Great Joy (Kate DiCamillo)

 

This makes me think how we all need to become as loving and caring as children are. It reminds me of how I've learned that the real feeling of Christmas comes in loving and sharing with others.

The illustrations are haunting and beautiful. The illustrator (Bagram Ibatoulline) is the same one who illustrated The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. He is Russian...and there is great feeling in his illustrations.chris

Goodreads says:

In her first picture book, America’s beloved storyteller Kate DiCamillo reunites with Bagram Ibatoulline to offer readers an unforgettable holiday gift.

It is just before Christmas when an organ grinder and monkey appear on the street corner outside Frances’s apartment. Frances can see them from her window and, sometimes, when it’s quiet, she can hear their music. In fact, Frances can’t stop thinking about them, especially after she sees the man and his monkey sleeping outside on the cold street at midnight. When the day of the Christmas pageant arrives, and it’s Frances’s turn to speak, everyone waits silently. But all Frances can think about is the organ grinder’s sad eyes — until, just in time, she finds the perfect words to share. Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo pairs once again with acclaimed artist Bagram Ibatoulline as she presents a timeless story of compassion and joy.

The Christmas Pig (JK Rowling)

 

Great fantasy story! When I received it, I wasn't tempted by the title (A Christmas Pig?) or the cover. Seemed a little silly. However, it was well worth the time. We read it for grade 3 book club. The illustrations are amazing. We had also just read Pocket Bear - which is about lost toys. This one tells you where lost toys go - which was very creative and really speaks to kids, I think. She even has a place for lost habits (good and bad!) and a place for lost love, lost hope, lost determination and ambition and more.

Best line:
p. 258 He'd given the Things hope, which no lock can contain.

Goodreads says:

A heartwarming, page-turning adventure about one child's love for his most treasured thing, and how far he will go to find it. A tale for the whole family to fall in love with, from one of the world’s greatest storytellers.

One boy and his toy are about to change everything...

Jack loves his childhood toy, Dur Pig. DP has always been there for him, through good and bad. Until one Christmas Eve something terrible happens — DP is lost. But Christmas Eve is a night for miracles and lost causes, a night when all things can come to life... even toys. And Jack’s newest toy — the Christmas Pig (DP’s replacement) — has a daring plan: Together they’ll embark on a magical journey to seek something lost, and to save the best friend Jack has ever known...

Christmas Coal Man (Joe Kulka)

 

This is a great story for inferring - but can be difficult if children do not celebrate Christmas. Although, there were a lot of things to talk about that children who don't celebrate Christmas might not know. We had good discussions about why the coal miner has a canary, whether or not kids should get coal for Christmas (or has anyone you know?!) The illustrations are fantastic and in the end, we were happy for the miner! 

Goodreads says:

Every year the Coal Man works hard to mine enough coal for Santa's naughty list, but this year Santa tells him that he has decided that he no longer needs coal.

Native American Night Before Christmas

 

We enjoyed this story. Some of my student's weren't familiar with Twas The Night Before Christmas since many of them don't celebrate Christmas so the connection was kind of lost on them. 

A good conversation starter:

- Why is Santa's face red?

- Why do they call him Old Red Shirt?

- How does he go up the smoke hole?

Goodreads says:

An innovative retelling of the classic Christmas tale, Native American Night Before Christmas presents a whimsical look at a Native American Christmas Eve, when Old Red Shirt (the Indian Santa Claus) comes a-calling on his wooden sleigh pulled by a team of flying white buffalo. Jesse Hummingbird's inspired illustration transform the author's playful adaptation into a fresh and modern work of art. A delight for people of all ages and cultures. Winner of the 2010 Moonbeam Award for Holiday Books.

The Girl Who Saved Christmas (Matt Haig)

 

This is a book adults AND kids will love. There are lots of 'words of the wiser' sign posts to keep you feeling good. Characters continue from A Boy Called Christmas. Charles Dickens makes an appearance. There are hopeless situations where hope is not lost....and that's where the magic of Christmas comes from. 

I'd definitely read A Boy Called Christmas first, but this is a great follow up. There are lots of great twists and surprising turns that will keep everyone entertained. I wouldn't be surprised if this one was made into a movie as well.

"Life is like a chimney - you sometimes have to get through the dark before you see the light" (p. 53)

Goodreads says:

JOURNEY TO THE EDGE OF MAGIC

If magic has a beginning, can it also have an end?

When Amelia wants a wish to come true she knows just the man to ask - Father Christmas.

But the magic she wants to believe in is starting to fade, and Father Christmas has more than impossible wishes to worry about. Upset elves, reindeers dropping out of the sky, angry trolls and the chance that Christmas might be cancelled.

But Amelia isn't just any ordinary girl. And - as Father Christmas is going to find out - if Christmas is going to be saved, he might not be able to do it alone . . .

A Boy Called Christmas (Matt Haig)

 

I loved this book so much! It was a really good read aloud for December. I didn't quite start it soon enough and so we had a large number of pages to read every day. We didn't quite meet our daily goal so on the very last day while they were finishing the illustrations on the calendars made for parents, I was reading to them. While they were doing their craft, I was reading to them. It made for a really wonderful last day of school! We also watched the movie, which we also really enjoyed. There was a lot of chatter about things that were different in the movie and comments like, 'oh....this or that is coming next!'. The movie ends quite differently than the book. This prompted a great discussion (initiated by one of my students) about movies versus books. When he said, "I think I like the book better then the movie" my heart leapt for joy!! A Christmas miracle! :) 

Quotes and Signposts:

I haven't taught my class about sign posts so I wasn't really actively looking for them, but this book could be a great one for discovering them. 

p. 93 Father Topo: An impossibility is just a possibility you don't understand yet. 

p. 135 "A drimwick is a hope spell. If you have been drimwicked it gives you powers, even if you are only a reindeer,' said the Truth Pixie.

"What kind of powers?"
"It takes all that is good in you, and makes it stronger. It makes it magical. If you wish for something good, the magic will help. It is a very boring kind of magic. Because being good is boring.'

Nikolas thought about Aunt Carlotta throwing Miika out the door. "No', he gold the grubby-faced pixie. "You're wrong. The whole world - or the world I come from, the world of the humans, is full of bad things. There's misery and greed and sadness and hunger and unkindness all over the place. There are many, many children who never get any presents, and who are lucky to get anything more than just a few spoonfuls of mushroom soup for dinner. They have no toys to play with and they will go to bed hungry. Children who don't have parents. Children who have to live with horrible people like my Aunt Carlotta. In a world like that it's very easy to be bad. So when someone is good, or kind, it's a magic in itself. It gives people hope. And hope is the most wonderful things there is.'

p. 143 Memory Moment:
Nikolas is in jail, thinking of how he wants to escape because the troll plans to kill him and the truth fairy wants to see his head explode.

He remembered the day his mother died. Hiding from the brown bear, in the well, holding onto the chain holding the bucket, then losing her grip. The wail, as she fell, while Nikolas watched in horror from the cottage. 
On that day, and for a lot of days after (let's say one thousand and ninety-eight) he had believed that things could only get worse and that he would wake up in tears for the rest of his life, feeling guilty that he hadn't stayed with her, even though he thought she was running too.
He prayed, somehow, for her to come back.
Joel kept on telling him he looked like his mother but his cheeks weren't as red so sometimes Nikolas used to grab some berries and crush them on his cheeks and look at his reflection in the lake. And in the blurry water he could also imagine it was her, looking back from a dream.
"It's funny, Papa," he once said, as his father chopped a tree. "But I could probably have filled that well with tears the amount I have cried."
"She wouldn't want you to cry. She'd want you to be happy. Jolly. She was the happiest person I ever met."
And so the next morning Nikolas woke up and didn't cry. He was determined not to. And nor had he had his usual nightmare about his mother falling, falling, falling down that well. So he knew that terrible things - even the most terrible things - couldn't stop the world from turning. Life went on. and he made a promise to himself that, when he was older, he'd try and be like his mother. Colorful and happy and kind and full of joy.
That was how he was going to keep her alive.

p. 145 That was the point of magic, wasn't it? To do the impossible. 
(reference back to quote at front of book: Impossible - and old elf swear word)

One Wild Christmas (Nicholas Oldland)

Bear is not going to let a tree get cut down!

I love this series.

Goodreads says:

Best friends the bear, the moose and the beaver have been so busy getting ready for Christmas, they have forgotten the most important decoration of all - the Christmas tree! Rushing through the snowy forest, they reject one tree after another. And then they spot it. A pine tree that is just the right size, with soft needles and a wonderful scent - it's perfect! But just as the beaver is about to chop it down, the bear stops him. He can't allow this tree to be harmed, it is simply too beautiful! But the moose and the beaver disagree. Is there a way they can have a perfect Christmas - without chopping down the perfect tree?

A Shiloh Christmas

 

I almost didn't read this one. I read the other three books, Saving Shiloh, Shiloh Season, and Shiloh . I was going to skip this one for one reason: the cover of this one seemed a little too cheesy for me. I was also feeling like I'd had enough of the Shiloh story. Have I mentioned that I'm not much of a series reader? I get bored.

I'm so glad I did read this one though! It brings the Judd Travers issue full circle. I came close to a tear or two when he talked about his past. Definitely worth the read.

Warning: There are stories of abuse in here. It isn't anything graphic, but if this is a trigger for you, you might skip this one. They get a new preacher in their church and Marty and his family start to notice signs of abuse that concern them. Judd Travers also talks about the abuse he endured in his family. It all comes together well though and in the end, there is healing.

Favourite quotes: 

Page 1 "My dog's simple, all right, and next to getting his belly scratched, Shiloh's favorite thing in the whole world is rolling around in deer poop."

Page 7: "Problem, I guess, is that Judd's not changed enough to suit some people. Not fast enough to suit anybody, that's for sure. He don't keep his dogs chained and hugnry, the way they used to be, and they like romping around that fenced-in backyard. I haven't heard anymore complaints about him trying to cheat Mr. Wallace either, and he don't swear around Me, leastwise where she can hear it."

Page 55: "If there's a hell," he says, "I think it's what people make for themselves while they're living. Don't have to die to find that out .""

Goodreads summary:

A rescued beagle and his boy owner seek love and understanding for their troubled small town in this holiday companion to the Newbery Medal–winning Shiloh, from Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.

Christmas is coming and Marty and his rescued pup Shiloh are sure glad about that—for their town is sure low on love and understanding and they hope that the joy of the holiday will bring with it the generosity of spirit that’s so lacking.

It’s been a year since Marty Preston rescued Shiloh from Judd Travers and his cruel ways, and since then, Marty and Shiloh have been inseparable. Anywhere Marty goes, the beagle’s at his side, and Marty couldn’t be happier about that. Even Judd has been working to improve his reputation.

But just as townsfolk grow more accepting of Judd, a fire in the woods destroys many homes, including Judd’s, and Judd’s newly formed reputation. Doubt, blame, and anger spread faster than the flames—flames that are fanned by the new minister, who seems fonder of fire and brimstone than love and mercy. And why are his daughters so skittish around him? And what’s happened to Judd’s dogs? With Christmas right around the corner, Marty has a lot of questions, and how they’re answered might just take a Christmas miracle.

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor’s fourth book in the Newbery Award–winning Shiloh series—following Shiloh, Shiloh Season, and Saving Shiloh—is full of heart-thudding suspense, as well as comfort and joy.

The Reindeer Christmas (Moe Price)

I suppose it all had to start somewhere. It would be fun to read this to students and make up stories about different animals pulling Santa's sleigh. Crocodiles? Elephants?

Goodreads summary:

In this delightful original story, readers learn how Santa chose reindeer as the animals that would pull his sleigh. “Morozumi’s sumptuous, textured watercolors feature earthy winter tones with splashes of holiday reds and greens. Her scenes depicting the flying animals’ mishaps portray just the right touch of humor without becoming slapstick.”--Publishers Weekly

A Chanakah Noel (Sharon Jennings)

 

This is a wonderful story. There are so many of us who live amongst people who celebrate in different ways. Everyone's traditions are special and it is nice to find ways to be a part of it even if you are not a part of that religion or culture.

 

We read this book on Tumblebooks.

 

Goodreads summary:

 

When Charlotte and her family move to France, there is a lot to adjust to. Because she can't speak French, Charlotte is put in the lowest grade, which she doesn't like. And what she dislikes the most is when Colette, a girl in her class, calls her a "foreigner." But the holidays are coming, and Charlotte is fascinated by the preparations being made for Christmas--"Noel" in French. To her disappointment, her mother tells her that this is not for their family, they will have Chanukah instead. But when Charlotte learns that Colette's family will miss Christmas too, not because they are Jewish but because they are poor, she puts aside her hurt feelings and convinces her parents that they should give Christmas to Colette's family, as a gift.

 

 

The Giver (Lois Lowry)

Earlier this month I read Son by Lois Lowry, and after reading that I decided it was time to go back and re-read The Giver as well as the other books in the series.

When I read The Giver in high school, it was really my first go at a dystopian science fictiony type of book. I really didn't get it. I could sense though, that there was something special about this story. Now, reading it again years later, it makes me smile that I have in fact grown up and grown in understanding.

There are many things I love about this book. I love the way it shocks you. Some of the ideas in the book, everyone being equal, for one, are ones that people often view as lofty ideals. Also, releasing people when they've served their time, or are not needed, might on the surface make sense. It works in Jonas' community for many people! However, as he starts to realize what he's missing, he can't swallow living in that community anymore.

This book makes me feel like I need to focus more on what is really in my heart. I need to not worry so much about tradition and ties to expectations from other people. I need to be more willing to do things I want to do. I need to follow my dreams and do what I really love.

Some might assume I'm reading this  because the movie is out right now. I'm a little curious about the movie, but a little afraid it might ruin the special relationship I have with the book (did I ever mention I'm not a huge movie fan anyway?). My book club picked Son for our read for this month, and perhaps that was because of the movie. Not sure. I'm leaving the option open. Still undecided.

It's always interesting to read a variety of opinions on GoodReads. Most people give The Giver a high rating. But there are a few ones. Check one out here. You can search others, if you're really interesting. I only bring this up because I remember talking with a friend who was really upset that her kid was reading this book in school. She thought it was a TERRIBLE book. I can't remember all her reasons. I just remember having the conversation and thinking, 'isn't it great that a book can bring out so many strong emotions?' There's one thing for sure - Lois Lowry does that with this one.

Great Joy (Kate DiCamillo)

This is another fabulous creation of Kate DiCamillo's. It is a picture book story of a little girl who, when she looks out her window, sees an organ grinder and a monkey standing on the corner of a street. Every day she sees them and watches them and wonders where they go. It suddenly occurs to her that they have no where to sleep and so she asks her mom if they can help them. In all the business of life, I suppose, and realizing the inability to solve all the world's problems, mom ignores her concerns. There is a happy ending. This is a fabulous read for any age.

The Book of Holiday Awesome (Neil Pasricha)

This was a really good book for me to read this year. I haven't had the same excitement about Christmas for a few reasons: top of the list being that Jill is away for Christmas this year. Tonight we celebrated Christmas Eve with dinner with family and then came home to get ready for tomorrow morning. I sat and read through this book when all was finished. There are so many little things in here that put a smile on my face and helped put me in the right mood for Christmas. I have much to be grateful for. Life is awesome! Awesome is: Wrapping a gift in the last little bit of paper Having the wrapping match up perfectly Having the Christmas tree lights be the only ones on in the room