Bev Humphrey​
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Training
  • The Write Path
  • School library support
  • Testimonials
    • Contact me
  • Articles & publications
  • AR & Reading for Pleasure session 1
  • AR & Reading for Pleasure sessions 2/3

Christmas Challenge Dec 19th - The Christmasaurus

20/12/2016

0 Comments

 
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!
Picture
0 Comments

Christmas Challenge Dec 18th - The 12 Joys of Christmas

20/12/2016

0 Comments

 
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.
Picture
0 Comments

Christmas Challenge Dec 17th - The Christmas Promise

20/12/2016

0 Comments

 
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.
Picture
0 Comments

Christmas Challenge Dec 16th - The Christmas Cake Cafe

20/12/2016

0 Comments

 
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.
Picture
0 Comments

Christmas Challenge Dec 15th - Christmas at the Cornish Cafe

20/12/2016

0 Comments

 
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!
Picture
0 Comments

Christmas Challenge Dec 14th - Mince Pies and Mistletoe at the Christmas Market 

20/12/2016

0 Comments

 
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!
Picture
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    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.

    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Android
    Apps
    Authors
    Bett
    Book Giving Day
    Books
    Cats
    Childrens Books
    Christmas
    Christmas Challenge
    Conferences
    Dickens
    Dyslexia
    English
    Games
    Geography
    Graphic Novels
    Images
    Inspiration
    International Women's Day
    Ipad
    Ipad For Education
    Libraries
    London
    Mfl
    Picture Books
    Podcasts
    Poetry
    Poetry Day
    Primaries
    Reading
    Resources
    Revision
    Twitter
    Urls
    Video
    Visits
    Wbd
    Wordcloud
    Wordle
    Workshops
    Write Path
    Writers
    Writing
    YA
    Youtube

Literacy, School Libraries & Technology Consultant