wipers brushed aside the snow falling on the windshield.
As they arrived, lines of cars streamed in and out of the mall parking lot. Robert peered over his mother’s shoulder and saw her white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel. She huffed as she scanned the parking lot for an empty space. He wiggled around, but his seat belt kept him secure.
Inside the mall, Christmas music and the tinkling of jingle bells tickled Robert’s ears. With his mother, Robert weaved through the crowd of shoppers. He smelled fried food from Burger Mart. The sweet scent of warm chocolate chip cookies from the bakery made his mouth water.
Robert’s shoulders drooped when he saw how many kids waited to see Santa. There were babies, some crying and struggling to get out of their mother’s arms. Little kids, many younger than eight-year-old Robert, clung to their father’s pants or jumped up and down as they waited their turn.
“This is going to take forever!”
About the Author
Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A member of SCBWI, she is blogger and book reviewer. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two daughters. She also has a son who is married.
The virtual book tour for A Christmas Kindness starts Monday, November 1. Here is more about the book:
BOOK BLURB:
Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who only has one request for Santa, Robert is confused about what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?
PRAISE
It is not often that a simple children’s book can nearly bring me to tears, but this one succeeded. There is nothing better than reading a story at Christmastime that reminds you that there are still good people and good kids in the world. This is one heartwarming Christmas story that you and your kids can read and enjoy. It will remind you of the true meaning of Christmas, and I believe that the author’s purpose is accomplished.
– Ruth, Amazon Reviewer
Robert can’t wait to see Santa. He’s got a pile of stuff he wants to ask for. Then he meets Glenn in line, and Robert himself gets to play Santa. I was touched by the main character’s transformation after he came in contact with someone in real need. The glow he walks away with can’t be bought, and he’ll never find it under the Christmas tree, but it’s the heart of the season that he’s found. Nicely illustrated, enjoyable story for readers of all ages.
The Children's and Teens' Book Connection 