MERRY CHRISTMAS

Eloise inspired Christmas Tree @ the Plaza Hotel!
Created by Betsy Johnson........


Peak at the official Eloise website too!

Book Trailer: The Flint Heart

Katherine Paterson is a master writer, so last summer when I first heard about her new book, The Flint Heart, I couldn't help but be excited!  This trailer makes it look even more enticing......I just have to catch up with my reading to be able to give you a review!

Book list: Snow

Froggy Gets Dressed, by Jonathon London
Silliness ensues when Froggy gets himself dressed and goes out into the snow, but must be called back into the house by his mother to put on essential clothing he forgot.

Here Comes Jack Frost, by Kazuno Kohara
A lonely young boy discovers the beginnings and endings of seasons and friendship when he meets Jack Frost.

The Mitten: A Ukranian Folktale, by Jan Brett
Nicki loses his snow white mitten in the snow! One by one animals of all sizes squeeze snugly into the warm mitten, until the bear sneezes.

Owl Moon, by Jane Yolen
On a winter's night under a full moon, a father and daughter trek through the snow and into the woods to spot a great horned owl.

Snow, by Cynthia Rylant
Celebrates the beauty of snowfall and its happy effects on children.

Snow, by Uri Shulevitz
A boy and his dog take notice of snowflakes that begin to slowly fall and his faith that the snow will accumulate never wavers despite the adult townsfolk ignoring or contradicting his predictions.

The Snow Day, by Komako Sakai
It is the first time that this little rabbit gets a day off  because of snow.  He enjoys having the day home from kindergarten with mom.

The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats
A little boy, Peter, ventures out into the city to enjoy the snow and ultimately discovers what happens when you try to save a snowball for later.

Snowflake Bentley, by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
A picture book biography of Wilson Bentley, a man who loved snow more than anything else, and developed a way to photograph the minute crystal structures determining that "no two snowflakes are alike."

The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder, by Mark Cassino with Jon Nelson
This book about the science of snow features photographs of snow crystals, explains how they are formed, as well as providing tips for catching snow.

Under the Snow, by Melissa Stewart
What happens to animals when it snows?  Take a sneak peak at where the animals hibernate and rest under the snow.

Review: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

The last post reminded me of another fairy tale like story I love, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.  The author cleverly combines several Chinese fairy tales within the course of one little girl's journey as she struggles to help her impoverished family.  Minli, ever persistent to help where she can, discovers that she can truly make important changes for newly found friends.  Truly a magical gem.

Book Review and Trailer: Wildwood

Wildwood is a fairy-tale like fantasy set in and off to the edge of modern day Portland, OR.  Perfect for those who love C. S. Lewis and the Brothers Grimm.  This trailer is intriguing, but doesn't match the vividness of the setting in the actual story.  Like most good fantasy, the parents are left out of the action and play minor roles  which serve to illuminate the back story of the evil enchantress.  The intrepid children must quest and discover the truth to save the life of Prue's young baby brother along with saving the land and inhabitants of Wildwood.