Wink: the Ninja who Wanted to Nap by J.C. Phillipps

Wink is the "Nimble Ninja," the star of the Lucky Dragon Circus. He has fans everywhere. But stardom has a price, a very tiring one. Now Wink would love to take a much-needed nap, but his devoted fans are following him everywhere. He finds himself back at the Summer Moon School for Young Ninjas, and with the help of Master Zutshu, he comes up with a clever plan to elude his fans and get some shut-eye.
This book is a great squeal to Wink: the Ninja who Wanted to be Noticed. The humor is great, once again the author has done a great job with Master Zutsu's facial expression. My favorite line in the book is when Master Zutsu tells Wink, "One zebra alone is easily seen. A heard creates confusion." To which Wink thinks, Why can't Master Zutsa say anything normal? A great book for everyone.
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Wink: the Ninja Who Wanted to be Noticed by J.C. Phillipps

Ninjas are supposed to be quiet, blend in, and stealthly, aren't they? Not Wink. He's not your typical ninja. He's loud, energetic, and wear brightly colored clothes. Master Zutsu isn't impressed with Wink's antics. Wink finally finds a place where he just be himself.
The humor in this book is great. My favorite character is Master Zutsu whose facial expressions are hysterical, especially when Wink is stick sparring with a panda. Recommend for kids of all ages.
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10 New Picture Books for the HO HO Holidays! Part 3

The Christmas books I have reviewed so far are not in any particular order. I just read my way down the happy pile. I did however save these three books for last because I think they speak to the older picture book reader. They are longer, and have more of a school age child's sense of humor about them. I'm not big on age leveling books in general (after all I'm almost 48 and still read picture books for pleasure) but I think you'll understand my recommendation when you read the reviews.


8.Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Christmas by Melanie Watt 

This book is similar to other books in the Scaredy Squirrel series. He is afraid of nearly everything and makes lots of checklists to make sure he is being safe. What is different is the format. It is not the size of a regular picture book and not quite as compact as a chapter book, but somewhere in between. Here is sampling of chapter headings. Building a Sturdy "To Code" Gingerbread House,Setting a Hygienic Dessert Table, and Tinsel Garlands Top Reasons to Stop the Madness. I get such a chuckle from Scaredy Squirrel and I bet you will too!

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9.Santa from Cincinnati by Judie Barrett ill by Kevin Hawkes

The author of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Maine's own Kevin Hawkes, team up to bring us the story of Santa. Told from the point of view of the red elf himself, this story tells the legend with some new- fangled ideas. We see Santa as a schoolboy wearing a cotton ball mustache and beard and later using a GPS to navigate around the world on Christmas Eve. If you liked The Wicked Big Toddlah by Kevin Hawkes, I'm betting you will enjoy the tale of a young and unusual boy from Cincinnati who grows up to be the beloved toy maker of all!    

 

                                                               reserve Santa from Cincinnati     


10.The Santa Trap by Jonathan Emmett, ill by Poly Bernatene 

This is not your typical Christmas picture book. Let's start with our main character Bradley Bartleby. He is AWFUL! He is selfish  and mean and insert your least favorite quality here____________. That being said, I found this story hysterical! Bradley is so greedy, he wants EVERYONE'S presents, so he devises a "Santa Trap". (think Home Alone 1) He booby-traps his home with tigers and trapdoors etc, only to end up victim of his own evil plans. You enjoy watching Bradley fall prey to these contraptions, while Santa gets away, leaving Bradley with his least favorite present...socks. Since one of the traps is a guillotine, I suggest you save this for the over 7 crowd. Enjoy!

                                                    
                                                         reserve The Santa Trap


One last word: This has been a fun year for Christmas books. I know we all keep our favorites close to our hearts. The Grinch and I go way back to 1972, and I remember crying the first time I read The Polar Express. I hope you and your children have a picture book that helps you celebrate the holidays. If you haven't found one yet, don't worry.....Turkey Claus doesn't come out until Nov 1. !

 

10 new picture books for the ho ho holidays part 2

and the list continues...Originally I was going to list all ten books in one post. (I didn't realize posts had a size limit) It all worked out though. It's nice to have a cocoa break in the middle of Christmas book reviewing. :)


4. The Christmas Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood, ill. by Renata Liwska

This is a companion to The Quiet Book and The Loud Book. The illustrations are very sweet and very telling. My favorite page is "blown fuse quiet" where all you see are the startled little glowing eyes in a sea of darkness. too cute! (giggles for grown-ups too!)

                                                      reserve The Christmas Quiet Book




5.Christmas Wombat by Jackie French, ill by Bruce Whatley

The Diary of a Wombat continues with Wombat's Christmas experiences. He is terribly fond of carrots, which he must share with these strange creatures (Santa's reindeer) Don't worry though, children leave out PLENTY of carrots on Christmas Eve. While Wombat is completely unaware of the sleigh driver and his mission, children will recognize the little bits and pieces of Christmas from a Wombat's point of view.

 

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6. Charlie and the Christmas Kitty by Ree Drummond, ill by Diane deGroat

Charlie the basset hound lives on a ranch out west. Charlie believes he is the "king of the ranch". Charlie is delusional. His best skill seems to be napping. The commotion of Christmas goes on all around him, while he saunters from cozy spot to cozy spot. That is until a kitty arrives. Will the "king" be able to share his throne? Most dog lovers know a dog like Charlie. If you know someone with a basset, this book, or it's predecessor
"Charlie the Ranch Dog" would make a great Christmas gift!
                                                                         
                                                                        

                                                            reserve Charlie and the Christmas Kitty



7.Just Right for Christmas by Birdie Black, ill by Rosalind Beardshaw  

One Christmas Eve, a king buys lush red velvet for his daughter. Little does he know, the remnants will end up making gifts for many creatures in his kingdom. The last little bit even makes a scarf for a mouse. This is a sweet story and the acrylic illustrations are bright and captivating. There is also the subtle message of recycling and making use of even the smallest of scraps. Probably a good time of year to remind ourselves. :)

                                                                         


                                                            reserve Just Right for Christmas



Time for a cocoa break.....

10 new picture books for the ho ho holidays! (part 1)

I love so many things about this season: crisp autumn leaves to walk through, hot apple cider to savor, cozy afghans to cuddle up under and the release of the new holiday picture books! This year the publishers have been as busy as elves and the list seems to be a bit fuller than usual. All to the good, I say. I hope there is something on this list to brighten your Christmas season. Maybe you will even find one that will become a yearly tradition! enjoy!

1. Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by Eric Litwin

Pete is back with his positive attitude! If you haven't met this groovy cat yet, you simply MUST! Pete is helping a sick Santa deliver presents. Reminding everyone that giving is the best part of the present process. As always, there is a catchy little refrain. You can find it on youtube or the Harper Collins website. 

 

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2. How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas? by Jane Yolen,  ill. by Mark Teague

Here come the dinosaurs to once again hold up a mirror to childhood and show us the good, the bad, and the silly. Lush illustrations of holiday revelries mixed with dinosaurs trying (and mostly succeeding ) to do the right thing. Simultaneously released with How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah?

 

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3. Dinosaur Vs Santa by Bob Shea

Do you have a little one who attacks life with gusto? Well that is Bob Shea's Dinosaur. Whether it is decorating the tree or making presents for Mom and Dad, Dinosaur is on the go go go!

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