“Mercy Watson is Missing,” by Kate DiCamillo

Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

But This Little Piggy Went Wee, Wee, Wee!

Mercy, the favorite pig and family member of Mr. and Mrs. Watson, is missing, and they are beside themselves with worry.  The longer she is gone, the more people join the hunt to find her.

For one, there is the clueless Private Investigator, Percival Smidgely, hired by the Watsons.  Stella and Horace also search while riding the horse, Maybelline.  The small cowboy, Leroy Ninker, joins them with his rope hoping to lasso Mercy, and bring her home.  “Missing posters with her description are hung all over town.

As Mercy leads everyone on a merry chase, we see she gets into some predicaments of her own.  She is chased by two guys who would like to have her for a barbeque, with her being the main course.  But have no fear, the ending is happy.

The new Butter Barrel candy factory also plays a hilarious role in Mercy’s disappearance.

Lots of fun things happen throughout the tale.  Investigator Smidgely tries to track her down, but passes up information that would have made him the hero.  Louella, the detective’s girlfriend, is part of the story due to her love of sandwiches with toasted bread.

Giggles will abound when reading the antics of both Mercy and the people looking for her in this cute chapter book.  There are great illustrations, many that are in color, that make the story even funnier.

This is supposed to be the series finale, if so, they are going out with a bang, this book is great.  I highly recommend this five-star story to children five through ten years old.  They will love it, and so will you!

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

 

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“The Juliet Code,” by Pepper Basham

Looking for Treasure!

A series of paintings based on Romeo and Juliet have been disappearing. Known as the Juliets, they are highly prized by art collectors, and are rumored to contain clues to a treasure.

As Frederick and Grace, Lord and Lady Astley, honeymoon in Venice, the latest installment of the mystery surrounding the paintings takes place there, too. Their detective friend, Jack, pulls them into what seems to be a simple case, working for Daniel Laraby. But he is newly rich, and eccentric, and likes to liven life up, even if it is with things he fabricates.

The paintings have left a trail of dead owners besides the pictures disappearing. Only three have not been stolen, all possessed by Laraby.

He is holding a party at his newly remodeled, lavish estate on his private island. Laraby intends to show off his Juliets to an eclectic group of guests.  He is not heeding Jack’s warning that this party would be asking for trouble.

Frederick and Grace attend, and find themselves up to their necks in kidnappings, injuries, missing people, and deaths. The question is whether-or-not Frederick, Grace, or Jack, can figure things out without one or all of them losing their life.

This is a clean story, but some adult subject matter is talked about.  Because of that, I recommend it for older teens and adults.  Although part of a series, this tale stands on its own. Red herrings, danger, and excitement abound in this thrilling mystery. Many references are made by the characters about their faith, and what it has done in their lives. Fans of puzzles, treasure hunts, and adventure will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Barbour Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Juliet Code,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pepperdbasham

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/pepperbasham

The Author’s Website:  https://pepperdbasham.com/

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“Charlie Brown’s Christmas Miracle,” by Michael Keane

The Real Meaning of Christmas!

This is the true story of how the television special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, came about. From the very beginning, the deck seemed stacked against it. Fifty years ago, it was not common to hear passages from the Bible quoted in a television program, yet that was one of the requirements Charles Schultz insisted be a part of the show.

That should have been enough to keep it off the air, but there were many other obstacles the program faced–any one of which could have been used to stop it. Yet, miraculously, the show went on. The general public’s reactions were not what was predicted by the expert forecasters.

This is a comprehensive history of everyone involved in the ground breaking Christmas show. Because of that, this is an interesting but rigorous read, so be prepared for a time commitment.

I think there are very few people who have not seen, or at least not heard of, the Charlie Brown Christmas special. It has become ingrained in the American culture, and is a part of the annual Christmas celebrations in this country. Even without the television show, the Peanuts themselves are loved by many, including me.

This book shows that God’s fingerprints were all over the events needed to get this show off the ground, and into everyone’s tv sets. Everything had to be orchestrated to the last detail for it to happen.

There are many interesting nuggets in this tale. The story of the little red-haired girl was both intriguing and bittersweet. I think the in-depth descriptions of everyone could have been cut-down a lot without changing the point of the book. Fans of Peanuts, and lovers of history, will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Hachette Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Charlie Brown’s Christmas Miracle,” by Michael Keane, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

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“All’s Fair in Love and Christmas,” by Sarah Monzon

Haul Out the Holly!

Mackenzie has just found out she is pitted against her secret crush, Jeremy, for a promotion at work. It is Christmastime, and their boss loves the season, and promotes people who have the most holiday spirit.

As the two of them try to outdo the other with creative office decorations, and seasonal activities, they begin to look at each other in new ways.

They also make surprising discoveries about each other. Jeremy has taken on the role of parenting his niece and nephew after their mother, his sister, passed away.

Mackenzie strains to pay for her mother’s expensive Alzheimer’s treatment in a nice care facility. She also struggles with social anxiety that causes her to have a cripplingly fear of interacting with others.

It was fun to have this tale take place at Christmastime. I really liked the part when they explored the different ways people celebrate around the world, including the special holiday foods.

I had trouble warming up to Mackenzie, but she grew on me when she started trying to find a way out of her problems. The character’s faith added a great dimension to the story. Fans of romantic comedies, or the problems of modern life, will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “All’s Fair in Love and Christmas,” by Sarah Monzon for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sarahmonzonwrites

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/monzonwrites

The Author’s Website:  https://www.sarahmonzonwrites.com/

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“First Words of Christmas,” by Worthy Kids

“A Star and a Manger”

Illustrated by Madeleine Marie

When searching for a way to tell the Christmas story that is appropriate for a small child, look no further than this brightly illustrated board book.

In ten pages, with one sentence on each page, the complete account is told in language geared toward a little one.

Children’s eyes will be drawn to illustrations that are bright, colorful, and highlight an important element in each line.

This is a great book for youngsters through seven-years-old.  They will easily grasp the meaning of the first Christmas!  In this case, simplest is the best way relate a story for the littles, and I highly recommend this sweet five-star book.

Thank you, Worthy Kids, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “First Words of Christmas,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

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“The First Christmas Night,” by Keith Christopher

Illustrated by Christine Kornacki

The Night of Wonder!

Join in the wonder of the first Christmas night with this enchanting account. This board book tells the story of Jesus’ birth with amazing illustrations.

They make an already great story wonderful because the pictures add so much. Children and adults alike with be captivated by them.

The account itself is told in the style of the poem, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” But it is not done in a manner that takes away from the story, or in a disrespectful way.

It is just the opposite, telling the story with that approach makes it more memorable.

Little ones will be charmed every time they get to see this book. Listening to it will allow them to hear the real Christmas story.

If I could, I would rate this book with more than five-stars, but will have to settle on giving it five-plus. Don’t miss getting this for the child in your life. It will be enjoyed by little ones through age eight. I highly recommend it!

Thank you, Worthy Kids, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The First Christmas Night,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

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“The Christmas Doll: A Repair Shop Story,” by Amy Sparkes

Illustrated by Katie Hickey

A Special Christmas Gift!

This sweet tale is based on a true story, and a popular British tv series about a repair shop.

During WWII, Sue was a child and was sent (evacuated) to the country the way many children were to keep them safe from bombing.  It was hard for the little girl to leave home and live with strangers, but her foster family was kind and gave her a beautiful doll for Christmas.

The doll was Sue’s constant companion, even when she was able to return home.  Over the years, the doll was shared with other generations.  All that love has left the doll needing repairs. That is when Sue and her great-granddaughter Evie, take the doll to the repair shop to be restored.  Afterward, Sue has a surprise for Evie.

This over-sized picture book illustrates the story nicely.  The back of the book contains the true story that was the inspiration for this account.  This five-star tale deals with history and war—which was told in a prudent way–but would be best suited for seven-to nine-year-olds, or older.   It is a good way to introduce a child to the subject of WWII.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Christmas Doll: A Repair Shop Story,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

 

 

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“Snow” by Leslie Patricelli

Illustrated by Leslie Patricelli

Frozen Fun!

Join two little children who are thrilled it is snowing.  They are excited to see the snowflakes fall from the sky, to bundle up in winter gear, and to go outside. The two of them have a wonderful time playing in it.

They make all kinds of discoveries including how different the world looks when it is covered in white, feeling the snow, and lying down in it.  The children are happy to make a snowman, and to take a ride on a sleigh.

In the end, they go back inside tired, cold, and wet.  But after they warm up and get on dry clothes, they feel great snuggling in a blanket while watching the snow from the window.

This over-sized board book is all about a fun day in the snow.  Whether or not a child has experienced snow, they will love all the pictures the author illustrated for this tale.  She captures the excitement and thrills that snow brings.  Children through four years old will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Snow,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/yummyucky/

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lesliepatricelli/

The Author’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/YummyYucky

The Author’s Website:  https://www.lesliepatricelli.com

 

 

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“Julia Monroe Begins Again,” by Rebekah Millet

Lightning Strikes Twice?

Julia, has just turned forty, she is a widow and a single mom with two boys in college. She is shocked when, out of the blue, Samuel shows up at her church.

She hasn’t seen him for over twenty years; that is when he broke her heart. Later, she met Mark, got married, and they had their two sons. They lived the life Julia had always wanted until it was cut short by a car accident.

Now, Samual wants back in her life. Before, he was untrustworthy, moody, and full of secrets. He is the last person Julia wants to see. But he claims he has changed, met the Lord, and has always loved her. All those years ago, when Samuel broke up with her, it almost killed Julia, and for a while, she wished it literally had.

As she told her friend, Samuel was not her first love, he was her worst love. Julia doesn’t dare open herself up for that kind of pain again.

This story keeps you wondering if things can possibly work out for these two. Her mom, and his dad, are both terrible curmudgeons that add humor to the tale. Julia lives in New Orleans, and there are some descriptions of that unique city.

The faith of both Julia and Samuel plays a big part in this book. Although this is a clean story, adult subject matters are discussed. Julia faces things that would be issues in real life. This five-star book would be enjoyed by fans of romances, and well-written tales.

Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Julia Monroe Begins Again,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RebekahMilletAuthor/

The Author’s Website:  http://www.rebekahmillet.com/

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