Hurray…we’ve had our first real snowfall…our little New England village is a fairytale wonderland. I really do enjoy the look of the snow…I just don’t like to drive in it.
Today is Friday. But before our book review, I want to tell you something else VERY IMPORTANT!
Yesterday was the first day of Susanna Hill’s Mostly-World-Famous Holiday Writing Contest. Click here for the guidelines…there is still time for you to enter and join in the fun! When you finish reading my book review, you can scroll down and read my entry to the contest.
And now, since Susanna won’t have her Perfect Picture Book Friday link up, I’m reviewing a middle grade mystery I would have LOVED to read when I was a kid. The author is Jessica Lawson. You will meet her tomorrow on Will Write for Cookies. How special is that? I hope you will come back tomorrow…there will be a giveaway of a copy of the book.
NOOKS & CRANNIES
Written by Jessica Lawson
Illustrated by Natalie Andrewson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (2016)
Ages: 8-12
Themes:
Courage, teamwork, investigative skills
Synopsis:
From Amazon:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets Clue when six children navigate a mansion full of secrets—and maybe money—in this “delightful gem” (School Library Journal, starred review) with heart.
Sweet, shy Tabitha Crum, the neglected only child of two parents straight out of a Roald Dahl book, doesn’t have a friend in the world—except for her pet mouse, Pemberley, whom she loves dearly. But on the day she receives one of six invitations to the country estate of wealthy Countess Camilla DeMoss, her life changes forever.
Upon the children’s arrival at the sprawling, possibly haunted mansion, it turns out the countess has a very big secret—one that will change their lives forever.
Then the children beginning disappearing, one by one. So Tabitha takes a cue from her favorite detective novels and, with Pemberley by her side, attempts to solve the case and rescue the other children…who just might be her first real friends.
Opening Lines:
“Just past three o’clock in the afternoon, when schools across London were releasing much-adored children by the bucketful, Tabitha Crum was ushered into the cold as well.”
Why I like this book:
- As I said earlier, I loved books like this when I was a kid…the girl who no one thinks much of is the one who perseveres and solves the mystery…a modern-day Nancy Drew.
- Don’t you just love the names: Tabitha Crum, Camilla Lenore DeMoss: Countess of Windermere, Barnaby Trundle, Edward Herringbone.
- I plan to send a copy of this book to my 10-year old granddaughter for Christmas…I think it is the perfect book for a delicious afternoon of reading.
PLEASE DON’T MISS TOMORROW’S WILL WRITE FOR COOKIES
SPOTLIGHTING
JESSICA LAWSON AND A GIVEAWAY
But wait!!!!!! Don’t go yet!!!!!! Please stay and read my entry to Susanna Hill’s Mostly World Famous Holiday Writing Contest. Here’s a quick run-through of the guidelines: Write a children’s holiday story of 300 words or less, based on The Twelve Days of Christmas. To read the other entries, please visit Susanna’s blog.
TWELVE DAYS OF SURPRISES FOR SANTA (293 words)
by Vivian Kirkfield
On the first day of Christmas, Santa grumbled, groaned, and gritted his teeth. “Last night was too cold,” he told Mrs. Claus. “No more Christmas Eve deliveries for me.”
Just then, a package arrived.
Before Santa could open it, Mrs. Claus snatched it away. “Just some treats for the reindeer.”
On the second day of Christmas, another package arrived. Santa had already peeled off the tape when Mrs. Claus grabbed it. “Just some vitamins for the elves.”
On the third day of Christmas, Santa waited by the front door. He’d be ready this time. But Mrs. Claus had told the mailman to come around to the back.
For nine more days, boxes arrived at the North Pole. Santa always seemed to be doing something else when the package was delivered. Talking on the phone. Feeding the reindeer. Going to the bathroom. Eating a snack. Taking a nap. Reading a book. Ironing his shirt. Trimming his beard. Polishing his boots.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, Santa came down for breakfast. He stopped. He stared. He sputtered. “W-w-what’s all this?” Instead of eggs and oatmeal and juice, the table was filled with presents. Twelve of them.
Mrs. Claus smiled. “You give gifts to all the children,” she said. “These are for you.”
Santa could hardly believe it. It felt like…Christmas. He opened the boxes.
Twelve woolen mittens.
Eleven quilted blankets.
Ten fleecy jackets.
Nine velvet earmuffs.
Eight hats with pompoms.
Seven red suspenders.
Six flannel nightshirts.
Five underpants.
Four knitted scarves.
Three long johns.
Two balaclavas.
And a super-duper heated seat cushion.
Santa tried on all the clothes. He tested the seat-warmer.
He looked at the calendar. “We’d better start making new toys,” he told Mrs. Claus. “I can’t wait for next Christmas Eve.”
The End
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND, EVERYONE…AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT. AND DON’T FORGET TO BE BACK HERE TOMORROW FOR WWFC AND A GIVEAWAY!
Love it, Vivian! 12 surprises to keep Santa warm!
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Such a fun contest, Judy…just like all of Susanna’s. Glad you enjoyed it, Judy…I think I need to get me some of those warm clothes…it’s been pretty cold here. 🙂
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Sharing Vivian Kirkfield’s 12 DAYS OF SURPRIZES FOR SANTA 🎅 with spotlight on Jessica Lawson.
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WOW…thanks so much, Pam…There are going to be so many wonderful stories…I’m excited to read all of them!
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Ooh! Now I want a super duper heated seat cushion! What fun! And I am right there with you on Nooks and Crannies. Sounds like a book I would order if libraries had menus. Oh wait, they kind of do! Guess I’m in luck! Thanks for sharing more marvelous-ness!
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And thanks so much for stopping by, Ingrid. Yes…I’m enjoying the book before I have to send it to whoever wins…Jessica wrote a great page turner. 😉
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I love this one. So smart, and well thought out!
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Thanks so much, David! Yours was actually the first one I read of the entries…great job! So glad you joined in…Susanna’s contests are the best, aren’t they?
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Brilliant Vivian! I just love it! 🎅🏻
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Thank you, sweet Julie…it was fun to write…and I was glad to have a chance to have Santa on the receiving end for once. 😉 Wishing you the happiest of holidays. 😉
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What a fun, clever story, Vivian!
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Glad you liked it, Tina…Susanna’s contests are addictive for me. 😉
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Oh wow, this was lovely Vivian. Cleverly written and I loved how Mrs Claus managed to get the parcels away from Santa and then surprise him. I’m envious, you have snow! 🙂
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Oh my goodness..wish I could pack it up and send it to you, Diane. 😉 I’d actually like a few days of snow…just around Christmas…and that would be enough.
Thanks so much for the kind words…yes, Mrs. Claus was very clever. 😉
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Sweet story, V. The way I was shivering outside yesterday, Mom wishes I had ALL of Santa’s warm gear. …and the seat cushion would be for her! Good luck!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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Thank you so much, Cupcake…maybe there will be something under the tree for you to keep you warm this winter…it has been pretty cold here as well.
Glad you enjoyed the story. 😉
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Wonderful story Vivian! Very sweet and well written. No excuses for Santa now! Good luck!
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Yup, I had to make sure he would never be too cold to make his deliveries…and thank you…I truly value your opinion and I’m happy you liked it. 😉
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Enjoyed your comfy cozy story!
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Thanks for stopping by, Jeanne…comfy cozy is a great state of mind to be in. 😉
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Really enjoyed your sweet little story, Vivian!
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That’s kind of you to say, Midge…I absolutely love Susanna’s contest….they are a great challenge…and good practice in keeping the word count down. 😉
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Loved your story! And I agree with an above comment~ now I want a super-duper heated seat cushion, too 🙂 Thank you so much for reading and reviewing NOOKS & CRANNIES!
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Glad you stopped by, Jessica…and it was my pleasure to review NOOKS & CRANNIES….awesome story. 😉
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Awww … great story Vivian!! A great twist for Santa to receive his own presents (and he does deserve it, doesn’t he?) And thank you so much for sharing this mystery. It sounds wonderful and will look for it to read with my eight year old! Ho Ho Ho! 🙂
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Ho Ho Ho, Jen! I think your eight year old will love it…and yes, Santa does deserve some gifts. 😉 Glad you enjoyed the story.
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The names, the art, the main character…… sounds fabulous!
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I think you’ll enjoy it if you get to read Nooks & Crannies, Beth. Thanks so much for stopping by. 😉 I’m wishing you the happiest of holidays!
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Love your story!
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Thanks, dear Ellen…glad you enjoyed it. Happy Holiday..and may the New Year bring all of us joy, good health, and much success. 😉
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What a nice surprise for Santa. Good luck and happy holidays!
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He deserves it, right? Good luck to you as well, Gregory…and have a wonderful holiday and a very Happy New Year. 😉
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Love it Vivan! So fun and festive!
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Vivian 😉
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Dawn, how lovely of you to stop by and comment. So glad you enjoyed the story. 😉
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What a fun story!
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Thank you so much, Sylvia…sending all good wishes to you for the happiest of holidays. 🙂
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This is really a good story Vivian! Looks like a winner to me!
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Patricia…you are my very own cheerleader…it is kind of you to say so…there are lots of great stories in the contest. I just can’t help myself and always have to participate. 😉
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Stellar writing, Vivian! Heated seat cushions are the best 🙂 Santa deserves to be spoiled.
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Thanks so much, Jennifer…our car has heated seats and I can tell you that it really helps. 😉 I figured Santa deserved no less. 😉 🙂
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Nooks and Crannies sounds like a great book, Vivian. Thank you for sharing it. It’s on my list.
I love your story. Santa going to the bathroom!! Ironing! Who’d ever hear of it? It’s delightful. Children would love it and get a giggle out of it, as would the adults reading it. I love the way it breaks rules that need to be broken, but in a fun way. The twelve gifts are perfect for Santa, and perfectly in rhythm. Nice that Santa gets the presents too. I agree with Patricia. I think you’ve written a winner.
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You are a great cheerleader, Norah…thank you so much. Hope you get to read some of Jessica’s books. 😉
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I will! Thank you. 🙂
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Awww, giving back to Santa. What a great idea!
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He deserves it, right? Thanks for stopping by, Linda.
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LOVE the Santa surprise of 12 presents for the jolly gift-giver. And Nooks & Crannies sounds like a great read, too.
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Pat…thank you so much…glad you loved the surprises for Santa…and yes, Nooks & Crannies will keep you turning those pages. 😉
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Vivian, you sure wrote this entry with Santa’s comforts in mind. He’s going to be snuggly warm for his long Christmas Eve ride.
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Totally, Leslie! I love fleecy coverups on these cold days…so I figured he’d appreciate them also. 😉 We have those seat warmer controls in our car…it made sense for Santa to have a heated cushion on his sleigh. 😉
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love the seat warmer and the vitamins! Great story
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Thanks, Eileen…I love writing entries for Susanna’s contests…they are always fun!
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Well deserved presents for a hard-working Santa! So glad his spirit was renewed!
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So nice to see Santa receive some Christmas surprises for once! Fun and fantastic story, Vivian!
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That’s an awesome story!
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LOVE. Brilliant idea here. And executed in such fun way. Great job, Vivian. Excellent writing.
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Wishing everyone a warm tushy for Christmas! Love it Vivian.
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I wouldn’t make it home on these cold, snowy NY nights without my seat warmer; I’m so happy Santa got his too, along with all his other fabulous gifts! I really loved this story, we often forget about the big guy, glad you didn’t!
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I need a super duper heated seat cushion! Love that!!!!
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What a perfect twist on the 12 Days, Vivian! As someone who seems to feel the cold more with every passing year, I can SO appreciate Santa’s surprise gifts to keep him warm and happy! And though Princess Blue Kitty happens to have heated seats, I think I’d like to try out that seat-warmer during my BIC computer time 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the fun, and for being such a super-fan and reading and commenting on all the entries! Happy Holidays!!! ❤
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Aw! What a sweet story. Santa sure deserves to be treated to some nice things, too. 🙂
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Wonderful story, Vivian!
HO ~ HO ~ HO!
There’s NO SNOW
There’s NO SNOW
There’s NO SNOW
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No snow???? Not for the likes of you, dear Nancy…as you lay in the hot Florida sun. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by…I’m glad you liked the story…did you get a chance to read some of the others? They were lots of fun! One of my 2017 resolutions is to get back to visiting some of my favorite blogs…like your!!! Hope your holidays are filled with joy, love, and blessings overflowing. 😉
You know…it was you who suggested I check out Susanna Hill’s picture book blog all those years ago…see what you started? 😉 😉
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I didn’t read any of the others this time . . . since I’m a bit pressed for time. My niece is getting married in Orlando on Sunday and “everyone” is in town for the celebration. My brother and his 4 kids are coming for a tour of “our” island tomorrow. A happy hectic!
I knew you would love Susanna’s picture book blog! A perfect fit.
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