Christmas at Thompson Hall & Other Christmas Stories by Anthony Trollope

 A collection of five Christmas short stories by British novelist Anthony Trollope 

I had never heard of this author who wrote prolifically during the 1800s. These stories are heart-warming with some humor. Reading about a story with the setting of the U.S. Civil War by a BRITISH author was interesting! I like these short stories better than the modern Christmas stories by American authors.

I learned about this anthology from Lanier Ivester in her book, Glad and Golden Hours.

-Borrowed from the library.

William Shakespeare Twelfth Night retold by Georghia Ellinas illustrated by Jane Ray

 My favorite aspects of this retelling of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare are the bold illustrations and the oversized book. The retelling is a bit stilted. Also, the pronoun switch (from she/her to he/him) for Viola, who is disgused as a man, Cesario,may be a bit confusing. BUT the original story is confusing, so it is a challenge for anyone to retell it well for a younger audience!

I am glad I have it in my collection. (I own this book.)

A Tournament of Knights by Joe Lasker*

 Through a narrative about Justin, a young knight about to fight his first tournament, readers learn how a typical tournament was set up and run. They also learn what is at stake for the loser! 

This author/illustrator has also written/illustrated two other books about this time period. My county library system does not own them, so I bought used copies. (Merry Ever After: The Story of Two Medieval Weddings  & Pearl in the Egg: A Tale of the Thirteenth Century).

-Borrowed from the library.

*Highly recommend.

Let's Keep Christmas a sermon by Peter Marshall illustrations by Barbara Cooney*

 with an introduction by Catherine Marshall (the author of  Christy)

I read this teeny, precious book because Mrs. Ivester recommends it in Glad and Golden Hours (I wrote down a lot of titles she recommends!). Mr. Marshall, a Scottish-American preacher, shares the importance of Christmas and keeping it in our souls. I would love to buy this book (especially this 1952/1953 edition illustrated by Barbara Cooney!) and read it each Christmas.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library (the former owner who donated it to the library was from my hometown!)

Hilwa's Gifts by Safa Suleiman illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan

 While visiting his family in Palestine (Israel), Ali helps them harvest olives from his favorite tree, Hilwa. During his stay, he learns about the myriad of gifts Hilwa bestows on the family. 

A sweet, multi-generational story set in a region not often featured in children's books.

Discussion: How the author calls the region Palestine, not Israel

-Borrowed from the library.

The Friendship Train by Debbie Levy illustrated by Boris Kulikov*

 After WWII, in 1947 Europe faces a cold winter without food. The U.S. government proposes a plan to help, but government plans take a lot of time to enact/pass. So Drew Pearson, a newspaper journalist, rallies the American people to make donations to these countries. The U.S. sends 500 boxcars of food! Children contributed a lot of these donations and were a huge force for raising money toward the cause.  In return, France expresses its gratitude by sending forty-nine boxcars with gifts to the U.S.

In the author's note, tinges of her political leanings peek through her writing.

*Highly recommend because of this little known piece of history! (at least to me!)

-Borrowed from the library.

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin illustrated by Barbara McClintock*

 In her book Glad and Golden Hours Lanier Ivester mentions books by Kate Douglas Wiggin several times. I then realized that I had never read this classic by her (nor any books by her)!

This book is a delight. Spinster aunts, Miranda and Jane Sawyer, agree to host one of their sister's children. They are hoping for Hannah. Rebecca, however, arrives at their doorstep with an imagination and a zest for life. Soon the town embraces her. Aunt Miranda continues to be harsh and strict. Despite this treatment, Rebecca flourishes and becomes a source of pride. 

This book was published before Anne of Green Gables but does not receive as much recognition. I still like Anne better but this book is at the top of my "favorite classic list". Anne contains more drama, a meatier plot, and more flowery writing. I feel like by the end of these novels, readers know Anne better than they know Rebecca (plus there are more books about Anne than Rebecca). 

I especially like this edition with illustrations by Barbara McClintock (one of my favorite illustrators). If I ever see this edition in a bookstore, I will most likely want to buy it!

*Highly recommend. I think every preteen and teen girl would benefit from reading this novel! 😉

-Borrowed from the library.