Bev Humphrey​
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Christmas Challenge Dec 19th - The Christmasaurus

20/12/2016

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I must admit I haven't read any of Tom Fletcher's highly popular picture books (The Dinosaur That Pooped Christmas etc) but judging by what I'd heard of their reliance on toilet humour I didn't have high hopes of enjoying this, his first longer book. I'm very happy to admit however that I was very pleasantly surprised, The Christmasaurus is a delightful, charming story, destined to become a festive classic for children. Wonderful to read such a positive portrayal of a disabled youngster , main character William is bright, loving, funny and resourceful and the relationship he has with his dad is touchingly close, even if he does embarrass him by calling him 'Willie poos'! 

Shane Davies' pencil illustrations bring the dinosaur , Christmasaurus, to vivid life and they are beautifully drawn and complement the text throughput the book. One whole fabulous Christmas reading experience, can't wait to see the stage show next year - we have already purchased tickets!
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Christmas Challenge Dec 18th - The 12 Joys of Christmas

20/12/2016

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This seasonal picture books illustrations have a vintage , soft focus feel that entrance the eye. The book is written in the style of the hackneyed twelve days of Christmas, but lists family enjoyments that could become traditions very easily - I loved the hot chocolate day and I'm hoping for snow to make snow angels in! A gentle book perfect for young ones to practise their counting in a fun and festive way.
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Christmas Challenge Dec 17th - The Christmas Promise

20/12/2016

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As a confirmed Christmas enthusiast, festive stories are always easy entries on my to be read list and this one certainly gave me a dose of the warm and fuzzies by the end. Not just a romance, there's lots here that involves love for friends and family too. Heartbreaking at times (yes there were tears) but with a happy ending, I was gripped all through and thoroughly enjoyed the book.
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Christmas Challenge Dec 16th - The Christmas Cake Cafe

20/12/2016

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Jen is newly single after spending ten years with a man who doesn't seem to have had many redeeming features. As a way of getting over the breakup she travels to Switzerland to work with her half sister and some friends. Love follows as she falls for a handsome ski instructor but he has baggage from a previous marriage - a daughter. 
A quick read, packed full of snow, hot chocolate and relationships, both family and romantic. A good way to get in the festive spirit, and a warm story.
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Christmas Challenge Dec 15th - Christmas at the Cornish Cafe

20/12/2016

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Demi is running a cafe on a cliff top and helping the owner (who she is in a beginning relationship with) to develop his holiday cottage business. When another very dishy man arrives to rent one of the cottages she is friendly towards him without guessing the hidden agenda that has prompted him to come and stay. A lovely, warm story about family relationships and a community that pulls together at a time of crisis. There are some serious, emotional themes woven in to the more frivolous love and baking , it's not all sweetness and light by any means, but there is a hard fought for happy ending. An enjoyable, festive read that was as satisfying as a big mug of hot chocolate - with marshmallows!
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Christmas Challenge Dec 14th - Mince Pies and Mistletoe at the Christmas Market 

20/12/2016

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I don't think any reading should be considered a 'guilty' pleasure but if I have one it has to be Christmas chick lit - not too demanding but full of festive spirit! I've read a fair few this December so I'll share a few here over the next few days.

I really enjoyed this story about a small town's market struggling to survive. This book is just suffused with Christmas spirit, and it's alive with the sights, smells and sounds of a market during 'the most wonderful time of the year'. Lots of underhand dealings, family strife and romantic misunderstandings keep the story interesting and I loved every minute. Can't wait for my first mulled wine and mince pie!
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    My blog is a collection of thoughts and I hope you will learn something about me from the ramblings as well as finding some useful links. I'm Bev Humphrey and I'm a Literacy, School Libraries and Technology Consultant. I am self employed so views expressed are solely my own.

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