The Christmas Owl

Written by Angela Muse

Illustrated by Helen M. Wu

This short thirty- two page book perfectly illustrates the reason for the season! The story presents an owl protagonist who has fallen out of its nest and is now unable to fly. This poor creature hops from place to place seeking refuge from the cold and snow. He meets four animals on his journey, a rabbit, a bat, a mouse and a duck. Each of them is reluctant to share its shelter and questions the owl as to what food will he eat. But the owl does not mean to intrude and makes due with whatever that animal has readily available in their shelter. The next morning the owl departs without notice. On Christmas Eve, he is able to fly again and soars to his nest. However, the first thing he does is fly back to each of his benefactors and drop a gift with a thank you note to each of the Good Samaritans!

This story is written in rhyme which is very well written and in smoothly flowing verse. Accompanying the text are gorgeous illustrations done in soft, warm colors which project the warm and cozy feeling of the plot. The faces of the animals appear almost human; personification plays a large role in the story line. For example, the bat is an avid reader of books; the mouse has a very cozy house complete with rugs, furniture and a warm, glowing lantern. Even very young children will understand the message of kindness and the gratification that comes from helping someone in need. The owl’s generosity and extension of friendship and thanks sets up a powerful model lesson for children and adults to follow.

I highly recommend this book for children aged three to adults and as an excellent addition to a home library, classroom reading shelf, or the public library. The author and illustrator have done a wonderful job of merging images and story line. This book is sure to become a favorite Christmas story to be reread every year. Personally, I can’t wait to read this one to my grandchildren!

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About the Book

Title: The Christmas Owl

Author: Angela Muse

Illustrator: Helen H. Wu

Publication Date: November, 2013

Publisher: Independent – 4eyesbooks

Number of pages: 36

Recommended age: 3+

Summary

A Barred owl becomes injured and must ask others for help. He promises to give back to those who have a generous heart and he is true to his word. Also check out Lil Glimmer, The Nutt Family: An Acorny Adventure, The Pig Princess, The Bee Bully, Eager Eaglets: Birds of Play, Cactus Charlie, Suzy Snowflake and Monsters Have Mommies by this author.

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** You can download a copy of “The Christmas Owl” for only 99 cents from NOW through to November 14, 2013 on Amazon!! **

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About the Author: Angela Muse

Angela Muse

I was born in California to a military family. This meant that I was the “new kid” in school every couple of years. It was hard always trying to make new friends, but I discovered I had a knack for writing. I began writing poetry in high school and really enjoyed expressing myself by using pen and paper. After becoming a Mom in 2003, I continued my storytelling to my own children. In 2009 I wrote and published my first children’s book aimed at toddlers. In 2012 I am set to release several more children’s books. Check out what I’m working on by visiting my children’s book blog.

Writing is such a wonderful creative process and I look forward to sharing more of my stories with lots of new little readers!

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* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)

Contest runs: November 12 to December 11, 11:59 pm, 2013

Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Angela Muse and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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The City Kittens and the Old House Cat

by: Mrs.D.

Illustrated by Mike Motz

Okay, so it’s only July….why are we talking about Christmas? Well, this charming children’s book was just released about a somewhat cantankerous old cat who is forced to celebrate Christmas with a relative’s city kittens.

This is a new book written by Mrs.D. She has previously released, Carlo the Mouse on Vacation and The Trees Have Hearts. In this charming book, the old house cat named Nyda feels out of her comfort zone because this year some new intruders have appeared to celebrate Christmas with the family.

Nyda is accustomed to the hustle and bustle that the Christmas season brings along with the sometimes annoying visitors who come to disrupt her peaceful lifestyle. Normally she can retreat to her secret lookout spots and watch from afar. She eagerly gazes at the sparkling tree and nostalgically remembers the ornament given her the first Christmas that Nyda spent with Mrs. D. Nyda loves the holiday goodies that she bribes Grandma to feed her. Unfortunately, this year when the oldest daughter came home to visit, she brought with her a box with two kittens. These two rambunctious kittens are annoying Nyda. When the kitten named Jack goes after her food, she reaches her wit’s end! Then we are introduced to the story of how these two little kittens came to be adopted . Now Nyda feels ashamed and contrite. What was it that changed her mind about them and why?

The tale is one of a close and loving family sharing holiday traditions and memories as well as a first person narration by a beautiful cat who thinks and acts like she is human. The reader is given a glimpse into the life of a beautiful family with a big heart. This story is written with compassion and warmth. The illustrations are dramatic and vivid. Some of them look more like portraits. These complement the book’s story line well even though my personal preference is for softer images. This book is a nice addition to a family holiday reading library for both adults and children. It is available in hardcover, paperback and e book additions.