On Our Bookshelf: Christmas on the Goblin Express by J.J. Fischer
J.J. Fischer specializes in fantastic Christian fantasy, and her newest book, Christmas on The Goblin Express, might her most fun read yet. This cozy Christmas romantasy is the perfect book to kick off the holiday season. A Summary of the Story: To escape Christmas, Claire climbs aboard a magical train full of elves, trolls, and […]
Interview with Sonja Anderson about Her New Picture Book, A Christmas Wish for Little Dala Horse: A St. Lucia Celebration
Today, I’d like to introduce Sonja Anderson and her new picture book, A Christmas Wish for Little Dala Horse: A St. Lucia Celebration (illustrated by Agnieszka Potocka) just out this fall from Tyndale Kids. This lovely story of love and hope is sure to become a wonderful read-aloud tradition each Christmas! Kathy: Please tell us […]
**Bonus Post**: Two Exciting Christmas Picture Book Releases
I’m excited to share with you two unique Christmas pictures books that have released this month. As we head into the holiday season, be sure to check these out! They would make the perfect gift for the child in your life. Meanwhile, Back at the Manger by Brenda Covert Summary This unique retelling of the […]
The Birds of Christmas: Book Review and Extension Activities by Mindy Baker
Author Olivia Armstrong has a new release from Eerdmans Books for Young Readers entitled The Birds of Christmas. It is beautifully illustrated by artist Mira Miroslavova and is based on a European folktale. This Christmas tale chronicles how the robin got his red chest. It all starts when Raven is witness to the angels announcing the […]
Just Enough Room for Christmas
It’s August, and I have another Christmas book for you! This time it’s because the release date is September 2nd. That’s 2 weeks away! Summary In a tiny barn in Bethlehem, Old Hannah the cow lives alone until the cold wind drives other animals to seek shelter. One by one, they squeeze in, but when […]
On Our Bookshelf: Bacon’s Very Important Christmas Job by Tina Neely
I know it’s not the Christmas season, but let’s have a little Christmas in July fun! Summary Bacon’s Very Important Christmas Job, written and illustrated by Tina Neely, is the story about Bacon, a potbelly pig who wants to help his forever family with Christmas preparations. He tries making toys, singing songs, and sealing the […]
Finding Joy in the Wait: 3 Gifts Found in the Delay of My Christmas Picture Book by Brenda B. Covert
The crisp winter air tweaks my nose as I admire the glow of my town’s twinkling lights. Everywhere I look, I see Christmas trees, bright-eyed children, and outdoor Nativity scenes. The Christmas season fills me with warmth, like a long-forgotten promise of joy being kept, and my heart races with anticipation. This time of year […]
Decorating, Wrapping … and Writing?
Christmas is NEXT WEEK. It comes every December 25th and yet, it always sneaks up on me. As much as I try to focus on the meaning, I often get caught up in the commercial prep. I look for the perfect gift. I look for the perfect decorations. I look for the perfect cookie recipes. […]
What the Wisemen Can Teach us About the Epilogue
It always bugged me that depictions of Christ’s birth show the wisemen there alongside the shepherds. It just isn’t very accurate. Matthew 2 says that “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea…Magi from the east came to Jerusalem” (emphasis added). While I understand the convenience of placing the wisemen at the climax of the […]
What Writers Can Learn from Charles Schulz
By now, you’ve probably seen Linus tell Charlie Brown what Christmas is all about, seen Snoopy reunite with his brother Spike, and felt empathy for poor Rerun who is probably still stuck on that bike. For many, it’s tradition to watch the Charlie Brown Christmas Specials every year. And for many, it is the only […]