CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 14, 2011
"The cumulative effect of text and illustrations has a sad rather than celebratory feeling, unusual in a Christmas-themed story and therefore refreshing in a usually relentlessly cheery season. (author's note) (Picture book/religion. 6-9)"
Newbery Medalist Park offers a Christmas story explaining how myrrh is harvested and how it came to be one of the gifts carried to the Christ Child by the three Wise Men.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 10, 2011
"A quiet treasure. (Historical fiction. 8-12)"
In this companion book to
The Doll Shop Downstairs (2009), Anna learns the joys and challenges of adding a same-age cousin to her family.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 8, 2011
"A good introduction that should be paired with some other books to round out and develop kids' understanding of money and allowances. (Picture book. 5-10)"
Three mismatched teacups from the cupboard are not exactly what a 5-year-old boy hopes to receive for a birthday gift, but with some parental guidance, they help set them on a path to sound financial well-being.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 2, 2011
"The downcast faces of the people and angels and the old-fashioned language of the traditional text serve to distance readers. The "good tidings of great joy" are missing from this otherwise visually stunning work. (Picture book/religion. 4-8)"
The Nativity story from the King James Bible serves as the text for this engaging interpretation done in exquisite cut-paper–and-watercolor illustrations that stand out against dramatic, black backgrounds.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
"The length of this story makes it most suitable for elementary-age children, but teens and adults will also appreciate this moving tale of a Wise Man with a special gift. (author's note) (Picture book/religion. 6 & up)"
This lyrically told story of an unknown Wise Man with a different sort of gift is based on Henry Van Dyke's Victorian-era tale, "The Story of the Other Wise Man."
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
"Heartfelt, if florid. (creators' note, author's postscript) (Picture book/religion. 5-8)"
An imagined tale of Francis of Assisi as a boy doing good foreshadows later saintly activities.
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