And just like that, it’s December! I’m not complaining, mind, because I am just about one of the biggest lovers of Christmas there is, so every day that brings me closer to the Christmas season is a good day in my books. I don’t actually decorate for Christmas…nor do I go to church services…or bake Christmas cookies…or go caroling or have a big Christmas meal. BUT I’m STILL a Christmas fanatic!! I love all the media that surrounds Christmas, rather than the events or the things. So for me, it’s all about Christmas music and Christmas movies, all day every day! Yes, I’m one of those people that hums Christmas carols all day long, I do apologize to everyone around me, I just can’t help myself. I just love it.
This week we’re not looking at anything Christmas related, funnily enough, but I just wanted to share my Christmas-love with you all. Now, on to this week’s books!
Penguin – Polly Dunbar
When Ben receives a penguin as a present, he’s disappointed to discover that his penguin doesn’t speak, not a single solitary word. Ben tries everything to make penguin speak, including treating him in a not very kind way. But when a passing lion eats Ben for being too bossy, penguin comes to the rescue, and Ben realizes that penguin can speak, just not in the way he’d expected.
I really enjoyed both the slightly surreal aspect of the story (Ben being gobbled up and spat out whole by a bright blue passing lion), as well as the gentle message that there are many ways of communicating, and that we don’t have all to communicate the same way to make connections with each other. Penguin, it’s revealed, actually communicates in pictures, rather than in words, and in fact understood everything that was happening around him the entire time. Just because someone doesn’t speak, or doesn’t speak in a way you understand, doesn’t mean they aren’t observing and taking in the world around them in their own way, and certainly doesn’t mean they don’t have something to share or contribute.
Sweet, surreal, and charmingly illustrated.
Firefighter Duckies
What a perfect storytime book! With simple, short text, lots of repetition, big pages, silly, colourful illustrations, and plenty of zany surrealism, this story of three firefighter duckies and their adventures is heaps of fun. Definitely a title to add to your storytime shelf!
Have a great week, and a Happy Hanukkah to all those celebrating!!
What a great message in Penguin. I’m adding it to my list and want to see if we have a local copy. Thank you for sharing, Jane!
Me too! Just tracked down the first “Christmas Carol” for the season. Enjoyed it even though it was a Disney claymation type. Also have the Patrick Stewart one taped. A lot of the others are pay-for-view though.
I can’t believe it’s December! This month snuck up on me! Both books sound adorable!
I know! I swear October and November just disappeared!
Ha! These look like one would begin laughing & never stop, Jane. I hope I can find them. My youngest granddaughter loves funny books. And, enjoy all the Christmas you can, however it suits you. I decorate quite a bit, but bake less, too few to eat it all. I will cook more closer when my son & family come for the holidays. The carols are special, I agree. I watch fewer movies but always try to read a few Christmas chapter books, adults or YA. Happy times!
I always find that music triggers so many memories – I had a really happy childhood, and Christmas music always takes me back to those happy Christmases growing up.
Thanks for these books Jane. I’m going to have to try Firefighter Duckies out with my grandchildren!
I hope they like it! It’s so zany, but very cute.
My 3 and 5 year old daughters are really into firefighters. I bet they would love Firefighter Duckies! I’m adding it to my list of books to find at the library.
My younger son would give anything to have Firefighter Duckies. I guess I should add that one to his holiday wishlist.
Looks like fun titles! Love it. Thanks for sharing. Have a great reading week!