Last Minute Gift Ideas -- Holiday Books from Candlewick Press That Would Make Bedtime Reading More Fun or Make for a Great Stocking Stuffer Idea (Review)

Disclosure:  I was sent books from the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

All week long I have been sharing wonderful holiday books that would make for a great addition to your child's growing book collection.  Today, I wanted to share a few books I was recently sent to review, as well a selection of other popular holiday books available from Candlewick Press.  I have been working with Candlewick Press for a few years now, and love each and every book they send.  Their assortment of children's books is exceptional, and whenever I am in need of a book for the girls to give my niece or nephew for their birthdays or Christmas, this is the first website I check out.

I hope you enjoy the selection of books I pulled from Candlewick Press' collection, as they really would make for a great addition to bedtime reading leading up to Christmas, or to fill your child's stocking with. 

Happy reading!

Buy now from Amazon for only $13.35

• Grade Level: Kindergarten - 12
• Series: New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books (Awards)
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick; First Edition, Thus edition (September 23, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763621617
• ISBN-13: 978-0763621612
• Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 10.6 x 7.6 inches

Synopsis:

"A beloved Christmas story, sensitively illustrated by a Caldecott artist

Bring out the tall tales now that we told by the fire as the gaslight bubbled like a diver. . . .

There are always Uncles at Christmas. And Aunts, of course, who might sing a little loudly after dinner. There are the neighborhood cats "sleek and long as jaguars and horrible-whiskered," the carols to sing at eerie houses, the Useful Presents and the Useless Presents, and the endless snow "shawling out of the ground." First published in HARPER'S BAZAAR some fifty years ago, A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES showcases Dylan Thomas's genius for language and remains the poet's most popular prose work in the United States. Chris Raschka's fluid torn-paper illustrations honor the poet's words, evoking their musical cadences and bringing us a fresh appreciation for this most lyric work.

Fifty years after its first publication in book form, Dylan Thomas's timeless prose poem is echoed by the rolling, evocative images of Caldecott artist Chris Raschka -- a beautiful gift for book lovers."

My Thoughts:

I have been a fan of Dylan Thomas and his poetry since I was introduced to his work back in high school.  I was assigned two of his poems to memorize, recite to the class and discuss its meaning.  While he was considered a dark poet, he also wrote poems that have become popular of poetry lovers and those who appreciate the use of English language to tell a tale in prose form.  I had remembered having "A Child's Christmas in Wales" read to me as a child, along with other Christmas classics, but never really appreciated it until I was given a copy in college from a friend, who knew that I loved Dylan Thomas.  She noticed that out of all the Dylan Thomas books on my bookshelf, that I didn't have this one, and surprised me with a paperback copy.  Now, 10+ years later, I was sent a hardcover version from the folks at Candlewick Press to share with my daughters and readers.  I couldn't help but smile, as I hugged my girls close and was able to share a favorite prose poem with them.  Savannah noticed the first time that we were reading the book that I wasn't reading from the pages.  She asked me if I was making up the story as I went along.  I told her that this was one of my favorite poet's and that I knew most of his work my heart and could recite them like I was doing this prose poem.  She just smiled, as nestled into my arm, as I continued to share this wonderful poem, unique illustrations that make the poem come to life.

Even if you have never heard this prose poem before, you will fall in love with it the first time you read it.  I am amazed each time I read it at how the words flow nicely in this season story.  I am happy to have a hardcover copy of this book, and will definitely be sharing this seasonal classic from here on out with the girls.  And, I hope you decide to pick up this book to share with your family.  What a great way to introduce.

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Buy now from Amazon for only $12.09

• Age Range: 3 - 7 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 2
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (September 10, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763653144
• ISBN-13: 978-0763653149
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches

Synopsis:

"It’s a snowy day, and Grampa is coming by train for a visit. Henry can’t wait! He sets out with Charley, his beloved pup, pulling a sled for Grampa’s suitcase. To pass time at the station, Henry tells Charley about Grampa -- how he has the longest feet and snores wild, and how he doesn’t know how to be friends with a dog. At last Grampa arrives, but when a sudden gust of wind blows his hat away, Charley disappears into the whirling snow -- and returns, to their relief, carrying Grampa’s green cap! With lyrical simplicity, Amy Hest narrates a small, turning moment in the life of a child and a grandparent, while Helen Oxenbury renders every gesture and detail with signature warmth and charm.

The creators of Charley’s First Night return with a tale of a boy, a puppy, and a grampa -- an enchanting picture book bearing all the hallmarks of a classic."

My Thoughts:

My girls are fans of this book series, and continually ask me to read "Charly's First Night" to them, which is about Henry bringing Charly home for the first time. So, you can only imagine how excite they were when they saw another Charly book to read.  And, just like their favorite, this book was also a hit.  While I love reading this book to the girls, they especially love when their Papa comes to visit and reads it to them.  This a great book about the love of a grandfather and grandchild, and that special that they have.  And, who can resist the cute little dog, Charly.   This story will warm your heart, and will have your children asking you over and over again to read it to them -- that is, when they are not flipping through the pages to admire the beautiful illustrations that really make this cute story come to life.

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Buy now from Amazon for only $11.66.

• Age Range: 3 - 7 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 2
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (September 24, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763661031
• ISBN-13: 978-0763661038
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches

Synopsis:

"In Peter H. Reynolds’s whimsical holiday story, young Roland learns that more isn’t always better — and rediscovers the magic of home.

Roland can’t wait for Christmas Day, and when the morning finally arrives he races downstairs to see what is waiting for him. What he sees stops him in his tracks. Could that tiny present really be what he had waited all year for? It has to be the smallest gift he had ever seen! So Roland wishes for something bigger . . . and bigger . . . and bigger. But he’s still convinced there must be a bigger gift somewhere in the universe. Will he know it when he sees it? Peter H. Reynolds’s spare, free-spirited illustrations and heartwarming text make this be-careful what-you-wish-for story the perfect holiday gift."

My Thoughts:

This was one of my favorite stories to share with the girls, as it really did a great job at showing them that Christmas is not all about presents --big or small -- but, about family.  In this cute story, we meet Roland, who rushes down the stairs on Christmas morning to find the tiniest gift ever.  As the story progresses, we see Roland wishing for a bigger gift, until he is far off into the universe, and missing his family.  He looks out his telescope to see a small speck in the distance.  That small speck is his home.  Then, he drops to his knees, clasps his hands together and wishes for that tiny speck -- the greatest gift of all.  The rocket ship turns back around and returns the little boy home, where his family is waiting with open arms.  Truly a heartwarming story, that is great to share around the holidays, to remind children that it isn't all about the gifts, but having family and friends close to enjoy quality time with.

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In addition to the above books I was sent to review, here are some other great Christmas books that will delight your children, and make for great stocking stuffer ideas:

Synopsis:

"The story of Ebenezer Scrooge opens on a Christmas Eve as cold as Scrooge's own heart. That night, he receives three ghostly visitors: the terrifying spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Each takes him on a heart-stopping journey, yielding glimpses of Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit, the horrifying spectres of Want and Ignorance, even Scrooge's painfully hopeful younger self. Will Scrooge's heart be opened? Can he reverse the miserable future he is forced to see? Now in an unabridged edition gloriously illustrated by the award-winning P.J. Lynch, this story's message of love and goodwill, mercy and self-redemption resonates as keenly as ever. 

The celebrated P.J. Lynch captures the spirit of Dickens's beloved tale in a richly illustrated unabridged edition."

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Synopsis:

"Jonathan Toomey is the best woodcarver in the valley, but he is always alone and never smiles. No one knows about the mementos of his lost wife and child that he keeps in an unopened drawer. But one early winter’s day, a widow and her young son approach him with a gentle request that leads to a joyful miracle. The moving, lyrical tale, gloriously illustrated by P.J. Lynch, has been widely hailed as a true Christmas classic.

The classic Christmas tale in an elegant new vertical trim size, with completely new notes from the author and the illustrator and a CD narrated by James Earl Jones."

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Synopsis:

"Create holiday stories with Christmas Tales. This box contains twenty-eight cards that suggest all kinds of characters, places, and objects that you can use to make up your own stories. Pick a handful of cards and use their pictures, descriptions, and questions as inspiration. Discover more ways to use the cards and read sample stories in The Storytelling Book that accompanies this set.

Tell your own festive stories with this new create-a-story pack from StoryWorld."

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Synopsis:

"It’s Christmas Eve, and the Mouse house is full of activity. So when Papa tells the children that they can’t find the decorations for a tree this year, the brothers and sisters band together to search for Christmas decorations around the house. Each spread shows a different room in the Mouse house. Open doors, windows, and cupboards to help the Mouse family make this Christmas the best--and most beautiful--one yet!

Explore the Mouse house as they get ready for Christmas!"

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Synopsis:

"The story of Jesus’ birth is among the best-known and best-loved stories in the world. Vivian French offers a simple retelling that follows Mary and Joseph as they journey to Bethlehem and celebrate the birth of Jesus with the shepherds and wise men. Complemented by Jane Chapman’s vivid and joyful illustrations, here is a Christmas story that is sure to appeal to the youngest of children.

With bright illustrations and an engaging narrative, this gentle story captures all the wonder and excitement of the first Christmas day."

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Synopsis:

"At Christmastime, a tree from the outside comes inside, just waiting to be decorated. And did you know that some of the tree’s ornaments are inspired by outdoor things, too -- like a snowflake, a ball, a bird, and a star? Spare language and luminous collage paintings offer a fresh, inviting look at well-loved traditions.

Sweet illustrations and simple language bring the holidays to life for the youngest of children."

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Synopsis:

"Now in a new reader-friendly 6 x 9 format!

"As always, humor pervades the situations and the dialogue, and the illustrations are full of energy and movement." -- THE HORN BOOK (starred review)

"A satisfying holiday story that works as either a long picture book or a transitional chapter book for girls in the primary grades." -- KIRKUS REVIEWS 

"The joy here is not just in the receiving of lovingly tendered presents; it's in the giving -- of companionship, affection, and memories, priceless rewards for any season." -- BOOKLIST"

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Synopsis:

As seen on Nick Jr.

"It’s almost Christmas, and Peppa Pig and her little brother, George, are mailing their letters to Santa. All of Peppa’s friends are there, too, and each one tells Peppa the special gift on their list. Peppa is excited to help Daddy Pig and Mummy Pig pick out and decorate their enormous tree, and she can’t wait for the big day to arrive. But little does she know that a surprise is in store on Christmas Eve, and that she may play a part in saving the day!

Peppa is the endearing star of PEPPA PIG -- a BAFTA-winning preschool TV series that has been a long-running success in the U.K. and is now winning devoted fans in the U.S. with daily showings on Nick Jr. Peppa and her little brother, her daddy, her mummy, and her many friends arrive at Candlewick just in time for the holiday season, poised for much muddy puddle jumping and more new adventures to come.

Welcome the U.K.’s muddy-puddle-jumping sensation! The beloved, award-winning Peppa Pig hops from screen to page in her first book with Candlewick."

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Synopsis:

"Maisy and her friends are getting into the Christmas spirit. But they need some help! Poor Ostrich's feet could use some warm boots as he waits for Maisy to buy the Christmas tree. Back at home, Tallulah can't find the angel for the top of the tree. And they mustn't forget to leave a snack for Santa! Luckily, Maisy's many fans will be eager to lend her a hand -- by choosing colorful stickers to complete each scene. Merry Christmas, Maisy!

Crazy for Maisy? A stickler for stickers? Little ones will have hours of fun helping their favorite mouse get ready for Christmas."

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Synopsis:

"It’s not fair! Little Bunny doesn’t like being the smallest one in the family. Now it’s Christmas Eve, and his favorite shiny red fire-engine ornament is way up high in the tree. Little Bunny is too small to reach it, but too big to climb the tree. And he so loves that fire engine. He wishes he could ride in it for real! With Christmas Eve magic and help from some new friends, Little Bunny has the adventure of his life on a night when anything is possible.

Little Bunny is tired of being the smallest. But thanks to some Christmas magic and an enchanted tree, he gets teenier still-- and has a BIG adventure."

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Synopsis:

"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."