Here we are again! It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday!
I hope everyone had a Thanksgiving where good food, friends, and family took center stage. I have so much to be thankful for…starting with all of you, dear readers. And also all of these wonderful picture books of 2017 and their talented authors and illustrators!
Our book review today is perfect for the season…but first, we have some winners to announce. A lot of winners thanks to our generous authors!
A copy of MOTOR GOOSE: RHYMES THAT GO! by Rebecca Colby. And the winner is…
MIDGE BALLOU SMITH
A copy of CAPTAIN BLING’S CHRISTMAS PLUNDER by Rebecca Colby. And the winner is…
VICKY HAMMOND
A copy of FINN FINDS A FRIEND by Jenna Grodzicki . And the winner is…
LYNN ROGALSKI
A copy of ALIENS GET THE SNIFFLES, TOO! by Katy Duffield . And the winner is…
JULIE ROWEN-ZOCH!
A copy of NANTUCKET SEA MONSTER: A FAKE NEWS STORY by Darcy Pattison. And the winner is….
JEANINE POTTER
Oh my gosh…is it the season of giving gifts or what?
And here is my gift to you today…a review of Patricia Toht’s fabulous new picture book!
PICK A PINE TREE
Written by Patricia Toht
Illustrated by Jarvis
Published by Candlewick Press (2017)
Ages: 3-7
Themes: Christmas, decorating a tree, family time
Synopsis:
From Amazon: A festive read-aloud brimming with all the joy and excitement of Christmastime — beginning, of course, with picking out a tree!
magic of the Christmas season stems from the traditions that families and friends take part in every year: hanging up stockings; putting lights in the windows; and, one of the most important of all, picking out and taking home the Christmas tree. With style and warmth, debut author Patricia Toht and Jarvis, the author-illustrator of Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth, evoke all the rituals of decorating the tree — digging out boxes jam-packed with ornaments and tree trimmings, stringing tinsel, and, at long last, turning on those twinkling lights. Joyously drawn and rhythmically written, this celebration of family, friends, and the holiday season is as merry as the tradition it depicts.
Why I like this book:
- Wonderful rhyming text that parents will enjoy reading and kids will enjoy listening to over and over again.
- Great illustrations…I especially love the double-spread fully decorated Christmas tree that you turn the book on it’s side to see.
- A perfect addition to any home bookshelf – it’s nice to have a new holiday book to add to your collection!
RELATED ACTIVITIES
CHRISTMAS TREE CRAFTS
Photo courtesy: https://handsonaswegrow.com/easy-christmas-crafts-kids/
Here are a bunch of awesome crafts for the season. You will find details on each one here: https://handsonaswegrow.com/easy-christmas-crafts-kids/
Please don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway for a copy of PICK A PINE TREE. If you’ve already read this wonderful book, why not hop over to Amazon to leave a review. And definitely be here tomorrow when author Patricia Toht stops by to chat about her writing journey.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
Thank you, Vivian! I’ve been doing some Christmas crafts with kids, and I’ve compiled some ideas in a Pinterest page that I thought your readers might enjoy. Find it here — https://pin.it/uyn6airi7nugob
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Perfect addition to my classroom 25 picture books of December. I’m an 8th grade ELA teacher and my MS students LOVE picture books!
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So excited that your MS kids will read Pick a Pine Tree! I’m a MS library associate, so this makes me so happy.
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I love finding picture books with family-centered fun inside. The illustrations are so detailed and definitely set the tone of this book. Thanks for sharing it with us today.
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Thanks, Danielle! Jarvis’ illustrations are so lovely.
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Thanks for the beautiful book to kick off the season. The cover alone evokes a timeless feel.
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Enjoy the season, Mary!
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This book sounds adorable! Thanks for sharing great books with us. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas, everyone!
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Thank you, Angie! Merry Christmas to you! (Hard to believe it is upon us so soon.)
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I’ve had my eye on Patricia Toht’s beautiful book about picking the perfect pine tree. It’s popular at the library. Such a beautiful cover and timeless story.
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Thank you, pine tree loving Patricia! (We know there are at least three of us.)
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Looking forward to seeing this one!
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I hope you have a chance to take a peek at one soon, Beth!
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Thanksgiving is over….full speed ahead to Christmas! This book looks wonderful. Can’t wait to read it!
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We are on the slippery slope to Christmas for sure, Judy. Enjoy!
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This book looks magical. Can’t wait to read. Thanks for sharing the best of the best, Vivian. Happy holidays to all.
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Vivian is a generous picture book champion, and I so happy she’s shared PICK A PINE TREE this week. Happy holidays!
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I would love to add this book to my library collection. I’m sure that my students would really enjoy this book.
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It sounds like a lovely story about Christmas traditions. Thanks for the review, Vivian.
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There is nothing quite like the smell of a pine tree standing decorated in a lounge. Unfortunately we will stick to our artificial tree again this year.
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Traditions make the holidays memorable and keep us always connected. Pick a Pine Tree sounds like a lovely story to read to invoke memories of Christmas past and excitement for Christmas future.
Oh, Vivian I won! And it’s my birthday today 🙂 What a fantastic surprise to wake up to. I can’t wait to read it!!
Thank you as always for all the book sharing and author stories…always an inspiration. ~Vicki
What do you need me to do to retrieve this?
VICKY HAMMOND – (Vicki)
CAPTAIN BLING’S CHRISTMAS PLUNDER by Rebecca Colby
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Vicky…somehow I don’t have your email…please connect with me: viviankirkfield@gmail.com
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Picking the Christmas tree was always one of my favorite holiday activities. This book looks wonderful.
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definitely putting this on my list for Santa. Rhyme and Patricia and a turn-sideways-for-best-view spread … how can you lose?
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Well you put this lady in the Christmas spirit just reading about reading about getting into the spirit! I look forward to adding this one to my Christmas library, The fact that it’s a rhymer is the star on the tree!
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The illustrations are adorable. I have this on my “Want To Read” list on Goodreads.
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What a wonderful new approach to a holiday story! I’ll be looking for this one.
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I first saw Pick a Pine Tree facing out at a display in a bookstore in Berlin! I love holiday books & I agree, this is the perfect addition to the collection.
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