Flashback Tuesday: Santa Calls by William Joyce

Santa Calls by William Joyce is one of my all time favorite Christmas books.  I bought it for myself when I was still working in the stores....here is my original blog post from 2009 .   As today is the Feast of St Nicholas I thought it would be a good time to revisit this new classic story.   I still get a warm feeling when I read it.   When I met William Joyce way back when he talked about making it into a film.   I am not sure if it was just wishful thinking on his part but I wish it would still happen.   In today's world I think Santa Calls would make a great 3D movie...life action or animated.  Even if it isn't a movie it is still a classic book that should be read by all......

Flashback Tuesday: Santa's Favorite Story by Hisako Aoki illus by Ivan Gantschev

Yesterday was the Feast of St Nicholas a day that was always celebrated in my house as a child.  My Mom always made a special dessert and we got a little gift.   My sister  also celebrates only she puts coins in her kids shoes....as is the tradition.  

Santa's Favorite Story by Hisako Aoki and illustrated beautifully by Ivan Gantschev has always been one of the best Santa stories to be told at this time of year.   I was first drawn to the illustrations which were nothing like I had ever seen before.   They are unique in a warm and sweet way.   When I first read the story I loved how even Santa knows that there is more to Christmas than getting presents.  It is the perfect way to remind children what this magical season is all about.   A must have Christmas Tradition!

The Christmas Giant by Steve Light

The Christmas Giant by Steve Light is a beautiful new Christmas story.   The cover immediately drew me in to look at at.   It is a sweet story of a giant and an elf who create the wrapping paper for Santa's workshop.   There is nothing like finding a new book that has a twist I have never seen before---wrapping paper maker---genius!  I also love the spare text that uses the mostly illustrations to tell the story.  We feel for the Giant and the elf when they are sad that their work is done for the year.   This is a wonderful new Christmas picture that should be read every year.   It gives the feeling of a classic with a wonderful freshness that is timeless.  A must have new book for a child's bookshelf.