Picture Book Challenge::Final Post

So, this is the my final post for the 2011 Picture Book Challenge and the final post on this blog until the new year. I am going to take a nice long blogging break to enjoy the rest of advent and then the Christmas season.

Here are a few of our "just for fun" Christmas reads-

Mr. Putter and Tabby Bake the Cake by Cynthia Rylant
I just love Mr. Putter books. The boys and I took turns reading this easy reader to each other. We all enjoyed the story about Mr. Putter making the perfect gift for Mrs.Teaberry.
Mr. Putter & Tabby Bake the Cake



Baseball Bats for Christmas by Michael Kusugak
I also love a book that introduces us to something or someone that we are not familiar with. This book, written about a true story from the author's childhood, tells about Christmas in 1955 in Repulse Bay. In a land with no standing-ups (trees), who can imagine why 6 of them would be delivered at Christmas time? This book not only tells the story about these trees made into bats, it gives a interesting peek in to the world of the author's childhood.

Baseball Bats for Christmas


The Night Tree by Eve Bunting
Ever since reading this book the first time years ago, I have wanted to pack up some hot chocolate and a blanket, hike deep into the woods, and decorate a tree for the forest animals. Then, just like in the book, spread a blanket on the ground, sip our hot drinks, and sing a Christmas song. Only... it sounds so cold!! Californians (me included) are weather wimps. ;) Anyway, we love this magical book.

Night Tree


Well, that is the final three. I did not officially get near my goal of 200 books that seemed so reachable at the beginning of the year. I did reach my goal of deliberately setting aside time to read picture books to James, who was 7 years old when this challenge began. The biggest surprise has been how often my older boys join in even when the books are not school related but just for fun.

I am thankful to There's A Book for putting out the challenge. I am also thankful for all the wonderful book ideas I have found through reading the other participant's contributions. Some of our favorite picture book reads this year came from them. I also have gained a growing appreciation for our local library where we borrowed most of the books we read for this challenge, including the ones in this post.



Before going completely on blogging break, I will have a few more advent posts (including some books) over at:


                                                  



Comments

  1. JoannaDecember 20, 2011 at 5:06 AM

    Yay, for all your reviews, Lori! I love that your older boys often listened in!

    Mr Putter, I love! Baseball Bats for Christmas sounds like a lovely multicultural Christmas addition and Night Tree sounds enchanting!

    ReplyDelete
  2. PattyDecember 20, 2011 at 6:52 AM

    We have Night Tree. One of our new books from last year. Enjoy your time especially with your family and new grandbaby!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. The AdventurerDecember 23, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    I am pretty sure I have read the Night tree to the kids a few years back:) Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mary PratherDecember 27, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    How have I not been to your blog before? I noticed your button on Jen's site and popped over. I love these picture books... and I'll be back to read more!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Happy Healthy HomeDecember 28, 2011 at 2:20 PM

    Laurie~ I love your blogging. It's homey, it's real and it's a nice spot to come. Thanks for the book suggestions!

    ~Lindy

    ReplyDelete

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