BOOK COVERS REVEALED: SOME OF THE NEWEST ADDITIONS TO MY CHRISTMAS BOOK RESOURCE PAGE

Artwork by Ruth Sanderson

Tomorrow, November 15th, marks the first day of Advent for those of us who are Eastern Orthodox Christians.  Remember to comment on any blogs I've posted since November 12, 2012 to enter my Advent Calendar Give-away. Enter as many times as you'd like - by commenting here, or on my facebook page.

Here are some picture books I'm adding to my Christmas Book Resource Page this year. I highlighted pictures from the books on yesterday's post, so if you couldn't guess which books the illustrations were from, I've revealed the book covers below...

#1 - Olivia with the Nutcracker from...

#1  Olivia Helps With Christmas, written and illustrated by Ian Falconer.  Everyone's favorite little Pig helps out Mommy and Daddy with Christmas - or does she?

#2 - St. Lucia, from...

#2 The Story of Christmas, by Barbara Cooney, illustrations by Lorett Krupinski.  Cooney relates traditions from around the world that have led us to the Christmas celebrations we have today.

#3 - Writing postcards, from....

#3 Aunt Olga's Christmas Postcards, by Kevin Major, illustrated by Bruce Roberts. (my review here)

#4 - Romantic Christmas scene, from...

#4 A Star for Christmas, written and illustrated by Trisha Romance.  If you love all things Scandinavian, you'll love her old fashioned Carl-Larsson-style illustrations. (read about the book here)

FIREWORKS ALL SUMMER LONG!

For most kids, one night a year is not enough when it comes to fireworks. Luckily, in many communities there are numerous opportunities to experience the thrill of a good fireworks show throughout the summer: at theme parks, ballparks, outdoor concert venues... and of course in your own home in these picture books!

OLIVIA FORMS A BAND by Ian Falconer. Everyone's favorite porcine diva is back and with fanfare! There are going to be fireworks tonight, and Olivia can hardly wait to hear the band. But when she finds out that there isn't going to be a band, she can't understand why not. How can there be fireworks without a band?! And so Olivia sets to putting a band together herself... all by herself. Using pots, pans, her brother's toys, and even her father's suspenders, Olivia forms a band spectacular enough to startle any audience. Here is Olivia doing what Olivia does best--making noise

Olivia couldn't find her other red sock...

THE FABULOUS FIREWORK FAMILY By James Flora. Whether you choose James Flora's original book (first published in 1955) or the new version (both text and art have been completely redone), your family is sure to enjoy this jaunty picture book. 

Original Cover Artwork

To celebrate the birthday of Santiago, patron saint of the village, the Firework Maestro is asked to stage "the biggest and best BOOM! BAM! POW! firework fiesta ever made!" Aided by his wife and two children, the Maestro constructs a firework castillo (a tall bamboo frame onto which various gunpowder-filled figures are tied).  After the elaborate preparations, the festival itself attracts pilgrims from all over Mexico... the art becomes increasingly dramatic, climaxing in vibrant and highly patterned views of the fireworks. (Publisher's Weekly)

New Version

 THE DAY THE COW SNEEZED by James Flora.   A boy named Fletcher has a morning routine which includes taking his cow, Floss, down to the creek for a drink of water. Fletcher leaves Floss standing knee deep in the cold creek water when he is distracted by a bunny rabbit and runs off after it. Shaking and shivering, Floss lets out a powerful sneeze: "KA-CHOW!" That sneeze sets off a chain of events that results in an impromptu fireworks show and the release of an entire zoo.