December 1 – Christmas Book Day

About the Holiday

As the month of December begins, we’re celebrating Christmas Books Day! Begun by author Jill Roman Lord in 2021, the holiday encourages people to share, buy, and gift books about Christmas that can be shared throughout the month and beyond. There’s no better way for adults and kids to engage with all the fun and meaning of the holiday than through favorite books read year after year as well as newly discovered stories. So grab mugs of hot cocoa, a plate of cookies, and all the Christmas books you love. You’ll want add today’s book to your stack too. It’s sure to become one of your favorite Christmas classics!

The Big Cheese Presents: Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas

Written by Jory John | Illustrated by Pete Oswald

Can you feel it!? Christmas is coming! You might be getting out the door wreath, hanging a few festive decorations, and thinking about getting a tree. And, of course, there will be shopping. Sounds nice, right? But is it Big? And I mean BIG? The Big Cheese is here to tell you that “Christmas isn’t Christmas unless it’s a BIIIIIIIGGGGGG Christmas!” That means lights on every window, tree, and pathway; “extreme” decor inside and out; and a party presided over by the Big Cheese, who with great modesty claims the mantle of “stellar host” with the “sparkliest” conversation, “funniest” jokes, “tallest” tree, “tastiest” snacks . . . well, you get it.

And gifts? The Big Cheese is the best giver and getter of presents on the planet! Yep, the Big Cheese always wins Christmas. But that was then, and this is now—like right now in the midst of preps for his biiiigggg Christmas party. The electricity has gone kerflooey, stopping everything in their wet and messy tracks.

The Big Cheese calls up his gouda friend Wedge Wedgeman who, after hearing about the disaster, offers to hold the party at his place. Swallowing his pride, the Big Cheese agrees then calls his guests and relays the change in plans. At Wedge’s house, he finds a warm welcome, simple decorations and snacks, and a cozy atmosphere. “There was no balloon drop, no rock band, no snow machine, no bullhorns, no spectacle.” Instead, there was a convivial group laughing and talking together.

At first the Big Cheese is taken aback by not being the center of attention, but then feels contentment. They took a group picture, and Wedge had personalized cards for everyone. The Big Cheese had to admit it was a wonderful party and told Wedge so. They even agreed to work together on next year’s party. With a high-five and a hug, the Big Cheese headed home with a changed heart about the meaning of Christmas. Of course, a BIG Christmas might still be in the cards for the future. Hey, you didn’t think the Big Cheese’s “personality totally changed in one day,” did you?

A tear-sheet of 12 Christmas cards for kids to share is included.

Jory John infuses his story with BIG laughs as the Big Cheese does Christmas in inimitable style. Through the Big Cheese’s penchant for excess, John has good-natured fun with the escalation of decorations, gifts, food, and even party favors that can—”Bam!”—come to define Christmas. When the electricity fails, ruining any prospect of a party, though, we learn that inside this wheel of braggadocio beats a heart whose first thought was, unselfishly, for the guests. Wedge’s simple celebration spurs the Big Cheese to more self-reflection, which imparts a thoughtful message on the true meaning of the holiday for children. John’s ending is pitch-perfect characterization, leaving readers with a final chuckle with the endearing Big Cheese.

Pete Oswald transports readers into a hilarious, eye-popping wonderland of Christmas glitz, gifts, and gadgets galore, the sheer number of which will delight kids who love to count. When the washer floods the house, kids will laugh out loud at the mayhem and the Big Cheese’s reactions. In contrast, Wedge’s cozy cottage glows with the warmth of a crackling fire and friendship, leaving kids filled with holiday spirit and as content as the Big Cheese.

Hilarious, heartwarming, and a fantastic read aloud that the whole family will love sharing again and again, The Big Cheese Presents: Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas is a book you’ll want to pick up now to enjoy throughout the season.

Ages 4 – 8

HarperCollins, 2025 | ISBN 978-0063494480

About the Author

Jory John is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and two-time E. B. White Read Aloud Honor recipient. Jory’s work includes the award-winning Goodnight Already! series; the bestselling Food Group series, including The Bad Seed, The Good Egg, and more; the national bestseller All My Friends Are Dead; and many more popular picture books. You can visit him online at joryjohn.com.

About the Illustrator

Pete Oswald is an artist, picture book creator, and production designer. Pete is the illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Food Group series by Jory John and the Cranky series by Phuc Tran as well as many other picture books. When Pete is not working on books, he is helping to uplift many of the most successful animated franchises as a character designer, concept artist, and production designer. Pete lives in Los Angeles, California, with his wife and three sons. Visit him at peteoswald.com.

Christmas Book Day Activity

Make Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas Ornaments

Wouldn’t your tree look festive adorned with Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas ornaments? You bet it would! With this coloring Activity Sheet from HarperCollins, you can add the Big Cheese, Wedge, and a puppy to your Christmas decor! Ta Da! (And don’t forget to add some sparkle!)

Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas

You can purchase The Big Cheese Presents: Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

November 21 – Get Ready for Christmas

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Christmastime is perfect when it’s shared with best friends! There are so many festivities to do together. From singing to baking to crafting and more, Christmas is a time for togetherness, whether you and your friends have different favorite ways to celebrate or agree on everything—like the kitty-corns in today’s book!

Holly Jolly Kitty-Corn

Written by Shannon Hale | Illustrated by LeUyen Pham

“Kitty adores Christmastime,” and it turns out that Unicorn does too! They’re excited to celebrate their first Christmas together, especially since they always agree. Unicorn offers that their “favorite part of Christmas is the music.” While Kitty politely agrees, she likes more snazz than snooze in her music, and soon she’s snoring so loudly that Unicorn can’t hear his favorite part.

When Kitty reminds Unicorn that their real favorite part is making gingerbread houses, Unicorn is game to try. After several hours, Kitty has created a beautifully decorated village. She’s jazzed to put her village together with Unicorn’s, but he’s only made one “ramshackle shack.” When he tries to place his house next to one of Kitty’s, it sends them all tumbling like dominoes. Kitty and Unicorn squabble over the mishap, while Gecko and Parakeet pipe up with a song about it.

Kitty’s not going to let those two have the last note, so when Unicorn suggests that the tree is their favorite part of Christmas, she agrees. At the lot, Unicorn asks if Kitty likes a particularly small one. Kitty loves it, but asks if it’s big enough for Unicorn. Misunderstanding, Unicorn shows her bigger trees, where Kitty chooses the biggest tree in the place, hoping to make her bestie happy.

Back home, their box of ornaments is no match for the enormous tree, so they make more. Still, the tree looks empty. Kitty calls for more stuff. Finally, as Kitty places the tiny star on top, the tree tips . . . timbers . . . crashes to the ground. Unicorn sympathizes with Kitty over the fate of her “perfect tree.” Confused, Kitty counters: “‘That wasn’t my perfect tree. It was yours.'” Unicorn is flummoxed. They banter until they realize that they both prefer “itty-bitty trees.” They stare at each other until both explode in laughter, proving that despite the mayhem, Christmas really is “the merriest day of the year.” The kitty-corns end the day with tasty gingerbread and cocoa. Turns out, Unicorn’s music is perfect for falling asleep on a starry night.

A giggle-inducing Kitty-Corn Carol, worthy of Gecko and Parakeet and set to the music of Deck the Halls, follows the story.

Funny and as sweet as Christmas treats, Shannon Hale’s and LeUyen Pham’s newest addition to their Kitty-Corn series will enchant readers, whether they’re fans of the books or just discovering them. Kitty and Unicorn’s tender and feisty friendship is challenged as the two try to blend their favorite holiday traditions or guess what the other likes best, but it emerges as tight-knit as ever. Hale’s dialogue-rich storytelling, sprinkled with rhymes, creates a delightful read aloud. Kids will laugh over the list of “ornaments” the pair use to decorate their enormous tree and sing along with Gecko and Parakeet’s musical interludes.

LeUyen Pham’s spirited illustrations offer stockings-full of laughs, charm, and cuteness as the characters’ facial expressions clearly demonstrate their emotions. Kids will want to linger over Kitty’s gingerbread houses to pick up ideas for their own as well as the Kitty-Corns’ fully stocked tree to point out each silly decoration.

Ages 4 – 8

Harry N. Abrams, 2025 | ISBN 978-1419768798

LeUyen Pham and Shannon Hale are the team behind the bestselling picture books Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn, Pretty Perfect Kitty-Corn, Party Hearty Kitty-Corn, and Bubbly Beautiful Kitty-Corn, as well as the Kitty-Corn Club board books; the bestselling graphic novels Real Friends, Best Friends, and Friends Forever; and, with Dean Hale, the early chapter book series The Princess in Black. They have made a bunch of other books too. They are both moms of cat-loving kids, wives to book-creating husbands, honor award winners (Caldecott and Newbery), and believers in unicorns. Pham lives in Los Angeles, Hale lives in Utah, and together they know they can be—and make—anything. Visit Shannon Hale at shannonhale.com. You can find LeUyen Pham on Instagram.

Get Ready for Christmas Activity

Colorful Ornaments

These plastic ornaments swirled with colors make the perfect decorations for your tree, whether it’s itty-bitty or enormous! This is a fun activity to do with friends or to give away too!

Supplies

Plastic ornaments, available at craft stores
Nail polish in various colors
Plastic bowl or container, deep enough to dip the ornament into the water
Drying stand – I used a clear, plastic egg carton. You can also hang ornaments to dry

Directions

Fill the plastic container with warm to hot water

Using two or three colors, gently “paint” the water inn dots and swirls with the nail polish, using the nail brush or a toothpick.
Slowly dip the plastic ornament into the water and turn it to pick up the nail polish floating on the top of the water.
To dry, place the ornament on a stand or hang over a paper plate, wax paper, or other paper to catch drips.

You can purchase Holly Jolly Kitty Corn from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

November 10 – Get Ready for Christmas

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

The Christmas season is a time of joy and sharing with friends and family, and if your family includes a pet or pets, you know that they too, of course, are included in the festivities. Special Christmas treats, gifts of new toys, extra hugs, and even silly hats or fancy outfits are all ways we show how much our pets mean to us. Another fun way to celebrate the holidays with your best furry buddy is to include them in story time! Today’s book is a purr-fect choice for laptime with kitties and kiddies. Pups will enjoy it too!

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sending me a copy of this book for review! All opinions on the book are my own.

Cat’s Christmas

By Alison Murray

Cat likes many things. He likes feeling snug. He likes his favorite chair. He likes feeling snug in his favorite chair with his favorite person. But Cat has a special feeling for Christmas, and it is—to say the least—not positive. Is there anything Cat does like about the holiday? Well, “he hates the fancy decorations,” the sticky, sugary food, and even the presents. And visitors of a dachshund variety really makes his fur stand on end.

Cat tries to tell his people why he’s so displeased, but his method of communication is just not appreciated. And when the Christmas tree comes crashing down, he’s ordered out. Out Cat goes into the snow. Up on a high branch, “Cat yowls and howls and meow-wow-wows into the quiet night.”

The cloudy night seems to hear his cries, and briefly the clouds part. “Cat LOVES to see the moon and stars in the clear night sky, and he marvels at the beauty of the world.” But Cat’s wonder is short-lived as rain begins to fall, dripping “from his whiskers into his eyes” and . . . making his “fur stick to his skin” and . . . the branch “slippery under his paws.” Cat is ready to go home.

He passes by all the leftover Christmas trappings and jumps into his favorite chair with his favorite person, who is so happy to see him. She wraps him in a towel and cuddles him then gives him his very own present—which turns out to be—despite the silly bowtie—just perfect.

Hilarious and heartfelt, Alison Murray’s Cat’s Christmas is a gift to all feline lovers. Through her fast-paced storytelling and expressive illustrations, Murray perfectly captures the inquisitive and opinionated personality of cats as well as their singular style of making themselves seen and heard. Turning the page from all the clatter of Christmas and Cat’s yowling to his glimpse of the beautiful night sky is wondrously stirring as Murray fills the darkness with colorful orbs of shimmering light. As the sudden rainfall sends Cat back inside, readers will be wrapped in the cozy, homey feeling that Christmas brings.

Sure to be opened again and again, Cat’s Christmas is a sweet, funny, and cozy holiday delight for all cat and pet lovers.

Ages Baby – 5

Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1547617593

Alison Murray is a Glasgow based author and illustrator. She studied Textile Design at Glasgow School of Art, and Design for Interactive Media at Middlesex University, London. Her first book Apple Pie ABC was shortlisted for the Scottish Children’s Book Award and in the United States won the 2012 Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book award for outstanding writing in a picture book. Her books have been shortlisted and longlisted for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize, the Scottish Children’s Book Awards, and the UK Literary Association Award.

You can purchase Cat’s Christmas from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (discounted books and support for your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

October 15 – Get Ready for Christmas with Author Robin Currie

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

There may be no better way to usher in the spirit of Christmas with little ones than by sharing holiday stories both old and new. Books about Christmas offer inspiration, tradition, humor, and new perspectives on this favorite holiday. Stuff your stockings with pre-Christmas reads, and don’t forget that books make the perfect present for all ages!

Just Enough Room for Christmas

Written by Robin Currie | Illustrated by Estelle Corke

Old Hannah, a gentle brown milk cow had just settled in to sleep in her cozy room-for-one Bethlehem barn when there was a knock on the door. She heard a young traveler calling out to her: “‘Old Hannah, Old Hannah, let my horse in, please! / Your barn is so warm, and out here he will freeze.'” Hannah opened the door. While the barn was small, there was just enough room for one more. Grateful, the young girl brought in her horse, giving him one admonition: “‘Do not stomp.'”

Soon, Old Hannah and the horse heard another knock. Answering it, they found a goatherd asking for shelter for his cold goat. The cow and the horse made room for one more. The goatherd left her with a pat and a caution: “‘Do not bump.'”

The night was particularly cold, and one after another, travelers stopped by the barn asking for Old Hannah to offer refuge for their animal. Each time, Old Hannah and the other visitors made room for the newcomer, and each time the thankful owners bade their animal to mind its manners. The animals crowded in until, at last, there was only room enough for one more tiny creature to join them.

Under the door crept a little mouse, who scampered across the hay with a “SQUEAK.” Hearing the squeak, the other animals forgot their manners and stomped and bumped and baaa-ed, causing quite a din. Then suddenly they stopped. Was that a knock at the door? On the threshold stood a man and a woman. They said, “‘Old Hannah, Old Hannah, may we come in, please? / Your barn is so warm and out here, we will freeze.'”

Even though the barn was small and already crowded, the animals made room for the tired couple then settled themselves to sleep. All was quiet in the barn, until later when a newborn baby’s cry broke the silence. “Later angels would sing and a new star would shine” for this special baby. Later shepherds and men bringing gifts visited Him. But first, Old Hannah and the other animals welcomed this family into their “small barn with just enough room for a newborn King.”

Robin Currie’s sweet story of a kind group of animals who make room for each other and—on that first Christmas night—Mary, Joseph, and newborn baby Jesus combines heart, humor, and generosity in a read-aloud children will want to hear again and again. Little ones will be charmed by the repeat phrasing that will have them reading along in no time. They’ll especially enjoy acting out the stomps, bumps, bleats, squeaks, and other sounds as the story progresses.

Estelle Corke’s adorable and expressive illustrations will enchant children and adults alike as each animal and human pair appear at the barn door and the animals are invited in. Mary and Joseph are devoted to each other and their new baby as they also find solace in the barn. Corke’s rich color palette of blues and golds with touches of purple, pink, and green illuminates each page, depicting the frigid winter weather while enveloping readers in the warmth of the Christmas story.

Uplifting and joyful, Just Enough Room for Christmas is a delightful and meaningful read-aloud that is sure to become a family Christmas tradition. The book would make a beautiful and much-loved gift.

Ages 4 – 7

Good Books/SkyHorse Publishing, 2025 | ISBN 978-1680999730

About the Author

Robin Currie is a preschool chaplain, ordained minister, and librarian. She volunteers annually to teach reading and literacy in developing countries and has taught English in far-flung places such as China, Tanzania, and India. Her family includes four grown children and five grandchildren. She lives near Wheaton, Illinois. Visit her on Substack | Bluesky | Facebook | Instagram.

About the Illustrator

Estelle Corke is a freelance illustrator who has worked as an artist for more than thirty years. Her first love is children’s publishing, with animals and children her favorite subjects. Estelle’s art has appeared in Guideposts and Highlights. She lives in Bath in the United Kingdom. Visit her at estellecorke.com | Facebook | Instagram.

Meet Robin Currie

Despite her incessant need to wiggle, Robin Currie earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science and spent her library career in children’s departments where she could baa, moo, and honk without getting shushed. Robin has traditionally published more than 45 picture books. She writes stories to read and read again!

I’m excited to host Robin Currie as part of her Just Enough Room for Christmas book tour! Today she talks about how her sweet story went from a brainstorming session idea to bookstore shelves with bumps and cheers along the way.

The Tale of the Cow

In 2023 for Storystorm (a 30-day idea brainstorming group put together by author Tara Lazar every January), my idea #5 was “stable is just a shed for travelers’ horses and donkeys, the inn keepers’ cow and a few mice – Nothing Happens in a Stable.”

Talking to my agent later that spring, he suggested I write 10 pieces about Christmas and see if he could sell some. That produced some winners like “Did the Holy Family Drive a Truck?” and “Why the Kings were Late to Bethlehem.” And one called “Old Hannah.”

The premise of “Old Hannah” was along the lines of “always room for one more,” where the stable gets more and more crowded as more animals escape the cold. That way, I incorporated my fluent second language: cow (with a passable knowledge of goat, cat, and dog). The twist on the original Christmas story is that the last to arrive is a tired couple about to have a baby. The animals quiet down to make room for the newborn king.

I had that outlined early on with the animals asking Old Hannah to let them in, and the cow replying.

BLAAT! Buzzer sound – foul!

The agent told me that in the religious market today, animals don’t talk. (And despite the fact that I could name lots of books where animals DID talk—plus the whole “Gift of the talking animals on Christmas Eve” thing—he said it had a better chance of selling if the cattle did not chatter.)

And the title should be changed to something about Christmas. OK: “Christmas in the Barn.”

Time for the critique groups—live and online. They pinpointed some little stuff, but basically gave lots of good feedback. And another title change to “Just Enough Room for Christmas.”

I sent the story off to a critique service, where it scored a once-in-a-lifetime “1”! Then I sent it to my agent, pen poised for offers…

Crickets. Churrip-churrip!

So, I sent it to a couple of contests, mostly for some outside feedback. The manuscript got an honorable mention in the Cascade Writers 2024 and won Silver for Royal Palm Literary Awards 2024 from Florida Writers Association. You have to believe in a Blue Ribbon Cow!

In an Above the Slush Pile opportunity, I sent it to Good Books/Skyhorse Publishing (noting the story was already an award winner and the animals did NOT talk!) and got an immediate response. Not only YES—but YES in 2025!

You know the cow that jumped over the moon? I was on its back! Mooooo!

Thanks, Robin, for sharing so much about your journey with Just Enough Room for Christmas! I wish you all the best with your book. I know readers are going to love it!

You can purchase Just Enough Room for Christmas from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

December 18 – Bake Cookies Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Baking cookies is a wonderful to get the whole family in the holiday spirit! Not only does everyone have fun, but it’s a great time to share traditional family recipes and tell kids the stories that go with them. By baking together children can also learn important skills that translate into future success in school and elsewhere. So, grab your recipes, ingredients, and utensils and bake up a few batches of your favorite scrumptious cookies!

Christmas Cookie Day!

Written by Tara Knudson | Illustrated by Pauline Siewert

Mama bear and her little bear get ready for one of the most fun days of the year. “Cooke day, / Time to bake. / Aprons on, / Lots to make!” The little one cracks an egg into the bowl while the butter, flour, and sugar wait their turn. Mom pours warm melted butter and lets her little bear stir it into dough.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-christmas-cookie-day-stirring

Image copyright Pauline Siewert, 2018, text copyright Tara Knudson, 2018. Courtesy of Zonderkidz.

With the dough rolled smooth, it’s time to use the cookie cutters to make…”Christmas tree, / Reindeer, bell. / Snowman, star, / Cookie smell.” The pair add angels, candy canes, and drummer boys before sliding the tray into the oven and watching them bake. At last the timer rings but they still must wait. Finally “ready, set… / Decorate!”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-christmas-cookie-day-cookie-shapes

Image copyright Pauline Siewert, 2018, text copyright Tara Knudson, 2018. Courtesy of Zonderkidz.

It’s so much fun spreading the frosting and shaking out sprinkles to create green trees, yellow stars, and red-and-white striped candy canes. Even the bakers can’t resist nibbling a few. But not too many, because these are special “cookie gifts. / Made with care. / Pack them up, / Cooke share!” It’s time to invite friends and family for a yearly treat—“Christmastime, / Spirits bright. / Family hugs, / Cookie night.”

A delectable Christmas Cookie Day Recipe follows the story for all little bakers to try.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-christmas-cookie-day-into-oven

Image copyright Pauline Siewert, 2018, text copyright Tara Knudson, 2018. Courtesy of Zonderkidz.

Tara Knudson’s jaunty rhyming story captures all the giddy anticipation and fun of a day baking Christmas cookies. Short, lively verses follow Mom and her cub step-by-step as they make and decorate special treats for their annual cookie party and invite little ones to join in on repeat readings. Knudson delights in the enjoyment Mom and her little one feel during their day of baking and goes on to celebrate the deeper meaning and joy of Christmas as the two wrap up their cookies and give them to family and friends.

With tender smiles for each other, Pauline Siewert’s Mama bear and her cub spend a snowy day baking cookies in their cozy kitchen accompanied by a helpful mouse. Siewert’s vibrant colors mirror the cheerful companionship mother and child share on this much-loved day, and her engaging details, like a dusting of flour on the cub’s nose, will charm children. A double-spread scattering of the cookies the two make give little ones a chance to show their knowledge of shapes and Christmastime figures. The heartwarming final scene of the cookie party might just inspire a party of your own. Little ones will also be enchanted by the sparkly cover that opens this adorable book.

The absence of personal pronouns and a red apron for the little cub make Christmas Cookie Day! gender neutral.

A sweet story to spark a fun family tradition and share the joy of giving, Christmas Cookie Day! makes an endearing addition to a child’s home library.

Ages 2 – 6

Zonderkidz, 2018 | ISBN 978-0310762898

About the Author

Tara Knudson is a former teacher who has been writing poetry and stories since she was a young girl growing up in Chicago. Her published work can be found in children’s magazines, greeting cards, calendars, and a poetry anthology for teens. Christmas Cookie Day, Easter Egg Day, and Valentine’s Day Treats are all part of Tara’s collected works celebrating a childlike approach to beloved holiday celebrations. Visit Tara at taraknudson.com.

About the Illustrator

Pauline was born in Tanzania, East Africa where she spent the early part of her childhood before moving to the UK. She loved to draw and paint, both alone and in a local children’s art class. After doing a foundation course at Wimbledon School of Art she went on to study graphics and illustration at Kingston Polytechnic. After graduating she worked at a display and exhibitions company before moving on to be a full time visualizer in a small London-based design agency, specializing in brand identity and packaging. Eventually she went on to work freelance as an illustrator and has produced many books for children and greetings cards. When not illustrating, she is usually reading, walking, collecting books, looking at art or listening to music. Visit Pauline on Instagram.

Meet Tara Knudson

CPB - Tara Knudson Interview - head shot

I’m excited to be talking today with Tara Knudson about her sweet book, her favorite cookie, and how being a teacher inspires her work.

Christmas Cookie Day has such a joyous feeling. Do you have any special memories of baking with your family when you were a child? What is your favorite kind of cookie?

I’m so glad that you think CHRISTMAS COOKIE DAY has such a joyous feeling! The story evokes happy memories of baking Christmas cookies with my mom and sisters when I was a child. I remember gathering the cookie cutters from the cabinet, excited to get started! We all stood around the kitchen table and decorated our cookies with sprinkles, frosting, and candy pieces. It was so fun!

CPB - Tara Knudson Interview - decorating cookies

While I do enjoy eating Christmas sugar cookies, my favorite kind of cookie is chocolate chip, especially ones with dark chocolate chips and a little salt. Yum!

As a regular contributor to children’s magazines like Highlights Hello, Highlights High Five, Baby Bug, and Ladybug, you write stories and poetry for the youngest readers, what do you like about writing for this age? What are a few of the most important ingredients in stories for little ones?

I love writing for little ones because they are so curious about everything in the world around them—sights, smells, sounds, tastes, new experiences, and people. They take it all in as they learn, develop, and grow. I like to be a part of that.

My poems and stories for this age group often include short and simple sentences with some fun words added that young readers may not be familiar with.

You’ve said that you loved to write even as a child. Can you describe your journey to becoming a published writer?

My journey as a writer has been a long one. I still have my creative writing stories from second grade. Reading them now makes me laugh! Growing up, the stories were always special to me, but I did not know yet that I wanted to be a writer.

CPB - Tara Knudson Interview - school writing folder

I started writing poetry when I was in high school. As I dealt with the problems and frustrations that adolescence can bring, I often wrote poems to express my feelings. After college, I became a Spanish teacher and I often used children’s picture books in the classroom. I would spend hours at bookstores searching for favorite ones. It was during that time that I fell in love with picture books and decided that I wanted to write them.

In pursuit of my goal, I won a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship that allowed me to take a break from my teaching job and live in Barcelona, Spain for a year and experiment with writing for children. I wrote many poems and rhyming stories for children. I continued to write after my return to the U.S. As years passed, I sold articles and poems to children’s magazines and continued to work on my picture book manuscripts as I worked as a teacher and later took care of my two sons. Finally, I signed with an agent who helped me sell my first book.

Can you talk a little about your work as a teacher? How do your experiences influence your work?

My teaching background is unique because I have taught different subjects to students of many ages. I started my teaching career as a high school Spanish teacher. Then, while in Barcelona, I taught English to middle school students. Upon my return to the U.S., I taught Spanish to grades K-2 and then math to grades 1-4.

Whichever subject I teach, and to whichever grade level, there is always something for me to gain as a writer when I work with students. Whether it be from something that happens in the classroom or something that a student says that sparks a writing idea, being around children gets my creative juices flowing!

What’s your favorite holiday?

My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love the excitement that leads up to it, the beautiful decorations, the spirit of giving, and the true meaning of the season. It’s such a magical and joyous time for people of all ages filled with traditions and love. I’m so happy that CHRISTMAS COOKIE DAY can be a part of it all!

CPB - Tara Knudson Interview - making cookies

Thanks so much for chatting with me, Tara! I wish you a wonderful holiday and much success with all of your writing!

You can connect with Tara Knudson on her website | Instagram | Twitter.

National Cookie Exchange Day Activity

Gingerbread Kids Ornaments

All cookies don’t have to be edible! With this easy craft children can make gingerbread kid ornaments to decorate your tree or windows or to give to family and friends!

Supplies

Printable Gingerbread Girl and Boy Template
2 Brown foam sheets
White paint (or any color you like)
Glitter in two colors
Paint brush
2 Small heart buttons (optional)
Mounting squares (for mounting)
Thread and needle (for optional hanging)

Directions

Trace gingerbread kid templates on brown foam sheets and cut out
Paint around the edges with the white paint then add trim to the edge of the dress and the top of the socks
Add buttons
Add faces
Paint the hands of each figure then sprinkle glitter over the wet paint to make mittens
To use as decoration, attach mountable squares. To use as an ornament, use a threaded needle to make a hole in the top of each figure and tie the thread to create a hanger.

**You can find Christmas Cookie Day at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

December 9 – National Llama Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today we celebrate the llama, that South American long-necked animal in the camel family that has traditionally served as a pack animal and provides both wool and meat. Because of their spirited personality and high cuteness factor, llamas make perfect companions for holiday cheer. To celebrate today, lliven up your holidays with today’s book!

Thanks to Joan Holub and Cartwheel Books for sharing a digital copy of Fa-La-La Llama with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Fa-La-La Llama

Written by Joan Holub | Illustrated by Allison Black

Sure, kids can celebrate Christmas with Santa and elves and reindeer, but wouldn’t it be even more fun to party with llamas? Wild and wooly, llamas lend a cheery vivaciousness to the holidays with their fashion sense, their decorating savvy, and their beautiful singing voices—really!

What do I mean? Well, let’s pick a favorite Christmas song—say, “Deck the Halls” with its catchy chorus. You and the kiddos probably sing it this way: “Deck the halls with boughs of holly. Fa la la la la la la la la!” But the sleighful of llamas gathered together in Joan Holub’s board book sing it this way: “Decorate our hats with holly. Fa la la la la la la Llama.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-fa-la-la-llama-hats

Image copyright Allison Black, 2021, text copyright Joan Holub, 2021. Courtesy of Cartwheel Books.

But these festive llamas aren’t just dressing up for the holidays, they’re going caroling, dancing under a disco ball in silly pants, and ice skating on the pond. How do these lovely llamas keep their hooves from freezing? “Mittens warm in snowy weather. Fa la la la la la la Llama.” And how about gifts? Sure! These llamas are adept at “Juggling presents all together. Fa la la la la la la Llama.”

With all the preparations complete, the hot cocoa poured, and a fire crackling in the hearth, there’s only one thing left to do—and that is to say (or sing), “Merry Christmas! Cozy good cheer. Fa la la la la la la Llama. / Wishing you a Happy New Year! Fa la la la la la la Llaaamaaa!”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-fa-la-la-llama-dancing

Image copyright Allison Black, 2021, text copyright Joan Holub, 2021. Courtesy of Cartwheel Books.

Get ready to giggle and “La-la-llaaamaaa” with your little ones in Joan Holub’s effervescent take on a favorite holiday song that also includes touch-and-feel elements that begin right on the front cover, where a shiny ribbed foil evergreen is about to be turned into a Christmas tree. Opening the cover, little ones find that a white Christmas is assured as textured glittery snowflakes fall on a cheerful, pink llama. Other enticing treats include a pink tulle tutu ice-skating skirt, a silver rippled foil-wrapped present, and a sparkly bowtie of netting, foil, and glitter. Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa, and he’s here too with a soft and wooly beard to tickle tykes’ fingertips—and fancy!

If you’re looking for a fun, infectious holiday story to share with your little one, you’ve found it! Joan Holub’s catchy rendition of “Deck the Halls” for the youngest readers is sure to have the whole family “Fa la la la la la la Llama-ing” as you decorate the tree, wrap gifts, bake cookies, and, of course, sing carols. Holub’s word choices make the verses easy for kids to remember, inviting them to read or sing (it’s impossible to resist singing!) along.

Allison Black’s adorable llamas decked out in winter’s most cozy hats, scarves, mittens, and sweaters can’t help but make you smile. Their enthusiasm for the season mirrors children’s own excitement, and their holiday activities will be familiar to kids as well. Black’s vibrant backgrounds, colorful fa-la-las, organically integrated touch-and-feel surprises, and sprinkling of humor make this a book little readers will want to put on repeat.

A perfect pre-holiday or advent gift, joyful story time read, or Christmas day stocking stuffer, Fa-La-La Llama is sure to be a hit with little ones and their grown-ups and is a must for any young child’s holiday board book collection at home, school, or public libraries.

Ages 2 – 5

Cartwheel Books, 2021 | ISBN 978-1338681475

Discover more about Joan Holub and her books on her website.

To learn more about Allison Black, her books, and her art, visit her website.

National Llama Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-llama-coloring-page-2

Dress Up Llama Coloring Page

This cute llama wants to dress up for the holidays! Just download and print to add a scarf, hat, sweater and all the trappings of winter! And don’t forget to add some glittery snow to the scene!

Dress Up Llama Coloring Page

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-fa-la-la-llama-cover

**You can find Fa-La-La Llama at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

November 4 – Get Ready for Christmas Tree Trimming Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Before Santa can put presents under the tree, the pine (or palm) needs to be chosen, and then the real fun begins! Stringing the lights, hanging the ornaments—each one with its own story—and topping it off with a star to turn a regular tree into a Christmas tree is a highlight of the holiday season. Add some hot cocoa, homemade cookies, family stories from Christmases past, and reading new and favorite holiday books, and you have one of the best days of the year.

Thanks go to Random House Books for Young Readers and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for sharing a copy of Everett Green: The Not-So-Christmas Tree with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Everett Green: The Not-So-Christmas Tree

Written by Freddy Wexler | Illustrated by Fanny Berthiaume

Everett Green was a born entertainer. His “high notes soared. His dance moves dazzled. His punch lines were perfection.” He dreamed of being a star. But Everett was a palm tree living and working at The Sandy Straw restaurant, where no one seemed to take notice when he took the stage. Everett despaired, thinking there must be more out there somewhere.

Then one day, while sweeping up after closing time at The Sandy Straw, he saw something amazing on the big screen TV: the Christmas tree lighting spectacular in New York City. Everett was jazzed and decided he was going to be “‘the most famous Christmas tree in the world.'” His friends were skeptical, but Everett threw on a string of colored lights, packed his microphone, a few Santa hats and reindeer headbands, sparkling ornaments, candy canes and other festive baubles, and headed for the airport.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-everett-green-new-york

Image copyright Fanny Berthiaume, 2024, text copyright Freddy Wexler, 2024. Courtesy of Random House Books for Young Readers.

At the airport, though, Everett ran into trouble at the security line. He didn’t have a ticket, money, or an ID. “Everett was stumped.” What Everett didn’t know was that his friend Bird had stowed away in his fronds and now popped out with a plan. While Bird created a distraction, Everett made a break for the departure gate. When he got there, though, he and Bird learned that all flights to New York were delayed by a snow storm.

All around the airport terminal, people were calling their families with the sad news. Everett was disheartened. If he couldn’t get to New York tonight, on Christmas Eve, he’d “never be a real Christmas tree.” Just then, a little girl and her mother walked by. “‘Mommy, look! A Christmas tree,” the girl said. Her mother disagreed, but the girl told Everett that he looked like a Christmas tree to her.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-everett-green-everett-packing

Image copyright Fanny Berthiaume, 2024, text copyright Freddy Wexler, 2024. Courtesy of Random House Books for Young Readers.

Everett looked around and saw no other Christmas trees. What he did see were disappointed travelers and shop employees working on Christmas Eve. He grabbed his microphone and took to the walkways. “‘Merry Christmas, Pretzel Palace! Merry Christmas, Gifts to Go!'” He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and made an announcement. “‘Our flight may be delayed, but Christmas is still on! Who’s with me?'” At first, everyone was too busy with their phones to respond. Then the little girl who’d noticed Everett earlier raised her hand. Another raised their hand, and then more.

Everett opened his suitcase and began planning a show—”Christmas takes a flight at Gate 29!” Everyone joined in. Some wore the hats and headbands Everett had brought, others hung the ornaments. “While the planes outside stood silent and still, Gate 29 soared with holiday spirit.” Dancing, jokes, a sing-along brought everyone together with the true spirit of the holiday. The little girl even hung a shining star on Everett’s fronds.

Seeing all the joy he’d brought to the stranded travelers, Everett discovered that he didn’t need all the fancy trappings, the celebrity, or the bright lights of the city to feel fulfilled. In fact, he knew where he belonged—spreading happiness at home—at the Sandy Straw—where he realized his destiny to be a real Christmas tree.

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Image copyright Fanny Berthiaume, 2024, text copyright Freddy Wexler, 2024. Courtesy of Random House Books for Young Readers.

As someone who grew up in South Florida, I was excited to see a story that showcases Christmas palm trees. Kids and adults, whether they live in warm climates or cold, will be charmed by Freddy Wexler’s Everett Green, who has stars in his eyes, but more importantly love, creativity, and empathy in his heart. Wexler’s humorous and sensitive storytelling is fast-paced and heartfelt. As Everett puts aside his own disappointment to rally the stranded travelers, readers receive the gift of understanding that they don’t need adoring crowds, the flash of the cameras, or celebrity status to make a positive, joyful impact—that they can shine anywhere.

Fanny Berthiaume’s vibrant illustrations are action-packed and clearly show the characters’ emotions, from Everett’s disillusionment with the Sandy Straw customers to his big dreams of stardom to his enthusiastic pluck at the airport. Berthiaume also deftly depicts the transition from distracted and inconvenienced passengers to Christmas revelers willing to participate in Everett’s holiday pageant.

Shining with the true holiday spirit that can resonate all year around, Everett Green: The Not-So-Christmas Tree is an adorable and meaningful addition to Christmas collections for home and library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Random House Books for Young Readers, 2024 | ISBN 978-0593567944

About the Author

Freddy Wexler is a Grammy-nominated, multiplatinum award-winning hit songwriter and film producer with an expansive film, TV, and animation slate. He was recently named in Variety’s Family Entertainment Impact Report List for Film and Television and included as one of the “World’s Greatest Songwriters” in Music Business Worldwide. As a songwriter, Wexler has contributed to ten Billboard #1s; his songs have been streamed billions of times and recorded by Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Post Malone, BlackPink, Selena Gomez, Lil Wayne, the Jonas Brothers, John Legend, Demi Lovato, Halsey, Pink, Marshmello, Shakira, Diana Ross, Enrique Iglesias, Celine Dion, Martin Garrix, Pusha T, Wyclef Jean, Tiesto, DNCE, Steve Aoki, and Avicii.

About the Illustrator

Fanny Berthiaume worked in the entertainment industry for 14 years. From miniature set builder for the National Film Board of Canada to 3D environment artist and matte painter on major Hollywood productions, she worked on a variety of exciting projects. Fanny now offers services in visual development and illustration to animation studios, publishers, and other creative businesses.

Get Ready for Christmas Tree Trimming Activity

Colorful Ornaments

These plastic ornaments swirled with colorful nail polish make the perfect decorations for your tree. Make some to give to friends too!

Supplies

Plastic ornaments, available at craft stores
Nail polish in various colors
Plastic bowl or container, deep enough to dip the ornament into the water
Drying stand – I used a clear, plastic egg carton, or string for hanging ornaments to dry

Directions

Fill the plastic container with warm to hot water

Using two or three colors, gently “paint” the water with the nail polish, using the brush or a toothpick in dots and swirls
Slowly dip the plastic ornament into the water and turn it to pick up the nail polish floating on the top of the water
To dry, place the ornament on a stand or hang with a paper plate, wax paper, or other paper to catch drips

You can purchase Everett Green: The Not-So-Christmas Tree at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookstore)

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Make Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas Ornaments

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Christmas Cookie Day!

Written by Tara Knudson | Illustrated by Pauline Siewert

Meet Tara Knudson

You can connect with Tara Knudson on her website | Instagram | Twitter.

National Cookie Exchange Day Activity

Gingerbread Kids Ornaments

You can find Christmas Cookie Day at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

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About the Holiday

Fa-La-La Llama

Written by Joan Holub | Illustrated by Allison Black

National Llama Day Activity

Dress Up Llama Coloring Page

You can find Fa-La-La Llama at these booksellers

Share this:

About the Holiday

Everett Green: The Not-So-Christmas Tree

Written by Freddy Wexler | Illustrated by Fanny Berthiaume

Get Ready for Christmas Tree Trimming Activity

Colorful Ornaments

Share this:

**You can find Christmas Cookie Day at these booksellers**

**You can find Fa-La-La Llama at these booksellers**