Stephen G. Bowling

Calvin the Christmas Tree is a sweet, little picture book to help you get into the spirit of Christmas.

This is a great read that packs in lots of Christmas spirit into one book. Calvin is the littlest tree on a farm. He needs to grow big and strong to become the farmer's Christmas tree! When he gets cut down and is still little, he struggles to find a home. Eventually, he finds a loving family.

If you've ever seen Christopher the Christmas Tree (a cute, short television movie for Christmas time), this reminded me a lot of it! It was one of my favourites as a kid, so that story is burned into my brain.

I will say, even though this book is a delight, the cover kind of creeps me out. It has some uncanny valley going on with Calvin. Those eyes... the smile... the lack of nose... It's kinda weird.

Other than that, it's a great book! Bring on the holiday cheer!

Three out of five stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.… (meer)

Gorgeous illustrations makes this cute adventure one to love and revisit again and again.

Simon has heard all sorts of rumors and whispers about a scary dragon as he spends his day flying around the farm. So, he's decided it's time to see it for himself. With a protective pop-bottle lid bound to his head, he heads on his quest to find the dragon, visiting the various animals along the way in hopes they may assist him. But he may not discover what he expected he would.

Can I just say I love the illustrations in this book? Honestly, these are enough (really that lovely) to gain a full five stars. These are done with love and detail and allow each scene to open up the door to Simon's world and adventure. I smiled at every one and could sink into them time and again. So, these alone would make this a book to keep on the shelves and read to each round of children which comes through.

Now, for the tale itself. It's a cute, sweet and very nice tale with traditional feel and a true story for the age group. There aren't any hidden agendas and makes a lovely read for story time. The entire thing is written in very clear rhyme. I wish it hadn't been, since this story could have worked very wonderfully without that. But for rhyme fans, it's a treat. There were one or two spots where it stumbled a tiny bit, but it was still enjoyable.

Summed up, I'm a bit torn on this one...but just a tiny bit. The illustrations shoot this one into the 'must have' category, the tale and character go right in there with it, but the rhyming style wasn't quite my thing...although it does work and I have no doubt kids will enjoy it. So, thumbs up on this one. I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley and am giving this one 4.5 stars and rounding up.… (meer)