Toot & Puddle: I'll Be Home For Christmas Book Review

Toot and Puddle are back in a brand new adventure in I'll Be Home for Christmas by Holly Hobbie.  Toot is in Edinburgh at a family reunion.  His Great-Great Aunt Peg has just turned 100 years old!  Christmas is just days away, but he has promised Puddle that he will be home in time to share the holiday.

Back in Woodcock Pocket, Puddle eagerly prepares for Christmas and Toot's arrival.  With the assistance of his feathery friend, Tulip, the pair have pulled out all the stops to celebrate in style.  The only thing that's missing is Toot.

Suddenly, a dangerous ice storm hits Edinburgh.  All flights are delayed.  Will Toot miss spending Christmas with his best friend?

I adore this book!  Hobbie's story is full of cheer and heart.  Her classic Toot and Puddle characters truly shine in this heartwarming tale.  I absolutely love the humor that is sprinkled throughout the story.  From calling Great-Great Aunt Peg an "ancient aunt" to the gift of a "lucky nut," I found myself laughing out loud several times while reading.

Another aspect of the story that I love is how the story toggles between Toot's journey homeward and Puddle's Christmas preparations.  Starting off the book with a postcard is such a fun and unique idea.  I also like how Hobbie leaves room for the imagination.  I don't want to give anything away, but pay close attention to the ending.   

Hobbie's illustrations are gorgeous.  Toot and Puddle could not be any cuter.  She really makes the scenes come alive with the use of warm colors for Puddle's story and cool colors for Toot's story.  Hobbie also keeps things fresh by alternating between sing page illustrations, multiple vignettes, and double page spreads.

This is a fantastic, festive book for readers of all ages.

Wolf in the Snow Book Review

Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell, follows one little girl on her journey home from school.  A blizzard is suddenly upon her.  She does her best to move in the direction of her house, but is blinded by the snow.

At the same time, a young wolf pup is having difficulty keeping up with his pack.  They are much older than he is and are used to the harsh weather.  The pup struggles to keep his feet moving as the snow continues to pile up around him.

Suddenly, the girl and pup meet.  She can see that he is scared and lonely.  Picking him up, the girl attempts to send him on his way, but the snow has become too deep.  The pup simply sinks.

The girl is now faced with a difficult dilemma.  Should she help reunite the pup with his pack or continue her treacherous trek home?

This is one of my all-time favorite children's books!  Being a nearly wordless picture book, this story relies heavily on illustrations.  Cordell knocks it out of the park with stunning hand drawn images that will leave the reader speechless.

Each turn of the page conveys strong emotions.  Empathy, fear, and courage are on display in Cordell's story.  Children will delight at the detailed illustrations and will fall in love with the characters.

This is a wonderful book for readers of all ages.  I could definitely see this being used for humane education classes at local shelters and rescue groups.