BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Dandi Daley Mackall

***I am proud to be a new reviewer for BookLook Bloggers, a division of Harper Collins Christian Publishing. Here is the first book I chose to review.***


Title: The Legend of St Nicholas (Picture Book)

Author: Dandi Daley Mackall

Illustrator: Richard Cowdrey

Publisher: Zonderkidz

Ages: 7 to 9

Synopsis: Young Nick is not feeling the Christmas spirit when he follows his father into a busy department store for some last minute gifts. All he can think of is how to grab something quick for his younger brothers and still have money left over for himself. It takes a store Santa and a story of another boy named Nicholas to help him discover the real meaning of Christmas.

Why you should read it: Dandi Daley Mackall is the author of over 450 books and it shows in the richness of her characters. Readers can feel young Nick's impatience with the whole idea of dashing through snow-dusted parking lots just to grab some last minute gifts for his family. In a give-me, give-me world of his own making, Nick has little time to consider the plight of others around him during the holiday season. It's only when he overhears a store Santa telling a story of another Nicholas who lived long ago and shared the blessings of his good fortune with those less fortunate that present day Nick realizes it is better to give than receive. Even Richard Cowdrey of Marley & Me fame creates wonderful illustrations to help breath life into Ms. Mackall's enchanting holiday tale of the TRUE meaning of Christmas.

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

(Disclaimer:

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)