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 Madonna Ghost

Written by Linda Marie Frank

This mystery appeals to me on many levels. Annie embarks on summer vacation with her Aunt Jill to Fire Island, but her aunt is a detective secretly working on a case.

Annie hopes to find some people her age. She is excited to learn that Ty is visiting neighbors. He is close to her age and soon becomes a romantic interest. Soon Annie discovers they are both adventurers. They will team up to solve the mystery of a ghost reported to haunt the island.

At first glance, the reader might guess this is a book for a middle-grade or young adult audience, but this is not the case. I found myself engrossed in the story and every character. Frank has a background in forensics which allows her to describes the smallest detail. She paints a vivid picture of the setting. The dialogue between the characters is so authentic that readers can visualize themselves in every scene.

A bit of romance, an intriguing mystery, a touch of paranormal and fast-moving events combine to make the book an interesting and unique read for ages eight through eighty-eight.

Looking for more book reviews?

Subscribe to this blog to get new reviews every Wednesday and Sunday.

Brownie

Written by Christopher Menkhaus

The author targets this book for a middle-school audience but I would say it is a book for all ages.

It follows the journey of a kitten named Brownie which takes readers on an emotional journey. Brownie is separated from his mother and that is when his troubles begin. Will he become a house cat or a stray? Who will take care of him until he is old enough to fend for himself? Can he trust humans? Will Brownie overcome stronger cats who want to bully him?

The book is an emotional journey that pulls the reader into the characters. The author is perceptive and weaves a compelling narrative with appealing feline characters. Recommended for cat lovers of all ages.

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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.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY SUNDAY AND WEDNESDAY.

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.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

WANT MORE TEACHING RESOURCES? CHECK OUT LITTLEMISSHISTORY.COM

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Karen B. Winnick.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Created by Karen B. Winnick

Ages 7+ | 48 Pages

Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group | ISBN-13: 978-1626349759

Publisher’s Book Synopsis: Can You Spot the Leopard? is author/artist Karen B. Winnick’s newest picture book, an adventuresome African safari presented through poems and full-color paintings. Readers begin at sunrise, climbing into a jeep for a bumpy ride to view the wondrous animals as they would on a real safari. All the poems are based on real observations of what animals do in the wild, related in an accessible way. There’s even a sighting, finally, of the elusive leopard, before returning to safari camp under a starry night. At the back of the book, further information is related about each animal. A fun, informational, educational adventure to read and reread.

Ms. Winnick is an animal enthusiast, president of the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, and author of more than a dozen picture books, including Gemina: The Crooked-Neck Giraffe, How Lucky Got His Shoe, and Mr. Lincoln’s Whiskers.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KAREN B. WINNICK is the author of more than a dozen picture books for children, most of which she illustrated. An animal lover, she serves on several boards devoted to the well-being of animals. She’s a graduate of Syracuse University, mother of three grown sons, grandmother of eight, and minder of five pups.

For more visit, karenbwinnick.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

A SAFARI ADVENTURE

Can You Spot the Leopard

Written and Illustrated by Karen B. Winnick

A beautiful adventure for the child with an active imagination. Winnick deftly authors the entire book in crisp rhymes that invite reading the tale over and over.

The illustrations are large and colorful, popping off the glossy pages. Young readers learn about animal habitats, food, family life, and survival. Children may have knowledge of elephants, rhinos, and giraffe but others like bushbucks, marabou, and bat-eared foxes are sure to intrigue the imagination.

Winnick presents the dangers in a non-threatening way. For adventurers who want to research, the glossary contains more information about thirty safari animals. This book is highly recommended as a reference book for a home or classroom library. It has appeal for elementary school and middle-grade readers, librarians, and teachers.

I look forward to reading more books by this talented author and illustrator.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win an awesome Dooney Press Gift Pack of books and more fun goodies!

Ten (10) winners receive:

– A signed copy of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/qAoa4/can-you-spot-the-leopard-an-african-safari-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, October 18, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Wednesday, October 19, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledA book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Thursday, October 20, 2022Dad SuggestsA book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Friday, October 21, 2022Library Lady’s Kid LitAn interview with Karen B. Winnick

Monday, October 24, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Tuesday, October 25, 2022Book Zone ReviewsAn interview with Karen B. Winnick

Wednesday, October 26, 2022Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Thursday, October 27, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Friday, October 28, 2022The Momma SpotA book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Monday, October 31, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Tuesday, November 1, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Wednesday, November 2, 2022Because I Said SoA book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Thursday, November 3, 2022Heart to HeartA book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Friday, November 4, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Little Tough Guy

Written by T.L. Conner

It’s time for Judah’s jiu-Jitsu tournament but he is paralyzed by his fears. He is not afraid of losing but of the monsters. He sees them everywhere, even in the mirror in his bedroom.

When the lion monster pulls Judah into the mirror, he must confront the bully, but he is not alone. There are many children with similar fears.

How will Judah respond? Will he face his greatest fear? What will happen to the other children?

This multicultural picture book is well-written and beautifully illustrated. All children can see themselves and learn to face their fears.

Recommended to parents and teachers of children ages five through twelve.

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The Horrible Chocolate

Written by Jacob M. Ronsen

An action adventure that is full of quirky characters, imagination, twists, and turns.

Eleven-year-old Bobby loves chocolate and will eat it until he gets sick. He has a pesky sister and a rather ordinary family.

Bog is the school bully who torments everyone. Bobby dreams of revenge. His plans go awry when Bog banishes Bobby to the sewer. Here the readers meet all sorts of disgusting creatures.

The book is illustrated with color images that correspond with the humor and fantastic wordplays. That makes the book appealing to reluctant readers. Unpredictable twists and turns keep the plot moving along quickly. This book should appeal to boys and girls whether beginning or middle-grade readers.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.