Holiday Gift Guide - Candlewick Press FUN WITH FURRY ANIMAL FRIENDS

I love encouraging my children to read. All four of us read together every night. The older ones like to read to the little ones. Some of our favorite books come from Candlewick Press. They have books that appeal to kids of all ages and reading levels. They make reading fun with scary real life adventures and cute cuddly animals that encourage kids to read. Here are just a few of the books that should be on your holiday wish list.

Create With Maisy by Lucy Collins

9780763661229 ∙ July 2012 ∙ Hardcover ∙ $16.99 ∙ 48 pages ∙ 2-5 year

 Why does Maisy keep a Big Box of Everything, filled with glitter, sequins, foil, stickers, paint, brushes, paper, and tons more stuff? Because she loves to make things! Children as young as two will be thrilled to follow her lead, thanks to a brand-new Maisy format featuring both familiar illustrations and photographs by Lucy Cousins. Here are crystal-clear steps for creating seventeen simple crafts, highlighted by photos of the end result. Enjoy making things from painted pebbles to paper lanterns, food collages to feathered masks, and wax-relief paintings to wonderful vegetable animals. As spectacular looking as it is hands-on, here is an activity book sure to please parents as much as it does Maisy’s little fans.

The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare by Sam McBratney

9780763658960 ∙ August 2012 ∙ Hardcover ∙ $16.99 ∙ 72 pages ∙ 3 years and up

 Just like young children everywhere, Little Nutbrown Hare likes to explore, play, venture out into the world, and sometimes just savor the comfort of being at home with loved ones. But whatever he does, and wherever he goes, Big Nutbrown Hare is always there to cheer him on. In a beautiful jacketed Guess How Much I Love You storybook, here are four heartwarming new stories that little readers (and their bigger companions) will instantly relate to.

Our Thoughts

This is a wonderful story for preschool aged children. It teaches children about being careful with their exploration, but also to appreciate the adults who try to protect them. My daughter loved the adorable illustrations. Its a story she's had me read to her almost every night since we got it. 

Charley’s First Night by Amy Hest, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

9780763640552 ∙ October 2012 ∙ Hardcover ∙ $15.99 ∙ 32 pages ∙ 3-6 years

 On Charley’s first night, Henry carries his new puppy in his old baby blanket all the way to his house. He shows Charley every room, saying, "This is home, Charley." He says that a lot so that Charley will know that he is home. Henry’s parents are very clear about who will be walking and feeding Charley (Henry will, and he can’t wait). They are also very clear about where Charley will be sleeping: Charley will be sleeping in the kitchen. But when the crying starts in the middle of the night, Henry knows right away that it’s Charley! And it looks like his parents’ idea about where Charley is going to sleep may have to change. With warmth, humor, and endearing simplicity, Amy Hest tells a tale familiar to everyone who has loved a puppy, while Helen Oxenbury renders each tender gesture and charming detail in a beauty of a book that children will be eager to take home.

 Our Thoughts

As an animal lover, and someone who has picked up my fair share of strays, its hard not to love this story. Charley finds a little puppy and brings him home. Its a sweet and tender moment. However, the book also teaches kids the valuable lesson of responsibility. Charlie is only allowed to keep the puppy if he takes care f it, and he quickly learns just how much work a puppy can be.  I would recommend this book to anyone, but it would be an especially good book for anyone planning on bringing a new pet into the family.

 ***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***