The Twelve Days of Christmas in Vermont by Toni Buzzeo

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Vermont
by Toni Buzzeo
Illustrated by Liza Woodruff
Published October, 2015
Sterling Publishing
Hardcover
32 Pages
Review copy provided by publisher

Summary
Grace gets to visit her cousin Camden and tour New England for 12 days. Each day cousin Camden gives her something related to the state they are in. Grace writes letters back to her Mom and Dad about her trip which tell the story and provide the reader with interesting information about each of the New England states. 

My Thoughts

   Don't let this little picture book fool you, it is much more than just an adorable story of two cousins touring New England. Toni Buzzeo naturally weaves in information about each state in a way that the readers will barely notice they are learning about each state. As a lifelong New Englander, I can tell you that Buzzeo and Woodruff do a fabulous job together presenting information and capturing the feel of New England in the winter. There are also things that I learned about New England. Did you that Rocky Hill Connecticut has a state park called Dinosaur State Park with large prehistoric animals and hundreds of fossilized tracks? Me either!

   I would definitely recommend this books for any child ages 5-9 (publisher's range). It will definitely be reading to to my 4th graders. It would make a great addition to a classroom library or a gift for a New England child or a relative "from away".  

See what others have to say about The Twelve Days of Christmas in New England.

Publishers Weekly

Reviewed by Mom

Visit Toni Buzzeo's Website

Visit Liza Woodruff's Website

Mina's White Canvas by Hyeon-Ju Lee

Mina's White Canvas 
by Hyeon-Ju Lee
Published 2015
Peter Pauper Press
38 Pages
Fiction-Picture Book
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

When young artist Mina looks up at the cold winter sky, she is struck with an idea. And as she draws with her crayon, something magical begins. Her canvas expands to the snowy world beyond -- a world in which Mina uses her creativity to help others, forge new friendships, and make memories to warm the heart for seasons to come.

My Thoughts

This gorgeous book reminds me of Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crocket Johnson which I LOVE! It is a sweet story of how Mina uses her crayon (which can draw in many colors) to escape the boredom of a gray, gloomy winter day. It takes her on an adventure through the snowy forest where she meets several different woodland creatures, each with a problem which she helps solve using her artistic ability and her special crayon. 

The illustrations are beautiful, soft and often appear to be colored in crayon. With lots of white space for snow, the colorful scenery, animals and Mina pop from the page. I can see little ones wanting to look at this one very closely.

I would highly recommend Mina's White Canvas for any K-2 classroom or school library. 

See what others have to say about Mina's White Canvas.

Publishers Weekly

The Parenting Patch

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