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. 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
"Some joyless adults will object to the "stinky baby" theme, but lots of kids will find the mischievous mayhem a refreshing alternative to sticky-sweet holiday stories. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Six-year-old Joy has a less-than-joyful attitude at Christmas due to her boisterous baby brother, Sam.
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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
"The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers (2007) remains the quintessential interpretation, but there is room on the Christmas bookshelves for the Engelbreit version as well. (Picture book. 4-7) "
Engelbreit extends her collection of traditional children's stories with this retelling of the Christmas classic, which blends well with the artist's signature style of highly ornamented illustrations bursting with bows, candies and fantasy flowers.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
"A cozy Christmas present for Brett's devoted fans. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-7)"
The snowy Scandinavian setting used in Brett's previous stories about trolls is again the backdrop for this latest Christmas offering from the beloved and prolific illustrator.
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