Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends! Today’s book launched during the summer, but I thought November would be a great time to tell you all about it – the perfect NEW Christmas book for this year’s holiday season.

CHRISTMAS AHOY

Written by Erin Dealey

Illustrated by Kayla Stark

Published by Sleeping Bear Press (July 14, 2023)

Ages: 4-8

Themes: Boats, counting, Christmas

Synopsis: From the Amazon sales page:
Ahoy! A spectacular Christmas boat parade is underway! Count up to ten as the dazzling crafts bob pass . . . but wait! Where is Santa and his reindeer? Surely, they aren’t missing the parade? Never fear, little mariners, Santa simply has a surprise in store. With backmatter on the bevy of boats featured!

Why I Love This Book:
1. I love that this book has so many layers – it’s a counting book, a book about boats, a holiday book and it’s in rhyme…wow!
2. The text has a smooth flowing rhythm and rhyme that makes it a perfect read-aloud!
3. The illustrations are GLORIOUS!!! I love seeing all the different types of boats and different cultures portrayed.

And guess what? Author Erin stopped by to share a little bit about the path to publication and beyond:

ERIN: Thank you so much for sharing CHRISTMAS AHOY! The journey is always a bit crazy with a holiday book, as publishers like to release them in summer or early fall to get the word out so bookstores will have them by the holidays.

 CHRISTMAS AHOY’s Book Birthday was in July (!) so we celebrated at Fine Arts Camp where I teach in the summer, and then “launched” it at Face in a Book in September. 

Then there’s that unwritten rule that no one should talk about Christmas —let alone decorate—until after Halloween! (Full disclosure—I am one of those people who watch Christmas movies in October. ) 

Needless to say, I am thrilled to see CHRISTMAS AHOY! on Independent Book Store lists, especially in areas where they have lighted boat parades! We can’t wait to celebrate with family at the one in Santa Cruz, CA. 

And we are thrilled to see CHRISTMAS AHOY, too!!! Thank you so much for sharing that, Erin.

RELATED ACTIVITIES
Make a boat…or two…or three!

For detailed instructions on 18 different boat craft activities for kids: https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/56539/boat-crafts-kids-make/

Are you getting your holiday shopping lists ready? Please don’t forget that books make the BEST gifts for kids – and we can give a present to our favorite authors and illustrators by doing at least ONE of these things:
Buy their books
Review their books
Put their books on your Goodreads WANT TO READ shelf
Tell friends about their books (you can share this post on social media)
Ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection

And make sure you leave a comment for a chance to win the wonderful giveaway of a SIGNED COPY OF CHRISTMAS AHOY!

Thank you for spending your precious time with us. I hope you all have a beautiful weekend!