Tag Archives: kids books

12 Days of Christmas: Mini Book-Beans for Children

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literary-advent-6-edited-1Day 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 cherryamarettosteamer2b-editedwelcomed 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 😉

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“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!

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12 Days of Christmas: Mini Book Beans for Children

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literary-advent-6-edited-1DAY 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.commiracle-of-jon-toomey-carving-edited-1This 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.)

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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

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literary-advent-6-edited-1DAY 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.comed6ab3f427c0e107b9dcb69aa9a8aeab-edited

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
0111-editedAs 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!


d095ad4bea6df8d433049a8bc12cb70d“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

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literary-advent-6-edited-1DAY 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
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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. d2bbd5ab8d46516ae7d69e94998c9279-edited
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.

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12 Days of Christmas: Mini Book-Beans for Children

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literary-advent-6-edited-1Day 1 of 12:
“Darkness was cheap, and Scrooge liked it.”

A Christmas Carol
By  Charles Dickens

Tiny Tim, Ghosts, and of course the infamous Scrooge! This fantastic and endearing Christmas classic is a must read for children and adults. It is a great book for older children to read or for adults to read aloud by the fire with family. There are also a few amazing audible version that make great background ambiance.

Rated 4.7 on amazon.com

Cozy up with this book and a make sure to have a warm drink
to keep out the ghostly chills.

12 drinks of Christmas!

unnamedBook Bean: Cinnamon Cocoa Crunch
Something with a little bite in the spirit of scrooge:
In a large pot add 1 cup milk per person. Once the milk is warm whisk in 1 tsp dutch cocoa powder to 2 tsps of sugar (I use bakers sugar or confection sugar so it mixes smooth) PER cup of milk! Bring to a low simmer.  Whisk in 1/4 tsp of cinnamon per cup of milk, or to taste. Add in 1 Tbls of cream/half n’half per cup. Top with whip and sprinkle with red hots.

a_christmas_carol.jpeg“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Kid’s Books I Still Love

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I love a great variety of books, and I tend to love reading books as an adult that I enjoyed as a child. Also, if I hear of a “kids” book that was fantastic (e.g. The Phantom Tollbooth) I will go and read it. I have already mentioned some other favorites, like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Harry Potter series, but here are more great books written (in theory) for kids apprx. 8-13 years old.

These are timeless kids books I remember and still love.

(click any photo or title for more info.)

Charlotte’s Web
We all know the tale of the radiant pig Wilbur. The book written by E.B. White is such a great story, filled with great characters. It is an endearing book about friendship and love. The best message I took from it was that we make sacrifices for the people that we love. It teaches what friendship really consists of; not just good vibes, but the care and time we give another person.
Rated: 4.7 on amazon.com
Number The Stars
This is a great book by Lois Lowry that is very educational. I read this book in I believe 3 or 4th grade, and I still have and love it. I love that by reading a book you can learn about the Holocaust at an early age. It was very well written to give just the right amount of information for the age group targeted. This book had a big impact on me. To this day I have a bit of an obsession with books (and documentaries) related to WW2 and especially the Holocaust.
Rated: 4.7 on amazon.com

boxcar_lgThe Boxcar Children
The wonderful adventures of a family of orphan children who stick together, and find there way through many exciting obstacles. I love these stories written by Gertrude Chandler Warner because it puts an emphasis on the importance of family; working and taking care together. It also sets an example for resourcefulness. Of all the stories I read growing up I think I used to make believe about this one the most.
Rated: 4.8 on amazon.com

51law6ER4iL._SL160_Amelia Bedelia
I don’t know if anyone remembers these from back in the day, but I absolutely adore Amelia Bedelia! She is so inspiringly silly. This lovely character was created by Peggy Parish and Fritz Siebel. She has an extremely simple way of looking at the world, and it get’s her into lots of trouble (and fun.) I think part of my attachment is how much of myself I can see in her. What I love about this story is that despite her shortcomings she is loved and appreciated. The original, as well as other stories, are a hoot!
Rated: 4.8 on amazon.com
The Little House Collection
These are timeless classics written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. They are books that I cherish and love. I have fond memories of my mother reading these to me. They belonged to my older sister and they were so prized. When  I was old enough to read one for the first time I felt so special. These stories make you feel like you are part of another family. They are warm and inviting, and I for one got very emotionally attached to the characters. I also grew up loving the T.V. series Little House On The Prairie.
Rated: 4.7 on amazon.com
Pippi
Who doesn’t know of and love this freckle faced quirky girl! This was written by Astrid Lindgren and Michael Chesworth. Pippi is so classic and lovable. You will especially like it if you can relate to her spunky fun loving attitude. This is a story that anyone can enjoy. It’s full of humor and adventure. She’s daring and has a brilliant outlook on life.
Rated: 4.6 on amazon.com

Jeremy Thatcher Dragon Hatcher
This book was written by Bruce Coville and Gary A. Lippincott. I imagine no one has heard of this book (please tell me if you have!) I am including it because it is such a great little story. This book helped shape my reading style. It was one of the first chapter books I ever read, so partly I’m sharing it for sentimental reasons. This books fueled my adolescent love for books and dragons. If you like books about dragons check this one out. It is a quick read and I love it.
Rated: 4.6 on amazon.com
downloadAnne of Green Gables
Another fiery red-headed beauty that steals are hearts with spunk and charm. I love Anne and her story, I wanted to be her. This story was written by the very talented L.M. Montgomery. Anne Shirley is full of passion and dreams. I have always been an overly passionate dreamer, but I never had the spit-fire guts that Anne had, to see them through. I have been more of a slowly but surely gal, I always envied her tenacity. Great books filled with poetry and excitement.
Rated: 4.7 on amazon.com

A Wrinkle in Time series by Madeleine L’Engle
and Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
I have not read these 2 series but I wanted to include them because they are so well known. I am always hearing how great they are. So they are on my to-read list, and if you have read them I welcome your feedback
(just no spoilers.)
A Wrinkle in Time Rated 4.3 on amazon.com and Percy Jackson Rated: 4.8.

Book Beans: (for the child at heart) 3 delicious unloaded delights;

Hot-Cocoa-Homemade-Peppermint-Marshmallows-320x320.jpgDragon’s Egg Cocoa
Marshmallows tossed with (slightly heated) crushed peppermint candy, add to dark chocolate cocoa.

IMG_9133Prairie Tea
White tea with a dash of cream and nutmeg.

11820438_1696637097223407_327198745_nFiery Steamer
Puree grenadine, dash of cinnamon, beets, and hot milk till smooth and frothy! For the less daring substitute beets for cherries or strawberries.

There are so many great stories, these are just a few of the books that I loved, and that inspired me as a reader.

What book/books did you love growing up and/or still love today?
Fun Fact: Lois Lowry also wrote the iconic “The Giver” another of my favorites (not included because I only just read it as an adult.)