12 Days of Christmas: Mini Book-Beans for Children

Posted on December 21, 2017 by Abbie Lu

DAY 8 of 12
A lovely tale of a girl with the audacity to seek out her dream

The Christmas Wish
by Lori Evert
A brave little girl named Anja wants to be one of Santa’s elves. So she leaves a note for her family and helps her elderly neighbor prepare for the holiday, then she straps on her skis, and heads out into the snowy landscape. From a red bird to a polar bear to a reindeer, a menagerie of winter animals help Anja make her way to Santa. This heartwarming story filled with extraordinary photographs is a special book for the
holiday season.
Rated 4.8 on amazon.com

Book Bean: Crisp Apple Chai
In saucepan heat up half water half apple juice or cider and simmer with green apple slices. Add in Chai powder mixture or concentrate. Add mixture to blender and blend till smooth. Serve with garnish of apple and topped with whip and/or caramel, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

12 Days of Christmas: Mini Book-Beans for Children

Posted on December 19, 2017 by Abbie Lu

Day 6 of 12
“Could it be that some of you are not acquainted with the story of Rudolph?
Well pull up an ice block and lend an ear.”

The Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
by Thea Feldman Illustrated by Erwin Madrid
The original television special first aired on NBC December 6, 1964. Fifty years later, it has become a beloved Christmas classic―capturing the heart and wonder of generations of fans.
This prose picture book about self-acceptance features Rudolph, along with his pals Hermey, the elf who dreams of becoming a dentist, and Yukon Cornelius, a prospector. They escape an Abominable Snow Monster, and end up on the Island of Misfit Toys. After several hair-raising adventures they return to Christmastown and this time, despite their differences, are all welcomed back to the fold.
Rated 4.7 on amazon.com

Book Bean: Cherry Steamer
As red as Rudolph’s nose and as sweet as him too!
Steam milk with a tish of vanilla extract. Add grenadine to mug (to taste.) Pour in milk and stir. Add whip and place a tasty glowing cherry on top 😉

“Ahh. I love this Christmasy time of year.
Especially when everything is running happy and smooth, like it is this season.” ~Santa

Fun Fact: The origin to the story of Rudolph is actually really moving and a bit surprising to some. What is now a classic and in some countries even looked on as folk lore; all started in 1939 with a promotional coloring book for children, put out by Montgomery Wards and written by Robert L. May. Read the article here!
I wish I had the original article written by Robert May in the Gettysburg Times, but the above article tells the story quite well. I hope you enjoy it!

12 Days of Christmas: Mini Book Beans for Children

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Abbie Lu

DAY 5 of 12
“At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed,
it fell silent for all of them..”

The Polar Express
by Chris Van Allsburg

1986 Caldecott Medal Winner

A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical trip to the North Pole . . .

Through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a desert of ice, the Polar Express makes its way to the city atop the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish.
Rated 4.7 on amazon.com

Book Bean: Hot Choc-o-Late!

Made from scratch with cocoa powder, semi-sweet chocolate, milk and cream. Yum. OH yeah and with marshmallows of course.

Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me,
as it does for all who truly believe.”

― Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express

12 Days of Christmas: Mini Book Beans for Children

Posted on December 17, 2017 by Abbie Lu

DAY 4 of 12
“That’s pish-posh…” “Sheep are sheep. They cannot look happy.”

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
by Susan Wojciechowski
Illustrated by P.J. Lynch
Jonathan Toomey is the best woodcarver in the valley, but he is always alone and never smiles. No one knows about the mementos of his lost wife and child that he keeps in an unopened drawer. But one early winter’s day, a widow and her young son approach him with a gentle request that leads to a joyful miracle.

Rated 4.8 on amazon.comThis book was recommended to me by a fellow blogger
Rev. Dr. Charles Quail. I am very thankful because it is a wonderful book. It is a Beautiful story with gorgeous pictures and it very sweetly depict
the healing power of Christmas (and kindness.)

Book Bean: Cinnamon Coconut Chai
Make chai to your preference. Add in steamed coconut milk and/or coconut cream. Sprinkle with cinnamon and coconut flakes (if you like) Garnish with anise and cinnamon sticks for stirring fun 🙂

12 Days of Christmas: Mini Book Beans for Children

Posted on December 16, 2017 by Abbie Lu

DAY 3 of 12
“Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot . . .
but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!”

How The Crinch Stole Christmas
by Dr. Seuss

This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will grow even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays.

Rated 4.7 on amazon.com

The ultimate Dr. Seuss Christmas classic – no holiday season is complete without the Grinch, Max, Cindy-Lou, and all the residents of Who-ville!

Book Bean: Merry Berry Matcha Freeze
As cold as the Grinch and just as green too!
In a blender add 2 scoops vanilla bean
ice-cream, Matcha powder to taste, one scoop
(or more to taste) of canned cranberry (not jellied, frozen ahead of time if possible.) Blend till desired texture. Garnish with real cranberries and enjoy!

“Then the Grinch thought of something
he hadn’t before!
What if Christmas, he thought,
doesn’t come from a store.
What if Christmas…perhaps…
means a little bit more!”
― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

12 Days of Christmas: Mini Book-Beans for Children

Posted on December 15, 2017 by Abbie Lu

DAY 2 of 12:
Candy Cane Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses

The Legend of the Candy Cane
by Lori Walburg & Richard Cowdrey

This charming and pious story about the origins of the candy cane is definitely a change of pace.
A stranger arrives in town one dreary November and begins hammering and sawing away at his newly rented storefront.

When a small girl offers her help, she’s in for a childhood fantasy-come-true, as it turns out all the shelves and counters are being built for a candy shop. After offering young Lucy gumdrops and lollipops, Mr. Sonneman launches into the history of the candy cane.

Rated 4.4 on amazon.com

Book Bean: Candy Cane Cream
In a sauce pan heat up milk and vanilla extract. Add white chocolate and candy cane pieces (or candy cane Hershey kisses work marvelously.) Whisk together until smooth.
Add mixture to blender and blend until frothy. Add in a dollop of whip and blend (you can also whip up your own whip cream which is double delicious.) Serve with a candy cane to swirl in extra yum.