Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

Does Santa Celebrate Christmas?

Santa's First Christmas by Mac Barnett

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Santa’s First Christmas by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Sydney Smith is not a new idea (how does Santa celebrate/does Santa celebrate Christmas), but the way they present it is fun and clever. Maybe it was not WOW but I chuckled. After all, if the elves won’t let Santa eat the cookies for You-Know-Who who comes tonight, HOW will they get eaten?  You see, one Christmas Eve the elves decide (after many years of watching Santa work all year, work all that one night, sleep […]

Actually I don’t mind socks 

Socks: A Kid's Christmas Lament by J.D. McPherson

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Unless we are psychic, only a few of us know what our parents and Santa will give us for the holidays (or we know the gifts because, like my parents, they got things I asked for). But the one thing the narrator of this story does not want, regardless of the situation, is socks. But since this book is tilted, Socks: A Kid’s Christmas Lament, we know that is the one thing he does get. J.D. McPherson explores how the joy of Christmas might be […]

The Reason for the Season

Silent Night by Lara Hawthorne

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I do not know how old I was before I realized that the song Silent Night had more than the one or two verses I knew. Lara Hawthorne’s book incorporates all of the verses with delightfully, (I assume) historical accurate illustrations that are simple, but give the reader everything needed. Their picture book, Silent Night (due October 2024), will be the perfect gift for the holidays and even year around. This book is going to be one of my religious holiday recommendations for everyone. However, […]

I like picture books

The Duck With No Luck by Gemma Merino

Stray Dog for Christmas: How Suzy Was Adopted by Jack Jokinen

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How many times will I tell you I really like picture books? Oh at least once more, or I should say at least this review. Not only are they quick for the adult reader, but they allow you to spend time with your favorite little reader, or make a reader with the right book, or find your classroom having a quiet time. And these two books fit the ticket.  Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the story, The Duck With No Luck by Gemma […]

Celebration of storytelling

The Girl and the Robot Heart by Neal Hoskins

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I was reading up a storm the other day and found an online reader copy (due late September 2024) called, The Girl and the Robot Heart.  It is a terribly lovely story that is not easy to read or to view. It is not a one time read, but a multiple time read where you need to break things down. First read the text, then read the art and finally the two together (or whichever order you would like to do). And though set at […]

Spicy pancake celebrations

Gingerbread Dreidels by Jane Breskin Zalben

Attack of the Scones (Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast by Josh Funk

Spicy Spicy Hot! by Lenny Wen

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Who doesn’t love food? I mean most people at least like it or have at least one thing they like. And if you know me, I like books as well as food. So when I can combine the two likes it is always fun.  I will start with Gingerbread Dreidels by Jane Breskin Zalben with illustrations by Thai Phuong. Due late August 2024 (read via an online reader copy), this picture book shows how we can have a lot of celebrations in our lives, and […]



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