Two Special Holiday Books Review & Giveaway

I am so pleased to bring you another great giveaway from Scholastic Books. This time, it's 2 holiday books, just in time for Christmas. These would make great gifts or additions to a classroom or home library.

Title: The Christmas Magic

Author: Lauren Thompson

Review Copy Provided by: Scholastic

About the Book: Far, far North, when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, Santa begins to prepare for his big night of giving. He gathers his reindeer, feeds them parsnips and berries, and polishes his bells and his sled. Then lovingly, he chooses toys for every child in the world. For Santa loves them all, and he knows what each child at heart wants most. Then, with the thrum of magic that makes reindeers fly, he spreads the Christmas joy and warmth throughout the world--as he always has -- and always will until the end of time. From best-selling author Lauren Thomas, and Caldecott Honor Artist Jon J Muth.

My Review: Really a quaint little book! Not your typical Christmas story and that's what makes it good. Jon Muth paints Santa in a different way than I've seen him depicted before. Not the typical red and white suit, but a blue and white one as well, and it looks victorianesque. The story takes the reader with Santa as he prepares for Christmas. How does he prepare? You will have to read it and find out. What is the Christmas magic? Well, I'm not giving it away but saying that it doesn't really tell you; it leaves it up to the imagination. As an educator, I could see teachers using this as a springboard for writing. The students could write their interpretation of what the Christmas magic is. There's also some vocabulary in this book that children may be unfamiliar with, so teaching can occur there as well.

The illustrations are muted, using watercolors and pastels. That only adds to the antique, victorian look and fell of this book. It is one that I will be adding to my collection of holiday stories and reading year after year.

Title: The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

Author: E.T.A. Hoffman

Review Copy Provided by: Scholastic

About the Book: On Christmas Eve, Godfather Drosselmeier has arrived with gifts of marvel and enchantment for his young godchildren. Goddaughter Marie falls in love a bewitching nutcracker doll and claims him as her own. Yet when the clock strikes midnight, something terribly amazing happens to Godfather’s handcrafted toys…they come alive. Marie is swept off her feet on an incredible journey with the Nutcracker in this astonishing classic story by E.T.A. Hoffman. Critically acclaimed artist Gail de Marcken’s stunning illustrations bring this spellbinding tale to life.

My Review: Beautiful book! This is the original Nutcracker story that I'm sure many of you are familiar with. I was, through the ballet, but had never read the original story. It is a good one! It is rather long for a children's book, but one that is worth sharing. I am a firm believer in reading the original stories to children so that they know where other renditions came from.

The illustrations in this book are just gorgeous! Sure to be looked at again and again as a coffee table book during the holiday season. It would be beautiful under a tree as a gift; wrapping paper not needed. Watercolor and ink works were used to create these beautiful, vivid pictures. Children will enjoy looking at them as you share the story.

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

The Christmas Magic

HOLIDAY BOOK RELEASES FROM SCHOLASTIC

ONLINE PRIZE PACK GIVEAWAY

Two (2) winners will receive both copies:

• The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
• The Christmas Magic
  

Just leave a comment on this post for your entry. To earn extra entries, spread the word about this contest and let me know about it by posting the link in the comments. Don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact you should you win.

Contest runs from today through Monday, Nov. 23rd. Open to US/Canada residents only.