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Twas’ the night before Christmas and all through the hive, not a bitty bee was buzzing, not one, sake’s alive. The swarm was all snuggled, tail to wing in their nests, visions of glory stories dancing in their heads. When what to their alerted antennas should appear, but Clover, Santa’s sidekick, with a book bag, oh so dear.
In a flash, Clover dug deep, showing Santa her stash, three honeys, more special than coins or paper cash. So now, dear young readers, page on and enjoy, a trio of stories to read and adore.
The Community Literacy Foundation, in partnership with Neighborhood Reads and with support from its sponsors, provides these books to 37 school and public libraries in Washington, Union, Pacific, St. Clair and surrounding communities.
Learn more at CommunityLiteracyFoundation.org.
Youngest Read
Only author Mac Barnett could imagine the inventive storyline he introduces in “Santa’s First Christmas.” In this wonderful book, set in the “old days,” there is no Christmas. Santa, a hard worker, does nothing day in and day out, but make toys at the North Pole.
On Christmas morning, Santa’s only treat is sleeping an “… extra half hour,” the elves tell a friendly polar bear who is shocked that Christmas for Santa is just an ordinary day, like any other. The elves and thoughtful bear decide Santa needs a boost and are determined to show him all the marvelous things that make Christmas wonderous.
Their first task is taking Santa to the forest to select a Christmas tree, a beauty so large it’s a miracle the group can even get it in Santa’s cottage. “It’s beautiful,” thankful Santa says, having never seen a tree decorated with glowing orbs, candy canes and “gingerbread pigs.”
The elves and bear continue to wow Santa with all Christmas has to offer. There are stockings to fill, town lights to string and cookies to make, which Santa’s can’t keep his mitts off. Then all gather around the fire to enjoy a story, about a jolly ol’ elf with “… a little round belly. That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.”
All the delights of Christmas come to life in a story sure to steal hearts and ramp up excitement for the big night. Vibrant illustrations by Sydney Smith add visual allure to this magical story.
Middle Read
It's a bird, it’s a plane, no it’s “Rocket Puppies,” by William “Whoosh!” Joyce, starring loveable canine creatures that rival Superman in their power and good works. The Rocket Puppies arrive in a world of glum, a planet suffering the ill effects of dismal Snarly McBummerpants.
“He lived on the island of Woe and he did NOT like happy. Not birds, not bugs, not people. Not spaghetti and meatballs.” McBummerpants puffed “mopey smoke” out of his giant volcano 24-7. His eruptions spread oodles of dire unhappiness.
It would take a miracle to shake people out of their doldrums—and glory be, one occurs when the Rocket Puppies zoom down from the heavens in their rocket ships. Suddenly, a bit of hope beams on the horizon, and people start to feel a lightness of spirit. But cool your jets—there’s still Snarly McBummerpants to contend with, grumpy and fussing around in bigger and badder ways.
That is until McBummerpants meets his match with one of the most unlikely of heroes, a bitty pup with enough charm to tame a Goliath. “Rocket Puppies” is solid gold and sure to jettison Joyce back into the limelight after his much lauded earlier book, “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore,” which was also a brilliant Book Buddy Pick.
Oldest Read
Light and love abound in Kate DiCamillo’s beautiful new offering, “The Hotel Balzaar,” the second in her series of Norendy Tales. In this lovely read, we meet Marta, a young girl separated from her father, who is away at war.
Because of his absence, Marta and her mother seek refuge in the stately Hotel Balzaar, taking up residence on the top floor, away from the general public. Marta’s mother works as a maid in the hotel and instructs Marta not to talk to anyone or take the elevator for fear she might raise questions about the two’s hiding place. “We must be as invisible as we can,” her mother instructs.
The long days are lonely for Marta, hours filled with nothing to do, until a strange visitor with a parrot comes to the hotel, a countess, eccentric and mysterious. Despite her odd ways, Marta is drawn to the old woman, who calls Marta “my little ray of light,” entrancing the girl with her stories, that don’t seem connected by character or plot.
Though she appreciates the company and distraction, Marta grows frustrated as she continues to seek answers about her father’s health and whereabouts, which she directs to the countess, who only launches into another tale, seven in all.
In the land of Norendy, “tales swirl within tales and every moment is a story in the making.”
Eventually Marta understands how the stories she’s heard are linked, in a treasure of a novel that’s divine DiCamillo. Black and white Illustrations by Júlia Sardá enhance this perfect pick.
Written by Chris Stuckenschneider.
Copyright 2024, Community Literacy Foundation.
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