Magical illustrations and prose will usher us into winter and remind us of the joy of snow. Rylant’s words will calm your soul and excite your inner child.
"Everyone in their village has magic in their bones, and Preet is the strongest of them all. Without a power of her own, how can Valissa ever be worthy of Preet's love? When their home is attacked, Valissa has a chance to prove herself, but that means leaving Preet behind. With no one to turn to, Preet gives in to temptation, breaks the village's most sacred laws, and is rejected from the only home she's ever known. Divided by different paths, insecurities, and distance, can Valissa and Preet find their way back to each other?"
"Every person experiences loss. And every person grieves. Whether it's a deathloss (the loss of a loved one) or a shadowloss (the loss of something not someone), we all go through it. But most of us don't know how to deal with it. In this book, grief expert Cole Imperi takes you by the hand and leads you through this often strange and lonely journey. You will learn: how to ask for help; how to help other grievers; what to expect in the days, months and years after a loss. Your grief journey is your own."-- Provided by publisher.
The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
Recommended by Lynne, best for ages 10+
Set during World War II, this book is a fictionalized story about how a group of gifted thinkers in England’s Bletchley Park managed to break the code used by the Germans. But it is also a story of how expectations are put on people, and of how family relationships can sometimes be hard. This is especially true for Jakob and his younger sister Lizzie. They lost their father years ago, and now their mother is missing and presumed dead. You will have to read the book to find out how they end up being part of the code breakers! I loved the way Lizzie is portrayed and how the authors use humor right along with suspense to make this story a true page turner. It will be great for kids who enjoy historical fiction, adventure stories and those who appreciate well drawn characters navigating the road to adulthood!
The title character of this book is a typewriter named Olivetti. Some readers may not even know what a typewriter is – but they will learn not only what they do, but the special magic they possess. Olivetti has lived with the Brindle family for years. He knows them and he loves them. But life has gotten complicated for his family, especially for 12-year-old Ernest. I loved the sensitive and gently humorous way that Millington talks about big issues that can impact all of us. Like Olivetti and Ernest, we all need to figure out the right thing to do at times. Millington assures us that we are not alone in worrying and muddling through. This book shows that sometimes dealing with family and friends can be trying, but the connections that we make to others are what really matters in the end.
Ever wonder what would happen if Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy were buddies? What if they did more than Christmas, Easter, and dentistry? What if they were actually Guardians who protected children from darkness and despair?
Cue Jack Frost, a teenage rebel who spends his days spreading winter magic (or havoc if you’re an adult). Imagine everyone’s surprise when the Man on the Moon chooses him as a new Guardian, one prophesized to save the children of the world from nightmare villain, Pitch Black aka the Boogeyman.
Watch how these Guardians put their differences aside and work together. The real “cool” factor is an inside look into each of their worlds. Visiting Santa’s workshop?! SO COOL. And the Tooth Fairy’s castle made out of teeth?!! Kinda creepy but also COOL! This is the perfect holiday movie for the whole family, magical and unique in character designs. Very entertaining.
I’m starting a yeti theme here (see my “Play” recommendation) as we get into the cold weather. The yeti in this movie, Everest, is the cutest looking yeti you could imagine. The poor guy is alone in Shanghai when he’s discovered by a teenager who decides she will reunite him with his family. Along with the help of her two friends, they go on a 2,000 mile adventure to do just that. This movie will warm you inside and out.
“The Grinch has had a wonderful, awful idea -- steal all the presents in Who-ville, using gadgets like his stealthy Santa costume and Candy Cane Lasso. Help him sneak around, freeze creatures with snowballs, and learn the meaning of Christmas along the way, in this festive platformer!”