IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW AND RICHARD WAGNER

ABOUT THE BOOK

Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Written by Richard Wagner

Illustrated by Sydni Kruger

Ages 3+ | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids | ISBN-13: 9781645437086

Publisher’s Synopsis: The world is not always a perfect place. Needles, a scraggly little tree, must endure criticism, laughter, and setbacks to realize his goal of becoming a beautiful Christmas tree.

This is a story of dreams, desires, hope, determination, and never giving up. It also offers the observation that what others think is beautiful may not really matter. Beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder and paired with the spirit of Christmas, maybe we can make the world just a little more perfect!

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Author’s Website

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Richard Wagner grew up in Southern California. When he was fourteen years old, a business friend of his father’s had a small Christmas tree delivered as a thank-you. Their family already had a large tree decorated in the house. Not being able to find anyone who needed a tree, that small Christmas tree stood outside by itself for the remainder of the Christmas holiday. Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree is a tribute to that little tree and what might have been, but more importantly, to all the beauty, goodness, and hope that Christmas brings to us all. Mr. Wagner continues to reside in Southern California with his wife and two children.

For more information, visit https://needlesthechristmastree.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

JUST PERFECT

Needles: The Forgotten Tree

Written by Richard Wagner

Illustrated by Sydni Kruger

What a perfect picture book to celebrate the meaning of the season! Needles is a short, scruffy evergreen tree growing on a Christmas tree farm. The adjoining trees make fun of him, but Needles firmly believes he will achieve his goal to become a beautiful Christmas tree in someone’s home.

The trees are cut down and brought to market but as day after day passes, Needle’s friends are chosen, while no one seems interested in him. When the owner of the lot, decides to gift Needles to a friend, Needles is elated. Now he will have a home! Will he achieve his dream to become a beautiful Christmas tree?

The story contains many twists and turns. Children (and the adults who read this story to them) remember that the promises of faith and hope are at the heart of the Christmas season. Even more important that sharing and caring for others is the true spirit of Christmas.

A perfect holiday choice for a bedtime story or read-aloud with elementary school children.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree, autographed by Richard Wagner.

One (1) winner receives:

– An autographed copy of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/u7VnN/needle-the-forgotten-christmas-tree-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, December 5, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Tuesday, December 6, 2022Me Two BooksA book activity to pair with Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Wednesday, December 7, 2022Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Thursday, December 8, 2022Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Friday, December 9, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Monday, December 12, 2022Book Zone ReviewsAuthor Interview with Richard Wagner

Tuesday, December 13, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA guest article by Richard Wagner

Wednesday, December 14, 2022Heart to HeartAuthor Interview with Richard Wagner

Thursday, December 15, 2022J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Friday, December 16, 2022The Momma SpotA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Monday, December 19, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Tuesday, December 20, 2022The Review WireA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Wednesday, December 21, 2022Chatty Patty’s PlaceA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Thursday, December 22, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Title: Writing Prompts For Girls: An “A+ Teacher Design” to motivate girls to write for homeschoolers and teachers. Targeting Grade 1, Grade 2 & Grade 3. 

Written by Christine Calabrese

I recently reviewed Writing Prompts For Boys: An A+Teacher Design and you can see my complete review for that book on Amazon.com.

Calabrese recently released this edition for girls and it does an excellent job just like the previous edition for boys. The author selects a wide array of topics like the princess theme, horses, snowy days, music, sports, secrets, and fantasy to name a few of them. She encourages girls to use their “w” words and imagination to write and draw their way to success providing exciting vocabulary, simple rules, and exciting scenarios.

Children see writing as a fun exercise not a laborious chore. This book is perfect for the primary grades but also wonderful for older reluctant readers and writers.

As a former teacher, I would highly recommend these resources to parents and teachers.

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Are you tired of shopping frantically trying to find that perfect gift? I wanted to share with you an Advent calendar that focuses on the giving rather than receiving.

Read down to the end of the page for instructions on different ways to assemble and use this calendar and get into the holiday spirit!

How to Put Your Advent Calendar Together:

1.Print background on one-sided on paper or card stock.

2.Print next two pages double sided on one piece of paper or card stock.

3.Cut out the daily shapes and then arrange the pieces on your background. You can tape or glue the top of each piece and fold over for the message on each day of the month.

Alternatively, you could print last two images double sided, hang them on a string with a clip or tape and then remove one new circle each day.

Fonts:

Allura PW

JoyeuxNoel

The Squirrel that Watched the Stars (Starry Stories Book 1)

Written by Tom Kerss

Illustrated by Anni Betts

Written by an astronomer, this book is the first in a series. The rhymes are catchy and fun to read; the illustrations sparkle like the stars that are the subject of this book.

A squirrel sits in a high oak tree near the observatory. He wonders about the stars and wishes he could communicate with the workers in the observatory to learn more about them. Suddenly, a beautiful swan named Cygnus appears to him and brings him on a tour of the stars. The squirrel learns about the magnitude of stars in space and the one closest to earth, our sun. Star School is a teaching tool provided at the end of the fictional story that provides a jumping off point to more research about the stars for budding scientists.

The book is a lovely bedtime story for young children and an introduction to astronomy that will peak the interest of school-age children. I would also suggest placing the book in the science section of elementary school classrooms.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW AND MEDEA KALANTAR

ABOUT THE BOOK

Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Written by Medea Kalantar

Illustrated by i Cenzial

Ages 4+ | 33 Pages

Publisher: Medea Kalantar | ISBN-13: 9781777289768

Publisher’s Book Summary: In the sixth installment of the delightful Honeycake book series, Nala’s uncles, Victor and George, take her to a fundraiser where she meets Alexis, a girl with an artificial arm. Through her interactions, Nala learns that you are never too young to lend “a helping hand,” that it’s okay to be different, and that being different doesn’t stop you from doing great things in life.

PURCHASE LINKS

All proceeds from each book sale go to The War Amps CHAMP Program as Medea Kalantar’s charity of choice.

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Medea Kalantar is a Reiki master and practitioner, a Guinness World Record Holder, and a multi-award-winning, best-selling author of the Honeycake Book Series(TM). Inspired to write these books when she became a grandmother, Kalantar’s stories are based on her own family, whose members come from many ethnic backgrounds. This unique mix is a perfect recipe—just like the spices in a honey cake. That is why she calls her grandchildren her little Honeycakes.

With all the negativity in the world, Medea Kalantar’s series is a much-needed glimmer of hope and positivity. The Honeycake Book Series(TM) teaches valuable life lessons, giving children the tools to overcome obstacles in their everyday lives. The Honeycake books teach children about diversity, acceptance, kindness, mindfulness, trust, and gratitude. This series will enlighten, empower, educate, and entertain children and their families for generations to come.

About the Books

https://www.instagram.com/honeycakebooks/

Tweets by honeycakebooks

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18921007.Medea_Kalantar

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

HONEYCAKE: A HELPING HAND

Written by Medea Kalantar

Illustrated by i Cenizal

Edited by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Nala is so excited. She is wearing the beautiful pink dress that her married uncles bought for her and she is going to attend a special fundraiser with them. They tell her she will meet a remarkable girl named Alexis.She is surprised to find out the event is being held at a store. At the party, Nala meets children who have different types of physical disabilities. What really amazes her is the fact they have learned to lead independent lives and remarkable achievements.

Alexis is beautiful in spirit as well. She has managed to raise ten million dollars with her charity. Not only does Nala meet many new friends. she learns that being different is not a handicap if you are motivated to achieve great things. Nala is inspired to follow in her footsteps.

The book contains a glossary to explain terms that might be unfamiliar to the elementary school reader. Kalantar also reveals a bit about the real life character behind the story.

This book contains many important lessons for young readers. It is beautifully illustrated with multicultural illustrations that show different cultures and display many types of disabilities. I would recommend it be placed on the shelves of libraries and classrooms to be used as a valuable diversity discussion tool.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win 6-book set of the Honeycake series with bookmarks—including a copy of Honeycake: A Helping Hand autographed by Madea Kalantar!

All proceeds from each book sale go to The War Amps CHAMP Program as Medea Kalantar’s charity of choice.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

– A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: A Family of Spices

– A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: Help, I Swallowed a Butterfly

– A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: Special Magical Powers

– A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: A Circle of Trust

– A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: Counting All My Blessings

– A signed hardcover of Honecake: A Helping Hand

–Bookmarks

Four (4) winners receive:

– A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Five (5) winners receive:

– A signed paperback copy of Honeycake: A Helping Hand 

https://gleam.io/W9SFI/honeycake-a-helping-hand-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Friday, November 18, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Monday, November 21, 2022Me Two BooksA book review of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Tuesday, November 22, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Wednesday, November 23, 2022Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Thursday, November 24, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewAn interview with Medea Kalantar

Friday, November 25, 2022The Momma SpotA book review of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Monday, November 28, 2022The Frugal GrandmomA book review of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Tuesday, November 29, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview with Medea Kalantar

Wednesday, November 30, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Thursday, December 1, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Friday, December 2, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewInstagram Reel of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

The Prince Who Was a Piccolo

Written by Barbara Roman

Illustrated by Vladimir Cebu

A beautifully illustrated picture book with an important message for parents and their children.

A king receives a prophecy that his son will be a talented musician. The king immediately decides the prince will be a royal trumpeteer. After the child is born, the king becomes frustrated when it appears the prince has no musical talent.

Eventually, the prince meets someone who inspires him to find his own way. Children learn that they must listen to their heart and use their own talents. Parents learn that it is wrong to place their own expectations or desires upon their children.

A book for elementary school readers and their parents or teachers to enjoy reading together.

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The Forgotten Horse – Book 1 in the Connemara Horse Adventure Series for Kids. The perfect gift for children age 8-12. (Connemara Adventures)

Written by Elaine Heney

This is Book 1 in a series. The author has trained thousands to develop and care for their horses. She also creates films featuring the human equestrian relationship.

Primarily intended for a middle-grade audience, Heney creates beautiful characters. Readers learn about a close-knit Irish farming family that faces hard times. Clodagh immediately falls in love with the grey pony that she names Ozzie. Clodagh knows one day she will work with horses.

The book is filled with issues that usually pop up for its target audience like bullying and learning to cope with school peers determined to look down on her. Throughout the book, Clodagh reveals her steadfast determination to overccome these obstacles and find a way to keep Ozzie.

Highly recommended for any reader who loves horses and down-to-earth family stories.

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Bright Star: Empowering Children to Believe in Themselves and Follow Their Dreams

Written by Heather Dodge

Little Star is struggling to find her way in the world. Can she perform her job well? As she experiences failures and successes, Little Star discovers how to believe in herself and follow her dreams.

Children develop self-confidence and self-esteem, how to develop courage and resiliency. The questions and reflections prompt young readers to develop empathy for Little Star while building up the same skills within themselves. It enables readers to enjoy the adventures through the interactive experience.

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WANT MORE TEACHING RESOURCES? CHECK OUT LITTLEMISSHISTORY.COM

What’s Up, Little Pup?

Written by Mr. Marmion

Illustrated by Sarah Chang

Little Nimbus the pup generally spends his days looking out the window imagining the possibilities of the world outside while his human family goes to work and school.

One day that suddenly changes. The children stay home and become listless while mom frantically works from home while struggling to manage the household tasks. Why doesn’t anyone go out?

Nimbus resolves to cheer them up. At first, he doesn’t succeed. Then he comes up with a brilliant idea!

The author does not mention Covid specifically but alludes to doctors recommending to stay home to remain healthy.

This illustrated, rhyming, picture book could serve as an opener to a discussion for families and students to talk about the mental health issues brought about by the pandemic. Highly recommended for children ages five and up.

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Ellery’s Magic Bicycle

Written by Maria Monte

Illustrations by Zoe Saunders

A charming picture book that teaches the true meaning of a friend, and how our relationships grow and change over time.

Ellery finds a purple bicycle with magical powers. She spends most of her time talking, singing, and playing with it. As she grows, the bicycle grows with her. Eventually, their relationship evolves and changes. Can their friendship survive the test of time?

This beautifully illustrated picture book teaches young children the value of friendship and the importance of maintaining relationships. Children see the value of empathy, kindness, and compassion. They learn the importance of developing good relationships.

I highly recommend it for preschoolers through the primary grades.

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