Turkey for Christmas written & illustrated by Marguerite de Angeli*

 Purple House Press was having a sale off its new titles it was republishing. I took advantage of the sale, purchasing several titles. This book was one of them.

A true story from the author's childhood

This Christmas Bess's family can only afford a turkey. No presents would be given. Through this difficulty, Bess learns the importance of obedience and the unsurpassing gift of love. It was interesting to read how Christmases were observed and celebrated years ago.

*Highly recommend.

I own this book. (only 46 pages)

Bear in Love by Daniel Pinkwater illustrated by Will Hillenbrand

 Someone is leaving Bear wonderful treats on a rock outside his cave. So, he returns the favor by leaving his favorite treats for this someone and finds a friend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Love Letter by Anika Aldamuy Denise illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins

 Hedgehog, Bunny, and Squirrel each find a love letter (the same one, unbeknownst to them!) on the ground. The kind words encourage them to be more (respectivefully) cheerful, helpful, and carefree. This sweet story reinforces the power of feeling loved.

-Borrowed from the library.

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell illustrated by Ashley Mackenzie*

 Two places where I find book recommendations (Read Aloud Revival and Redeemed Reader) "spoke" highly about this book in their reviews. Fantasy is not my favorite genre, so I would not have selected this book to read. While I was reading it, our latest World magazine arrived, which also recommended it!

It is a book about friendship, love, hope, and sacrifice. Although I did not relish the fantastical creatures and world, I loved the characters and how they chose to live.

Christopher Forrester is to spend the holiday with his grandfather in Scotland, a man he has not seen in years. His grandfather gives him permission to explore his land except he is not to go near the top of the hill. Christopher goes to the top of the hill.  Soon he finds himself transported to a magical world, The Archipelago. He discovers he is The Guardian between the two worlds.

Mal lives with her aunt. A cloak given to her enables her to fly. When a man enters their home and murders her aunt, Mal flees and encounters Christopther. Together they diagnosis the sickness invading The Archipelago and sail the seas to cure it, no matter the sacrifice.

Although this book is tense, Ms. Rundell throws in humor just when it is needed.

Abundant black and white illustrations (not my taste in art, though). The Guardian's Bestiary is included in the back, referencing all creatures mentioned throughout the story.

*Highly recommend.

**On September 11, 2025 book #2 will be available!

-Borrowed from the library.

The Haunted Lake by P.J. Lynch

 P.J. Lynch is one of my favorite illustrators. Atypically, this book is scarier and creepier than his other books. 

For a living, Jacob and his father, Reuben, fish in Lake Spetzia. At one time Spetzia was a thriving village. The water company flooded it to create a reservoir for clean water. Most of the villagers moved to a big town, but Jacob and his father chose to live at the shores of the lake. Jacob and Ellen, a young girl from town,  fall in love over time and plan to marry. One night when Jacob ventures into the lake, he is lured into it by a blue light. Ghosts roam his old village. Lilith, a beautiful ghost, keeps him captive for fifteen years at the bottom of the lake. Will Ellen ever be with her true love?

Although some are dark and creepy, the illustrations are incredible. I especially love the illustrations depicting Jacob's and Ellen's faces when they were young and in love. 

Warning: creepy illustrations of ghostly people, infer at the end Reuben is joining the ghosts

-Borrowed from the library.

The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis*

 My son's English curriculum recommended that parents read this book to gain insight for discussions of Till We Have Faces. Lewis discusses the difference between need-love & gift-love and then describes the four types of love-affection, friendship, eros, and charity. This man was brilliant. As I read, I thought about concepts I had never considered. Since my life is full of disruptions, I had trouble concentrating and fully comprehending at times. This book is best suited to be read when one is fully alert and alone.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis*

 A myth retold-Cupid & Psyche

In her old age, Orual, queen of Glome, writes down her story, boldly accusing the gods. We, the reader, must decipher the truth. The gods took her only happiness and only love, her beautiful sister, Psyche. As she wrestles with this injustice, she discovers her true self as she writes her story. 

I cannot review/summarize this powerful, provoking story adequately. It is one that will require me to think about often. . . .over time! Currently, I am evaluating my love for others and how selfishness most often dictates that love. 

My tenth grader will soon be reading this novel. I am looking forward to his interpretation and the opportunity to discuss it with him.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Moo-Moo, I Love You! by Tom Lichtenheld & Amy Krouse Rosenthal

 A cow reinforces her love for her calf through various affirmations. The word "moo" is emphasized within words.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Ballad of Valentine by Alison Jackson illustrated by Tricia Tusa*

 Redeemed Reader recommended this picture book. Such a sweet, humorous book about a man's tendacity while attempting to send his love to his Valentine. The illustrations are whimsical and add a second storyline. Rhyming text makes this a great read aloud.

This is my kind of romance "novel"! 😉-wholesome and sweet.

Apparently, it is to the tune of "Oh My Darling, Clementine" & a spin-off of the song. . .singing isn't my gift so I totally missed this feature!

-Borrowed from the library.

*Highly recommend.

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Sophie Blackall

 Ms. DiCamillo stuns me with her beautiful prose time and time again.  Her word choice and phrases are concise and memorable. As I read this newest book, I marveled at her ability to spin a beautiful, unique story.

The prophecy says a girl will unseat the king.  When Brother Edik discovers a girl in the pen with their moody goat, Answelica, he is unprepared for the disruption the girl will bring to his life and the kingdom. Numerous stories and well-developed characters are woven seamlessly into one incredible narrative.

Points to discuss: cruelty, killing, females treated unequally  Some readers/parents may find this book is a gentle nod to feminism. 

-Borrowed from the library.

How Happiness Happens by Max Lucado

I love Mr. Lucado's memorable illustrations and stories.  In his latest publication he focuses on the "one another" statements in the Bible as the key to happiness-
Encourage,  bear with one another (pet peeves), regard one another as more important, greet, pray, serve, accept, admonish, forgive and love.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Boy and the Ocean by Max Lucado illustrated by T. Lively Fluharty

A boy with his parents deepen their understanding of God and His great love as they enjoy the powerful ocean and majestic mountains.
Lyrical writing and exquisite illustrations.
-Borrowed from the library.

Almost Paradise by Corabel Shofner*

Ruby Clyde wakes up on her 12th birthday in the back of mother's boyfriend's car.  He holds up a convenience store and is arrested.  Ruby's mother is also arrested.  Ruby and her stolen pig, Bunny, hide in the bushes outside the convenience store.   The next morning Ruby makes her way to her Aunt Eleanor's ranch.  Aunt Eleanor is a nun and very stoic.  Over time a solid relationship develops between the two, and in the end Aunt Eleanor  demonstrates sacrificial love.
I was a little sad at the conclusion of the book.  I wonder what will become of Aunt Eleanor.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Points to discuss/warnings: one swear word; abandonment; stealing/hold up; cancer; lying

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle*

A Newbery Winner
A recording read by Hope Davis
-Audio book
I tried reading this book as a kid and did not like it.  Now as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed the story!
My boys and I listened to this book on CD.
The Murry's father has been missing.  Gossip abounds in the town about why he has not returned.  Meg, the eldest Murry, endures criticism at school.  As a result, she focuses on her faults and believes she is stupid.  Then one night she, her brother Charles and a new friend Calvin are whisked away to other worlds where their strengths and weaknesses are tested and also utilized.
*Highly recommend for older elementary and older.
-Borrowed from the library.
Caution: At times the story is dark and could be scary for more sensitive readers.

If I owned this book, I would be highlighting some profound statements/phrases.  Specific references to God are included. 
We have not seen the movie yet.

Walk to Beautiful by Jimmy Wayne with Ken Abraham*

The Power of Love and a Homeless Kid Who Found the Way
Country music singer/star, Jimmy Wayne, shares about his life as a child, living with an abusive mother who often would abandon him and then, reveals how God led him to an elderly couple who helped give him hope and a home.  He then dedicates his life (to the point he loses his contract with his music producer) to help older foster children find a way to love and hope.
A compelling read.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Warning/points to discuss: The reading level is definitely easy enough for junior high/high school students to read but parents/teachers should be aware that Jimmy is very open about abuse (emotionally, physically, sexual) he experienced as a child.  His mother also participated is some deviant sexual activities.

Because Your Grandparents Love You by Andrew Clements illustrated by R.W. Alley*

Thriving Magazine published by Focus on the Family recommend this picture book and I wholly agree!!
Two children spend the day and night at their grandparents' farm.  Throughout the day, as the children are . . .well. . .children! The grandparents could respond in a negative manner or a loving manner.  Of course, the grandparents choose the loving way.
A sweet, sweet book that captures the deep love grandparents can have their grandchildren.
Strategy: connections
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly, highly recommend.
A perfect book for Grandparents' Day in September!

Love from the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

A very short book that utilizes figurative language to express love.  The narrator is the "very hungry caterpillar'.  Although this book is short and the audience would seem to be babies/toddlers/preschoolers, I doubt they will really understand being "the apple of my eye", "the bee's knees", "you make the stars sparkle", "you make the birds sing" and "you make my heart flutter".  Maybe it would provide an opportunity to discuss idioms?
*Borrowed from the library.

Love is My Favorite Thing by Emma Chichester Clark

Plum loves  a lot of things.  He worries that his owners will not love him after he has been disobedient.  When he realizes that their love is enduring, he concludes that "love is his favorite thing".
*Borrowed from the library.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn*

A well-read book!
A mother raccoon assures her young raccoon of her love as he ventures to his first "night" of school.
Idea:  I made a trail of Hershey kisses to the location where I hid the book.  Around the book, I made the Hershey kisses in a shape of a heart.  My five year old loved it(the anticipation of eating them, that is!)!

Love You More Than Anything by Anna Harber Freeman illustrated by Jed Henry*

An adorable chipmunk family is featured in this picture book.  The parents share how much they love their children  by comparing it to the fun activities they all enjoy (which most children enjoy too!).
Rhyming text make this a great book to read to toddlers and preschoolers.
Recommended by Thriving Family magazine published by Focus on the Family.
*Highly recommend.
I love the end pages too!