Chanticleer Book Reviews

Tag: Christmas

  • BLACK FRIDAY 2023 Starts on WEDNESDAY! Chanticleer T.G. I. A. N. A.T. CYBER SALE! It only comes once a year!

     Don’t Miss Out on these Once-A-Year Deals! 

    THE ONLY CYBER SALE of the YEAR !

    CHANTICLEER says

    “THANK GOODNESS, I am a ROOSTER!” 

    CYBER SALE

    We can’t save the turkey,

    but we can save you $$$

    Check out these T.G.I.A.N.A.T.

    CYBER ONCE-A-YEAR DISCOUNTS

    (Thank Goodness I am Not a Turkey)

    Discount Codes ARE VALID Wednesday, November 22nd until midnight PST Thursday, Nov 30th, 2024

    Check out these awesome deals!

    Chanticleer Editorial Book Review Package with $100 Discount Code for only $395

     

    Purchase the book review package now and you can redeem it anytime in the future.

    Use this sale code upon checkout to receive the discount the unprecedented discount of $100: BKRV23TGRNT

    Sale Applies to:

    • Standard  Editorial Book Review Package
    • Audiobook Reviews
    • Expedited Reviews

    Our Book Review Package (Regularly $495) includes SEO, Meta-Data, Tagging, Social Media Promotion, and Publication in the Chanticleer Reviews Magazine. Don’t delay! 

    Click here to purchase a Chanticleer Book Review Package for only $395.

    The Discount Code goes here:

     

    SAVE ON the 2024 CHANTICLEER AUTHORS CONFERENCE with this T.G.I.A.N.A.T. Discount Codes

    Receive a $100 discount off CAC24 registration, The Chanticleer Authors Conference package that will take place in beautiful Bellingham, Wash at the Four Points by Sheraton (April 18-21, 2024).

    USE THIS CODE: CAC24TGZANAT

    Note: Seating is limited, so Register Today!

     

    Learn from the Best at CAC24

    Current Presenters include: D.D. Black, Christine Fairchild, Mark Berridge, with more to come! Past presenters include Cathy Ace, Robert Dugoni, Chris Humphreys, Scott Steindorff, and other insightful and exciting presenters. The current line up will be updated regularly here!

    Sessions on Fundraising for Authors, Audio Book Creation, Multi-Selling Platforms, Digital Marketing, Expanding Readership, Advanced Writing Craft and Content Creation, Social Media Efficacy, Increasing Sales on Amazon, SEO, Adwords and Facebook Ads, Why Authors need Alphabet SOUP, BISAC Codes, and much more.

    Multichannel Marketing

    and the Business of Being a Writer

    The New Era of Content Creation in All Its Forms

    Take Your Writing Craft to the Next Level  

    Use this code upon checkout to receive this $100 discount – our deepest discount for the conference. CAC24TGZANAT

    Don’t Delay! Take advantage of this Once A Year CYBER SALE!

    This sale ends firmly at midnight PST Thursday, November 30, 2023. 

    As always, please contact us at info@ChantiReviews.com for any questions, concerns, or suggestions.

    We wish you and yours a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

    We are thankful for you, Dear Chanticleerians! 

    Be well. Stay safe. Keep on Writing Because We Need Good Books More Than Ever! 

    Kiffer, Sharon, David, Argus, Dena, Scott, Anya and the Entire Chanticleer Team! 

  • CYBER SALE 2023 – The Annual Chanticleer Thank Goodness I’m a Rooster Sale!

    Don’t Miss Out on these Once-A-Year  CYBER Chanticleer Deals!

    Chanticleer's Thank Goodness I'm a Rooster CYBER SALE

    ONLY CYBER SALE of the YEAR 

    CHANTICLEER says

    “THANK GOODNESS, I am a ROOSTER!” 

    CYBER SALE

    We can’t save the turkey,

    but we can save you $$$

    Check out these T.G.I.A.N.A.T. SPECIALS

    (Thank Goodness I am Not a Turkey)

    DISCOUNT CODES ARE VALID:

    Monday, November 20th until midnight PST Thursday, Nov 30th, 2024

    CYBER SALE – LIMITED TIME

    Check out these awesome sales!

    Chanticleer Editorial Book Review Package for $395 with Discount Code

    Purchase the book review package now and you can redeem it anytime in the future.

    Use this code upon checkout to receive the once a year CYBER discount of $100: BKRV23TGRNT

    Audio Book Reviews are also eligible for Chanticleer’s only CYBER SALE of the YEAR!

    Our Book Review Package (Regularly $495) includes SEO, Meta-Data, Tagging, Social Media Promotion, and Publication in the Chanticleer Reviews Magazine. Don’t delay! Be one of the lucky few to get in on this incredible rate. 

    Click here to purchase a Chanticleer Book Review Package for only $395.

     

    Receive a $100 discount off CAC24 registration,

    The Chanticleer Authors Conference will take place in beautiful Bellingham, Wash at the Four Points by Sheraton (April 18-21, 2024).

    USE THIS CODE: CAC24TGZANAT

    Note: This is our 12th Anniversary Conference and you do not want to miss out! 
    Seating is limited, so Register Today!

    Learn from the Best at CAC24

    Current Presenters include: D.D. Black, Christine Fairchild, Mark Berridge, with more to come! Past presenters include Cathy Ace, Robert Dugoni, Chris Humphreys, Scott Steindorff, and other insightful and exciting presenters. The current line up will be updated regularly here!

    Sessions on Fundraising for Authors, Audio Book Creation, Multi-Selling Platforms, Digital Marketing, Expanding Readership, Advanced Writing Craft and Content Creation, Social Media Efficacy, Increasing Sales on Amazon, SEO, Ad words and Facebook Ads, Why Authors need Alphabet SOUP, BISAC Codes, and much more.

    Multichannel Marketing

    and the Business of Being a Writer

    The New Era of Content Creation in All Its Forms

    Take Your Writing Craft to the Next Level  at #CAC24

    Use this code upon checkout to receive this $100 discount – our deepest discount for the conference. CAC24TGZANAT24

                Click here for                 Registration Link

    Don’t Delay! Take advantage of this Once A Year CYBER SALE!

     

    DISCOUNT CODES ARE VALID:

    Monday, November 20th until midnight PST Thursday, Nov 30th, 2023

    CYBER SALE – LIMITED TIME

    As always, please contact us at info@ChantiReviews.com for any questions, concerns, or suggestions.

    We wish you and yours a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

    We are thankful for you, Dear Chanticleerians! 

    Be well. Stay safe. Keep on Writing Because We Need Good Books More Than Ever! 

    Kiffer, Sharon, David, Argus, Scott, Anya, Dena, and the Entire Chanticleer Team! 

  • Last Chance for Chanticleer’s Once a Year CYBER SALE 2022 – Ends WEDNESDAY at MIDNIGHT

    Chanticleer Once a Year Cyber Sale Ends SOON!

    Chanticleer's Cyber Sale

    ONLY CYBER SALE of the YEAR 

    CHANTICLEER says

    “THANK GOODNESS, I am a ROOSTER!” 

    CYBER SALE

    We didn’t save the turkey,

    but we can still save you $$$

    Check out these T.G.I.A.N.A.T. SPECIALS

    (Thank Goodness I am Not a Turkey)

    SALE PRICES END midnight, November 30th, 2022

    CYBER SALE – LIMITED TIME

    A red alarm clock going off

    Hurry, before it’s too late!

    Chanticleer Editorial Book Review Package for $370

    • Yes, can be used on Audio Book Reviews!
    • Yes, can be used on Manuscript Overviews
    • Yes, can be used on Expedited Reviews!

    Purchase the book review package now and you can redeem it anytime in the future.

    Use this code upon checkout to receive the discount the unprecedented discount of $100: BKRVWTGZANAT

    Our Book Review Package (Regularly $470) includes SEO, Meta-Data, Tagging, Social Media Promotion, and Publication in the Chanticleer Reviews Magazine.

    Yes, the discount works on Audio Book Reviews!

    Click here to purchase a Chanticleer Book Review Package for only $370.

    Receive a $100 discount off CAC23 The EARLY BIRD Chanticleer Authors Conference package rate that will take place LIVE and IN-PERSON from the Hotel Bellwether (April 27 – 30, 2023). 

    Note: This is our 11th Anniversary Conference and you do not want to miss out! 
    Seating is limited, so Register Today!

    A Collage of Speakers and Blue Ribbon Winners for CAC23

     

    Learn from the Best at CAC23

    Past Presenters Include: Cathy Ace, Robert Dugoni, Chris Humphreys, Scott Steindorff, and other insightful and exciting presenters.

    Sessions on Fundraising for Authors, Audio Book Creation, Multi-Selling Platforms, Digital Marketing, Expanding Readership, Advanced Writing Craft and Content Creation, Social Media Efficacy, Increasing Sales on Amazon, SEO and Why Authors need Alphabet SOUP, BISAC Codes, and much more.

    Multichannel Marketing

    and the Business of Being a Writer

    The New Era of Content Creation in All Its Forms

    Take Your Writing Craft to the Next Level  

    Use this code upon checkout to receive this $100 discount – our deepest discount for the conference.

      CACTGIANAT23  on the already discounted Early Bird Rate

    Click here for more info and checkout.

    Gift Cards? You betcha! 

     

    Click here for more info and checkout.

    Holiday Gift Cards for ANY AMOUNT 10% OFF

    Valid for any Chanticleer Product or Service

    Use this code upon checkout to receive the 10% discount: GCTGIANAT

    Click here for more info and to checkout.

    And REMEMBER, PAYPAL Offers 6 Months Same as Cash! 

    Don’t Delay! Take advantage of this Once A Year CYBER SALE!

    This sale ends firmly at midnight PST Wednesday, November 30, 2023. 

    As always, please contact us at info@ChantiReviews.com for any questions, concerns, or suggestions.

    We wish you and yours a happy and safe Holiday Season! 

    We are thankful for you, Dear Chanticleerians! 

    Be well. Stay safe. Keep on Writing Because We Need Good Books More Than Ever! 

    Kiffer, Sharon, Scott, David, Argus, and the Entire Chanticleer Team! 

  • CYBER MONDAY 2022! Only 2 Days Left of Chanticleer’s Annual Cyber Sale!

    This Cyber Monday — Don’t Miss Out on these Once-A-Year Deals!

    Chanticleer's Thank Goodness I'm a Rooster CYBER SALE for Cyber Monday

    ONLY CYBER SALE of the YEAR 

    CHANTICLEER says

    “THANK GOODNESS, I am a ROOSTER!” 

    CYBER SALE

    We can’t save the turkey,

    but we can save you $$$

    Check out these T.G.I.A.N.A.T. SPECIALS

    (Thank Goodness I am Not a Turkey)

    A red alarm clock going off
    Time’s running out!

    SALE PRICES ARE VALID until midnight PST Wednesday, Nov 30th, 2022

    CYBER SALE – LIMITED TIME

    Check out these awesome sales!

    Chanticleer Editorial Book Review Package for $370

    Purchase the book review package now and you can redeem it anytime in the future.

    Use this code upon checkout to receive the discount the unprecedented discount of $100: BKRVWTGZANAT

    ***** There are only a few left of these Editorial Book Review Packages available at this extremely discounted rate. *****

    Applies to:

    Our Book Review Package (Regularly $470) includes SEO, Meta-Data, Tagging, Social Media Promotion, and Publication in the Chanticleer Reviews Magazine. Don’t delay! Be one of the lucky few to get in on this incredible rate. 

    Click here to purchase a Chanticleer Book Review Package for only $370.

    Receive a $100 discount off CAC23 registration, The Chanticleer Authors Conference package that will take place LIVE and IN-PERSON from the Hotel Bellwether (April 27-30, 2023). 

    Note: This is our 11th Anniversary Conference and you do not want to miss out! 
    Seating is limited, so Register Today!

    Receive a $100 discount off EARLY BIRD CAC23 registration, The Chanticleer Authors Conference package that will take place LIVE and IN-PERSON from the Hotel Bellwether (April 27-30, 2023).  USE THIS CODE     CACTGZANAT23

    a Wreath surrounds CAC 2023 for the Chanticleer Authors Conference

    Learn from the Best at CAC23

    Past Presenters include: Cathy Ace, Robert Dugoni, Chris Humphreys, Scott Steindorff, and other insightful and exciting presenters.

    Sessions on Fundraising for Authors, Audio Book Creation, Multi-Selling Platforms, Digital Marketing, Expanding Readership, Advanced Writing Craft and Content Creation, Social Media Efficacy, Increasing Sales on Amazon, SEO and Why Authors need Alphabet Soup, BISAC Codes, and much more.

    Multichannel Marketing

    and the Business of Being a Writer

    The New Era of Content Creation in All Its Forms

    Take Your Writing Craft to the Next Level  

    Register here!

    Gift Cards? You betcha! 

     

    Holiday Gift Cards for ANY AMOUNT 10% OFF

    Valid for any Chanticleer Product or Service

    Use this code upon checkout to receive the 15% discount: GCTGIANAT

    We will ship the gift card out in a wrapped gift box to anywhere in the USA or APO addresses — compliments of Chanticleer! 

    Click here for more info and to checkout.

    And REMEMBER, PAYPAL Offers 6 Months Same as Cash! 

    Don’t Delay! Take advantage of this Once A Year CYBER SALE!

    Cyber Sale

    This sale ends firmly at midnight PST Wednesday, November 30, 2021. 

    As always, please contact us at info@ChantiReviews.com for any questions, concerns, or suggestions.

    We wish you and yours a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

    We are thankful for you, Dear Chanticleerians! 

    Be well. Stay safe. Keep on Writing Because We Need Good Books More Than Ever! 

    Kiffer, Sharon, David, Argus, Scott, and the Entire Chanticleer Team! 

  • BLACK FRIDAY 2022! Chanticleer T.G. I. A. N. A.T. CYBER SALE! It only comes once a year!

    This Black Friday — Don’t Miss Out on these Once-A-Year Deals!

    Chanticleer's Thank Goodness I'm a Rooster CYBER SALE Black Friday

    ONLY CYBER SALE of the YEAR 

    CHANTICLEER says

    “THANK GOODNESS, I am a ROOSTER!” 

    CYBER SALE

    We can’t save the turkey,

    but we can save you $$$

    Check out these T.G.I.A.N.A.T. SPECIALS

    (Thank Goodness I am Not a Turkey)

    SALE PRICES ARE VALID Wednesday, November 23rd until midnight PST Wednesday, Nov 30th, 2022

    CYBER SALE – LIMITED TIME

    Check out these awesome sales!

    Chanticleer Editorial Book Review Package for $370

    Purchase the book review package now and you can redeem it anytime in the future.

    Use this code upon checkout to receive the discount the unprecedented discount of $100: BKRVWTGZANAT

    ***** There are only a few left of these Editorial Book Review Packages available at this extremely discounted rate. *****

    Applies to:

    • Standard  Editorial Book Review Package
    • Audiobook Reviews
    • Expedited Reviews

    Our Book Review Package (Regularly $470) includes SEO, Meta-Data, Tagging, Social Media Promotion, and Publication in the Chanticleer Reviews Magazine. Don’t delay! Be one of the lucky few to get in on this incredible rate. 

    Click here to purchase a Chanticleer Book Review Package for only $370.

    Receive a $100 discount off CAC23 registration, The Chanticleer Authors Conference package that will take place LIVE and IN-PERSON from the Hotel Bellwether (April 27-30, 2023). 

    Note: This is our 11th Anniversary Conference and you do not want to miss out! 
    Seating is limited, so Register Today!

    Receive a $100 discount off EARLY BIRD CAC23 registration, The Chanticleer Authors Conference package that will take place LIVE and IN-PERSON from the Hotel Bellwether (April 27-30, 2023).  USE THIS CODE     CACTGZANAT23

    a Wreath surrounds CAC 2023 for the Chanticleer Authors Conference

    Learn from the Best at CAC23

    Past Presenters include: Cathy Ace, Robert Dugoni, Chris Humphreys, Scott Steindorff, and other insightful and exciting presenters.

    Sessions on Fundraising for Authors, Audio Book Creation, Multi-Selling Platforms, Digital Marketing, Expanding Readership, Advanced Writing Craft and Content Creation, Social Media Efficacy, Increasing Sales on Amazon, SEO and Why Authors need Alphabet SOUP, BISAC Codes, and much more.

    Multichannel Marketing

    and the Business of Being a Writer

    The New Era of Content Creation in All Its Forms

    Take Your Writing Craft to the Next Level  

    Use this code upon checkout to receive this $100 discount – our deepest discount for the conference.  CACTGZANAT23

    Gift Cards? You betcha! 

     

    Click here for more info and checkout.

    Holiday Gift Cards for ANY AMOUNT 10% OFF

    Valid for any Chanticleer Product or Service

    Use this code upon checkout to receive the 10% discount: GCTGIANAT

    We will ship the gift card out in a wrapped gift box to anywhere in the USA or APO addresses — compliments of Chanticleer! 

    Click here for more info and to checkout.

    And REMEMBER, PAYPAL Offers 6 Months Same as Cash! 

    Don’t Delay! Take advantage of this Once A Year CYBER SALE!

    This sale ends firmly at midnight PST Wednesday, November 30, 2021. 

    As always, please contact us at info@ChantiReviews.com for any questions, concerns, or suggestions.

    We wish you and yours a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

    We are thankful for you, Dear Chanticleerians! 

    Be well. Stay safe. Keep on Writing Because We Need Good Books More Than Ever! 

    Kiffer, Sharon, David, Argus, Scott, and the Entire Chanticleer Team! 

  • CYBER SALE 2022 – The Annual Chanticleer Thank Goodness I’m a Rooster Sale!

    Time is Running Out — Don’t Miss Out on these Once-A-Year Deals!

    Chanticleer's Thank Goodness I'm a Rooster CYBER SALE

    ONLY CYBER SALE of the YEAR 

    CHANTICLEER says

    “THANK GOODNESS, I am a ROOSTER!” 

    CYBER SALE

    We can’t save the turkey,

    but we can save you $$$

    Check out these T.G.I.A.N.A.T. SPECIALS

    (Thank Goodness I am Not a Turkey)

    SALE PRICES ARE VALID Wednesday, November 23rd until midnight PST Wednesday, Nov 30th, 2022

    CYBER SALE – LIMITED TIME

    Check out these awesome sales!

    Chanticleer Editorial Book Review Package for $370

    Purchase the book review package now and you can redeem it anytime in the future.

    Use this code upon checkout to receive the discount the unprecedented discount of $100: BKRVWTGZANAT

    Audio Book Reviews are also eligible for Chanticleer’s only CYBER SALE of the YEAR!

    Our Book Review Package (Regularly $470) includes SEO, Meta-Data, Tagging, Social Media Promotion, and Publication in the Chanticleer Reviews Magazine. Don’t delay! Be one of the lucky few to get in on this incredible rate. 

    Click here to purchase a Chanticleer Book Review Package for only $370.

    Receive a $100 discount off CAC23 registration, The Chanticleer Authors Conference package that will take place LIVE and IN-PERSON from the Hotel Bellwether (April 27-30, 2023).  USE THIS CODE     CACTGZANAT23

    Note: This is our 11th Anniversary Conference and you do not want to miss out! 
    Seating is limited, so Register Today!

    a Wreath surrounds CAC 2023 for the Chanticleer Authors Conference

    Learn from the Best at CAC23

    Past Presenters include: Cathy Ace, Robert Dugoni, Chris Humphreys, Scott Steindorff, and other insightful and exciting presenters.

    Sessions on Fundraising for Authors, Audio Book Creation, Multi-Selling Platforms, Digital Marketing, Expanding Readership, Advanced Writing Craft and Content Creation, Social Media Efficacy, Increasing Sales on Amazon, SEO and Why Authors need Alphabet SOUP, BISAC Codes, and much more.

    Multichannel Marketing

    and the Business of Being a Writer

    The New Era of Content Creation in All Its Forms

    Take Your Writing Craft to the Next Level  

    Use this code upon checkout to receive this $100 discount – our deepest discount for the conference.  CACTGZANAT23

    Gift Cards? You betcha! 

     

    Click here for more info and checkout.

    Holiday Gift Cards for ANY AMOUNT 10% OFF

    Valid for any Chanticleer Product or Service

    Use this code upon checkout to receive the 10% discount: GCTGIANAT

    We will ship the gift card out in a wrapped gift box to anywhere in the USA or APO addresses — compliments of Chanticleer! 

    Click here for more info and to checkout.

    And REMEMBER, PAYPAL Offers 6 Months Same as Cash! 

    Don’t Delay! Take advantage of this Once A Year CYBER SALE!

    This sale ends firmly at midnight PST Wednesday, November 30, 2021. 

    As always, please contact us at info@ChantiReviews.com for any questions, concerns, or suggestions.

    We wish you and yours a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

    We are thankful for you, Dear Chanticleerians! 

    Be well. Stay safe. Keep on Writing Because We Need Good Books More Than Ever! 

    Kiffer, Sharon, David, Argus, Scott, and the Entire Chanticleer Team! 

  • FROM NICHOLAS to CHRISTMAS by Kyle Poehls – Mythology and Folklore, Christmas Lore, Children’s Holiday Books

    FROM NICHOLAS to CHRISTMAS by Kyle Poehls – Mythology and Folklore, Christmas Lore, Children’s Holiday Books

    This delightful three-part story told in simple rhyming verse, takes us back to the origins of Christmas before the emergence of Santa Claus.

    With a creative premise, From Nicholas to Christmas by Kyle Poehls brings the spirit of the holiday to life, in a town filled with despair. One man’s actions set off a wave of happiness and joy in giving to those less fortunate.

    Here we meet Nicholas, his wife Carol, and their two children, Holly and Timmy. These youngsters help their father in the wintery woods. One day, they ask to bring the outdoors in by setting up a pine tree in the house and decorating it with toys. First, the loving family gives thanks for all their blessings and soon decides to help those in need.

    Nicholas travels in his sleigh to a nearby town, where he encounters a young girl named Mary. While helping this seemingly destitute child, Nicholas notes her kindness to return a found bag of coins. She explains, “I was taught not to take even though I am poor.” Back in his workshop, he discovers a glass snow globe where a vision of Mary’s family suddenly appears. With heartfelt concern, he wishes them a good life.

    Nicholas prepares for another journey and takes a special bag of gifts to Mary.

    Though delighted and thankful for his generosity, Mary kindly passes the gifts along to others. She then relates a story of her own magical experience whereupon awakening, she found her room filled with food, clothes, and coins. Nicholas considers the surprising blessing a true miracle. As Mary receives more gifts, she continues to give them away, and in a pay-it-forward moment, others begin to join in the giving and sharing. Her actions lead a once darkened town into the light to ignite the true holiday spirit.

    Artful illustrations by Diego capture a close-knit family and the warmth of home.

    Small oval renderings lend an old-fashioned Currier and Ives appeal as if offering readers a glimpse into this wonderful world. Whether a moonlit cabin on a winter’s night, Nicholas gently repairing Mary’s beloved yarn-haired doll or showcasing a peek inside a magical crystal ball, the images become a reminder of what the holiday season is truly about.

    A feel-good story with a message for all ages, this new take on the holiday’s origins with all its heartfelt intentions and charm may turn the reading of From Nicholas to Christmas into a new family tradition. One of our favorites!

     

    Chanticleer Book Reviews 5 Star Best Book silver foil sticker

  • OSCAR’s CHRISTMAS WISH by Veronica Fischer – Children’s Christmas Story, Children’s Books in Rhyme, Children’s Animal Stories

    OSCAR’s CHRISTMAS WISH by Veronica Fischer – Children’s Christmas Story, Children’s Books in Rhyme, Children’s Animal Stories

    Veronica Fischer has written a delightful holiday story for young readers with rhyming prose and colorful pictorials that highlights an important message about being yourself.

    In Oscar’s Christmas Gift, the city zoo is home to a magnificent menagerie of animals, including horned rhinos, tuxedoed penguins, roaming lions, hooting monkeys, and trumpeting elephants. The furry and feathered residents here love being visited. Among them are a family of ocelots comprised of a Momma, 5 boys, and little Mary Lou. Young Oscar is a unique individual in the world of ocelots in that, unlike the felines showcasing a traditional spotted coat, Oscar’s golden fur has no markings. Embarrassed without his “polka-dots,” Oscar fears being laughed at. While his mom and siblings offer encouragement and highlight the attributes he possesses, words like “You’re smart!” “You’re silly!” “You’re ever so funny!” are not enough to convince a disheartened Oscar.

    Since it’s Christmas time, clever Oscar decides to write a letter to Santa and ask for the spots he so desperately wants. Fearing his request won’t reach the North Pole in time, Oscar decides to take it there himself. En route, he meets up with an alligator named Mit, who desires to sing, and Carl, a panda bear in need of a comfortable place to sleep. Unfortunately, when the three new friends reach what they believe to be their intended destination, they are informed by a bullying group of penguins that they aren’t at the “real” North Pole. A dismayed Oscar runs off, only to meet with an elderly, red-suited man. While this wise Santa-like character notes Oscar’s beauty and strength and points out the perfection of his uniqueness, nonetheless, he understands Oscar’s desire to fit in with the other ocelots. Soon he offers a practical and inventive solution for Oscar’s concerns, as well as those of his traveling companions.

    Vicky Amrullah’s full-color illustrations are bold and vibrant and artfully complement the narrative. Expressions on each characters’ face truly capture the sentiments of the storyline, whether in the tearful gaze of a shy, green-eyed Oscar, dismayed because he was born without spots; the toothy grin of a wanna-be singing gator; or the heartfelt kindness of a wool-capped, bearded man who bears a remarkable resemblance to Santa.

    From the opening Oscar Wilde quote, “Be yourself. Everyone else is taken,” to the underlying story of classic children’s books like The Ugly Duckling, Fischer takes an upbeat and contemporary storyline of being yourself. She gently reminds children about the importance of individuality, ingenuity, and appreciation for what we have. In short, a Children’s book we highly recommend – and a perfect holiday read.

    Oscar’s Christmas Wish won First Place in the CIBAs 2018 Little Peeps Awards for Children’s books.

  • MY CHRISTMAS ATTIC by Dennis Clausen – Heartwarming, Seasonal Literature, Family Saga

    MY CHRISTMAS ATTIC by Dennis Clausen – Heartwarming, Seasonal Literature, Family Saga

    A lonely child’s fantasy life intersects with reality in this Korean War-era tale of separation and reunion.

    At almost nine, Jake often escapes into his imagination, blotting out a couple of situations developing around him. He and his mother are hoping against hope that his father might someday return from the Korean War, and Jake cannot read. Words just seem to jumble up before his eyes, the other kids make fun of him, and worse – bullying has become routine.  These days, Jake tries every ruse to skip school until he is referred to a reading counselor who figures it out. Jake is dyslexic, as is the counselor, and this may mean he is, in fact, more intelligent than average, as well as unusually intuitive.

    Intuition begins to seep into Jake’s life as he spends time in the attic arranging the Christmas ornaments, wishing it could be “Christmas forever” for himself, and for everyone. One of the decorations is a porcelain figure of an old bearded man, Ebenezer, who holds a mysterious, unreadable scroll. Deciphering the scroll’s message will lead Jake into a world of psychic visions, ultimately leading to his conviction that his father is alive. Jake’s mother, who has built a sentiment-laden shrine to her lost love, holds on to the last shreds of hope even as her soldier husband is officially presumed dead. Together, she and Jake will learn the surprising truth.

    Author Clausen (Prairie Son) has an excellent grasp of the emotive power of the past to awaken the reader to timeless influences. In this story, the Ebenezer ornament said to be 100 years old, links old customs with a child’s search for peace and reassurance in the present. As the boy travels through time with the ancient sage, he becomes stronger, better able to face his current struggles.

    Clausen writes with authority about these two subjects, dyslexia and its effects on the mind, and “The Forgotten War” in Korea, where thousands of American soldiers remain unaccounted for to this day. He also links the earnest, childlike wishes of Jake to find solace and create solutions to the pervasive sadness of a mother mourning her husband while doing her best to support and encourage their only child.

    The novel begins and ends in a present-day framework in which we learn that Jake has incorporated his childhood adventures into an adult striving to expand the “forever Christmas” concept to a broader spectrum.

    Plausible fantasy with a clear connection to our national past composed by a practiced wordsmith, My Christmas Attic can be appreciated as a classic seasonal saga with a cinematic quality that speaks of broader possibilities.