Yes! Yes! Yes! I know! It is NOT Friday.

But I’ve got a wonderful story I want to share. Somehow, I missed getting this post up on Friday – and I just realized that because of the Holiday Writing Contest, Susanna Hill will NOT be hosting Perfect Picture Book Friday next week.This brand-new book is lovely any time of year, but it is especially perfect for this season. I wanted to make sure everyone had time to get a copy for sharing with the little people in their lives.

A Homemade Together Christmas

Written and illustrated by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Publisher: Albert Whitman (2015)

Ages: 4-8

Themes: Family togetherness, Christmas, imagination, self-esteem

Opening Lines:

“Luca was helping decorate for Christmas.”

Synopsis:

 From Amazon:

“A family of adorable pigs decides that this year they will make their gifts to each other for Christmas rather than buy gifts. Each family member is excited to try. Momma makes breakfast, Dad makes a blanket, and sister Rosie sings a song. But the littlest pig struggles to come up with an idea. What can he make?”

Why I like this book:

• Great read-aloud.
• I totally fell in love with Luca…and so will parents and kids.
• Illustrations that combine perfectly with the text.

How a parent can use this book:

• Wonderful read aloud.
• Great book to encourage discussion of the importance of family and how to spend time together.
• Springboard for talking about imagination and creativity.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Box of Togetherness

Photo courtesy: http://www.ehow.com

You will need: A shoebox or other craft box, paper (construction paper or scraps of leftover wallpaper or wrapping paper), glue, scissors.

For detailed directions for this and other wonderful ways to decorate the box, please visit: http://www.ehow.com/how_6632916_decorate-small-craft-boxes.html

And for more wonderful picture book reviews (you’ll find several holiday themed ones), please hop over to http://susannahill.blogspot.com/2015/12/perfect-picture-book-friday-oskar-and.html

Please please please come back here tomorrow! I’ll be posting my entry to Susanna Hill’s 5^th Annual Holiday Writing Contest. You won’t want to miss it!

Wishing you all a week filled with love.