Holiday Gift Ideas -- Holiday Themed Books from Candlewick Press (Review)

I love Candlewick Press, not only because their office is where I am from and my family resides, but also because their selection of children's book is one of the best I have seen.  Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to review and share book reviews over the course of each year, most recently with my "Welcome in Fall with a Good Book" feature, which ran from Sept. - mid Nov.  So, I was excited when I looked at their Winter/Spring 2013 catalog and saw the following books, which, I thought would be a great addition to my holiday gift guide.


 

Festive silver foil on cover "In this celebration of the joy of giving, one snowy Christmas eve, a king buys some soft, red cloth to make the perfect Christmas gift for his daughter. Little does he know that the left-over cloth will be used to make presents for many more of the kingdom’s inhabitants, right down to the last teeny bit of cloth which is made into a scarf just right for a mouse."

suggested retail price (U.S./CAN): $15.99 / $19.00

isbn-10/isbn-13: 0763661740 / 9780763661748

on sale date: 09/2012

type/format: Picture book / Hard Cover

age range: 3 yrs and up

# of pages/size: 32 / 10 5/8" x 9 13/16"

grade range: Preschool and up

My Thoughts:

This is a really cute book to share with little ones about sharing and the gift of giving.  What starts off as a red cloth for a cloak the King wants to make for his daughter, winds up becoming something more for others, merely by using the scraps.  The illustrations weave this cute story together. As you reach the final page, you will see all the things that this one cloth made, as this story reaffirms the message of giving. Truly a delightful holiday book that families will enjoy reading year after year, and way beyond the holiday season.

"It’s almost Christmas, and baby simply cannot contain the exuberance. There are things to decorate: a tree, a gingerbread house, a doggy! There are very creative presents to make, Santa to see (must be brave), carols to sing, not to mention the big event itself. Come celebrate the season with humor and joy as everyone’s favorite baby puts a special spin on Christmas.  Oh, baby! Leslie Patricelli’s one-haired wonder returns to revel in Christmas."
suggested retail price (U.S./CAN): $6.99 / $8.00	isbn-10/isbn-13: 0763632473 / 9780763632472
on sale date: 09/2012	type/format: Board book / Board Book
age range: 1 yr - 3 yrs	# of pages/size: 24 / 7" x 7"
grade range: Preschool	type of media: acrylic

My Thoughts:

This was a favorite for my youngest daughter, Arabella, who liked the fact that she could help me turn the pages, without me worrying she would tear them.  I have been a fan of Leslie Patricelli's for quite some time, and this new book just in time for the holidays, lives up to what I have come to expect from her -- a great book for the wee little ones to enjoy.  The illustrations alone will put a smile on both you and your child's face.  And, with only a few words per page, your child will stay engaged from start to finish.  

Where's Waldo? More than 300 stickers inside! "It’s Waldo’s world, and it’s all decked out for Christmas! Snowmen, skis, toys, and other wintry images from Waldo’s previous adventures combine with unique new artwork to create a hide-and-seek holiday extravaganza. Hundreds of stickers add dimension to the hunt, while a special gatefold spread invites readers into Waldo’s world. Young seekers will adore the stickers and the "create-your-own-Waldo" activity, while longtime fans will revel in the exclusive new art and classic search-and-find format. Finding Waldo has never been so festive!  Where’s Waldo? He’s in the holiday spirit in an exciting new sticker book. A perfect gift to celebrate Waldo’s twenty-fifth year!"
suggested retail price (U.S./CAN): $6.99 / $7.00	isbn-10/isbn-13: 0763661597 / 9780763661595
on sale date: 09/2012	type/format: Sticker book / Paperback
age range: 5 yrs - 9 yrs	# of pages/size: 24 / 9 15/16" x 12 7/16"
grade range: Kindergarten - Grade 4
subjects: Interactive and Activity Books;

My Thoughts:

I remember when the first "Where's Waldo" book came out 25 years ago (boy, am I old).  It was a hit at our school book sale, and almost all the kids had a "Where's Waldo" book to seek and find this man in a white and red striped shirt. I can still remember how much fun I would have with this books, and would challenge my brothers and friends to see who could find Waldo first.  And, over the years, more and more "Where's Waldo" books have come out, each with a new twist on the original book.  With this recent release, readers can use the 300 stickers included in the book to create their own Waldo scene, when they aren't busy solving puzzles, search and more.  

Both parents and children will have blast with this new "Where's Waldo" book, as they work together to find Waldo in his striped white and red sweater and cap. Definitely a book worth picking up and adding to the stocking, as it will provide hours of enjoyment. :-)

 

"Cuddle up for a little comfort and joy featuring everybody’s favorite mouse. As Maisy gets ready for Christmas, little ones can lift flaps and pull tabs to watch her bake and decorate, read her cards, peek at her gifts, and open the door on Christmas morning for a merry surprise. Trimmed in foil and twinkling from beginning to end, Merry Christmas, Maisy captures the joys and simple pleasures of the season.  Bring a sparkle to the season, and to children’s eyes. This Maisy holiday favorite is back by popular demand, with a bright, bold new cover."
suggested retail price (U.S./CAN): $12.99 / $16.00	isbn-10/isbn-13: 0763657662 / 9780763657666
on sale date: 09/2012	type/format: Character and Series / Hard Cover
age range: 2 yrs - 5 yrs	# of pages/size: 22 / 9 1/16" x 9 1/16"
grade range: Preschool - Kindergarten
subjects: Holidays and Special Days; Maisy; Winter Holidays;

My Thoughts:

This is another book in a Candlewick series that we have come to enjoy.  Savannah spent the summer months reading a handful of Maisy books which had come out.  Her favorite was the one where she would add the stickers to create a summer beach scene with Maisy and her friends.  And, when I showed Savannah this book, she got excited and exclaimed, "Maisy," as she recognized this mouse on the cover.  With "Merry Christmas, Maisy," young readers will enjoy lifting the flaps to unveil suprises underneath.  I don't know about your children, but these lift-the-flap books are a hit in our house, especially this one.  What a great way to welcome in the holidays than by watching Maisy get ready for Christmas.

 

"Cinderella's evil stepmother makes her cook and clean and dust and sweep until her arms ache and her head spins. But with a tap, tap and a WHOOSH of her fairy godmother's wand, the kind, mistreated beauty becomes a shimmering vision worthy of a prince. In a wry, conversational tone, the narrative sends Cinderella off to the ball three times -- each time lovelier than the last -- breathing witty new life into this oft-told, favorite fairy tale.  Aspiring princesses will be entralled by this lively retelling of the classic rags-to-riches story, brightened by playful, quirky illustrations."
suggested retail price (U.S./CAN): $17.99 / $20.00	isbn-10/isbn-13: 0763638560 / 9780763638566
on sale date: 09/2008	type/format: Traditional Tale/ Illustrated Classic / Hard Cover
age range: 3 yrs - 6 yrs	# of pages/size: 56 / 8 7/16" x 10 1/4"
grade range: Preschool - Grade 1

My Thoughts:

This is not really a Christmas book, but after receiving a copy of this recent release, I thought it was worthy of being enjoyed during the holidays.  The illustrations are quirky, yet breathtaking, and make this classic tale come alive.   Even though this story is 56 pages, I was surprised to find that Savannah sat through it all.  I was going to break the story up over the course of day, but when I went to put it down, she asked for more.  This funny retelling of Cinderella will be enjoyed by both young and older children.  Savannah had never heard the story before, but clapped at the end when the prince found who the glass slipper belonged to. :-)

"Once there was a beautiful girl with skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair as dark as the winter branches. In six intricate spreads, delicate paper layers let children peer in the palace window at the wicked queen with her mirror, watch Snow White run to the house of the seven dwarves, and gaze as the prince wakes her in her coffin. As the familiar text unfolds on flaps evoking stage curtains, the scenes play out in dioramas of rare depth and beauty.  In exquisite three-dimensional scenes, Jane Ray retells and illuminates the story of Snow White, creating a gift book worthy of a fairy tale."
suggested retail price (U.S./CAN): $19.99 / $23.00	isbn-10/isbn-13: 0763644730 / 9780763644734
on sale date: 09/2009	type/format: Novelty book / Hard Cover
age range: 3 yrs and up	# of pages/size: 10 / 10 5/8" x 8 7/16"
grade range: Preschool and up	type of media: mixed media

My Thoughts:

Again, this is another book that is not holiday related, but worthy of talking about because of its unique pop-up book feature.  Even though it is only 10 pages in length, this classic fairytale will captivate even the youngest of children.  Just be careful with infants being around the book, as Arabella kept trying to pull the pop-up pages out of the book. Savannah, on the other hand was mesmerized by the 3-d feel, and of my storytelling, as this book doesn't have any words.  Older children will understand the story, even if they haven't seen a Snow White movie, or read one of the version's of this classic tale.  Just the illustrations alone will share the wonder and awe of Snow White. This is definitely a book worth picking up and sharing with your children, and adding to your family's book collection.  Children will enjoy flipping through this 3-D picture book themselves, and not needing

"One very special Christmas Eve, Bunting and the rest of the toys in the museum are gathered around the tree -- but what’s this? There are no presents! What can they do? The normally reserved Bunting has a wonderful idea. Why don’t the toys give themselves to one another as gifts? The toys learn about the true gift of giving in this gentle and affectionate picture book from one of Britain’s brightest new talents.  It’s Christmas Eve at the Toy Museum-and when the lights go out, the magic begins!"
suggested retail price (U.S./CAN): $15.99 / $19.00	isbn-10/isbn-13: 0763658685 / 9780763658687
on sale date: 09/2012	type/format: Picture book / Hard Cover
age range: 3 yrs and up	# of pages/size: 32 / 9 13/16" x 10 5/8"
grade range: Preschool and up

My Thoughts:

Besides the "Where's Waldo" Christmas sticker book, I have to say that this children's book is my second favorite of the books sent to me for review.  I fell in love with the whimsical, childlike illustrations as I flipped through this book about a toy who didn't get a present for Christmas -- that was, until the fairy came and gave him.  Don't worry, I will not spoil the surprise.  Just know that as you read this book to your children, you will grow fond of Bunting and finding yourself wanting to read this book over and over again to your children.  That is, when you aren't picking it up to sneak a peek at the illustrations. :-)

"It’s Christmas Eve, and Jim and his mother are making pirate gingerbread men to leave for Santa. Jim’s favorite is Captain Cookie, who carries a gingerbread cutlass and has a toothpick peg leg. The captain is much too good to be eaten, so Jim keeps him close by his bed. But late that night, when Jim is fast asleep, Captain Cookie steptaps away on a daring adventure to find his pirate crew -- and rescue them from that mysterious character he’s heard about: a cannibal named Santa Claus. At once contemporary and timeless, suspenseful and joyous, this masterfully illustrated tale is destined to be a new holiday classic.  What if a brave Captain Cookie stood up to Santa? A fresh, funny story that sparkles with all the excitement of a pirate adventure -- and all the magic of Christmas morning."
suggested retail price (U.S./CAN): $16.99 / $19.00	isbn-10/isbn-13: 0763632236 / 9780763632236
on sale date: 09/2009	type/format: Picture book / Hard Cover
age range: 4 yrs - 10 yrs	# of pages/size: 32 / 9 3/4" x 11 5/16"
grade range: Preschool - Grade 5

My Thoughts:

I ended up saving this book to read to my 6 yr. old nephew when he came to stay recently.  He couldn't stop giggling as I read the story to him.  Who knew that gingerbread men could be pirates?  Well, they are in this book, and they are out to pick up bone with the man the in red suit.  Santa is portrayed as a cannibal in the book, as he devours cookies and gingerbread treats left for him. But, these pirate gingerbread men will not go down without a fight.  A very cute story that children ages 4+ will enjoy.

"On Charley’s first night, Henry carries his new puppy in his old baby blanket all the way to his house. He shows Charley every room, saying, "This is home, Charley." He says that a lot so that Charley will know that he is home. Henry’s parents are very clear about who will be walking and feeding Charley (Henry will, and he can’t wait). They are also very clear about where Charley will be sleeping: Charley will be sleeping in the kitchen. But when the crying starts in the middle of the night, Henry knows right away that it’s Charley! And it looks like his parents’ idea about where Charley is going to sleep may have to change. With warmth, humor, and endearing simplicity, Amy Hest tells a tale familiar to everyone who has loved a puppy, while Helen Oxenbury renders each tender gesture and charming detail in a beauty of a book that children will be eager to take home.  Two of our most beloved picture book creators team up to tell a classic story of a child, his new puppy, and a first night home."
suggested retail price (U.S./CAN): $15.99 / $19.00	isbn-10/isbn-13: 0763640557 / 9780763640552
on sale date: 10/2012	type/format: Picture book / Hard Cover
age range: 3 yrs - 6 yrs	# of pages/size: 32 / 8 1/4 x 9 13/16"
grade range: Preschool - Grade 1	type of media: Pencil and watercolor

 My Thoughts:

The first time I read this book to the girls, I couldn't help but tear up, as this will be the first year that our beloved dog, Manny, will not be with us.  As I read the story about a boy and his puppy experiencing their first night together, it reminded me of the first Christmas my husband and I spent together, and he surprised me with our first dog.  

I love when talented authors pair up to tell a heartwarming story, and this is the case with "Charley's First Night."  Even though the pencil and watercolor illustrations are nicely done, the story itself is what makes this holiday tale.  I can see this book winning many accolades, and being enjoyed by children young and old for years to come.  

If you buy one new book this year, this would definitely be top on my list, and I highly recommend it for you to go and check out.


Who doesn't like to get a good book to read?  I have been trying to instill my love of reading and expanding my vocabulary with my daughters, as I read them book every day and discuss with them about the storyline.  I have found that Savannah is building her vocabulary and learning her numbers and alphabet, with many of the Candlewick Press books I read her.  And, to keep with family tradition, which I grew up with -- I will be giving both Savannah and Arabella a new book over the course of the 12 days leading up to Christmas.  Then, when their Papa comes to visit on Christmas Eve, he will share "Twas the Night Before Christmas" with them.  I have so many fond memories of hearing this story told to my brothers and I by our grandfather, and always looked forward to receiving new books prior to Christmas.  And, then once the snow would fall and we would have snow days, I would pull out a few of these "12 Days of Christmas" books and snuggle up with my mom and read them.

So, if you are looking for a fun, new tradition to share with your children/grandchildren, why not give them 12 new books this holiday season.  The above books that I mentioned from Candlewick Press would make for great gifts and an enjoyable read. :-)

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Click here to head on over to the Candlewick Press website and browse their selection of current and upcoming releases  -- http://www.candlewick.com/.

Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.