BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Patricia C McKissack

Title: The All-I'll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll

Author: Patricia C McKissack
Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Ages:  6 to 10

Synopsis: Too bad the Depression is going on because all Laura Nell Pearson wants for Christmas is a Baby Betty doll. Times can be hard making the holidays special but when one little gets her wish, she has to decide which is more important...her heart's desire or family.

Why you should read it: It might be because I've been writing about my own childhood memories of Christmas in southern Louisiana, but I was drawn to this longer picture book about family and simple holiday wishes. Ms. McKissack has the skill to weave a touchingly poignant story about family and illustrator Jerry Pinkney's lovely artwork helps bring those words to life. Readers everywhere will be able to relate to the Pearson girls and their struggle to share the Christmas spirit.

Like-O-Meter Rating: 5 out of 5...grab it!

  

A To Z Challenge: BOOK NOOK REVIEWS "O"

Title: Ol' Clip-Clop

Author: Patricia C McKissack

Illustrator: Eric Velasquez

Publisher: Holiday House Books

Ages: 9-11

"The year was 1741. The month was October. The day was Friday the thirteenth.'"

Synopsis: On a dark, cold October night, John Leep closes shop and heads over to the widow Mayes' house to evict her for back rent. Maybe he should have had a kinder heart. Maybe he should have had a more forgiving nature. And maybe John Leep should have paid more attention to whatever was making that clip-clop sound as he set out  on Friday the thirteenth.

Why I liked it: Older children who love spooky stories will enjoy both the fast pacing and wonderfully drawn illustration of Ms. McKissack's book. The time frame and setting gave me the feeling I was reading a tale of Ichabod Crane and yet there were still enough twists to the story to surprise me with it's ending.