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BOOK OF THE MONTH
DECEMBER 2014

Preschool

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A Chick 'n' Pug
Christmas
Ages 4-8

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Catch That Cookie
Ages 8-12

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Nickel Bay Nick
Ages 11-14

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Greenglass House

PRESCHOOL

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A CHICK 'N' PUG CHRISTMAS

written/illus. by Jennifer Sattler, (Bloomsbury Children's Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-1-5999-0602-7), 32p, Ages 3-6

Lethargic Pug and energetic Chick are back in a cute and charming holiday adventure. Dressed in a warm Santa suit by his owner, Pug explains to Chick that Santa "brings presents and spreads joy to everyone at Christmas. And … he has a large tummy." Bouncing with excitement, Chick decides that Santa is a superhero and should have a sidekick—him! Grabbing a green stocking cap from a snowman and declaring himself an elf, Chick drags sleepy Pug along to spread joy and have a Christmas superhero adventure. They give a snowball to the big, shaggy dog, Dude, a bell necklace to their cranky neighbor cat, Mr. Snuggles, and help a squirrel gather nuts. Realizing that his buddy needs a present, Chick makes him a sleeping mask with the words, "Shhh … WONDER NAP" written across the front. Kids will love this odd couple and their method of transportation to the North Pole.


Ages 4-8

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CATCH THAT COOKIE

written by Hallie Durand, illus. by David Small, (Dial Books for Young Readers, $17.99, ISBN 978-0-525-42835-0), 32p, Ages 4-7

"It was December, and Marshall's class had heard stories about runaway gingerbread men all week long. Marshall didn't believe a word of it." Everyone knows that gingerbread cookies cannot run, hop, skip, or jump. They are made for eating, and Marshall can hardly wait after spending all morning mixing, cutting, and decorating the little guys in his class. When Mrs. Gray opens the oven, the cookies are gone, leaving behind a series of rhymed clues. "If you can find us, we'll be your snack, / But if you can't, we're never coming back. / We ran from the oven, we were bored and hot, / Now were hiding in a big, black _ _ _ ." Marshall is still skeptical, until he finds a stray raisin and hundreds of gingerbread footprints on the gym floor. Deliciously imaginative, kids will love the chase, discovery, and solution to the runaway gingerbread men.


AGES 8-12

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NICKEL BAY NICK

written by Dean Pitchford, (G. P. Putnam's Sons, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-399-25465-9), 272p, Ages 10+

An embittered and troubled eleven-year-old encounters a reclusive neighbor, who changes his circumstances, alters his future, and saves his family and town at Christmas. With a history of larceny, Sam is well known by the police and in danger of being removed from his struggling single dad's care. Fleeing from the police one evening, he encounters the mysterious Mr. Wells, a reclusive, wealthy neighbor, who anonymously distributes $100 bills at Christmas to Nickel Bay residents, thereby raising their spirits and the town's economy. Unable to participate this year due to a broken leg, Mr. Wells obtains a list of Sam's crimes, blackmails him into becoming the secret Santa, and trains him in skills of a spy, pickpocket, and cat burglar. What results is a well-written, humorous, exciting, and fast-paced tale of rescue, redemption, and second chances. A surprise ending reveals Mr. Wells' motives for becoming involved in Sam's life. Kids will find themselves rooting for this hero every step of the way.


AGES 11-14

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GREENGLASS HOUSE

written by Kate Milford, illus. by Jaime Zollars, (Clarion Books, $17.99, ISBN 978-0-544-05270-3), 376p, Ages 11-14

What should have been a relaxing Christmas break for adopted twelve-year-old Milo Pine and his parents, owners of the legendary smugglers inn, Greenglass House, quickly becomes complicated and dangerous when five unexpected guests arrive seeking treasure in the old house. When their belongings begin to disappear, Milo and the cook's daughter, Meddy, begin a role-laying game. Whereas Milo is meek with anxiety and insecurity issues, his character is brave and bold with a sense of observation and creative detective skills, which help him to locate the stolen objects, piece together clues of the house's mysterious past, and solve its connection to a legendary pirate. With its amazing stained glass windows, an attic of antiques, and original home to the famous pirate, Doc Holiday, Greenglass House contains multiple treasures and mysteries on every floor. Smugglers, custom agents, ghost stories, love stories, and stories within stories tell of love, trust, greed, and generosity. This enchanting and charming read, seasoned with fantasy, mystery, and danger, makes for a great holiday choice for middle grade readers.



ABOUT US

The Children's Hour was created to promote and encourage reading to children. We believe that reading aloud not only creates a special bond between parents and children, but it is important to the development of their imagination and curiosity. Our books are also great choices for children to read.


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