Book Review #494 - Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Stories by A.A. Milne

This picture book contains 3 different christmas stories surrounding The Hundred Acre Wood.

My Rating: 3/5

I received this book for review from Hardie Grant Egmont.

This is the first picture book I have reviewed and also the first time in forever I have even read one.

The reason I decided to read this book was because I was a huge fan of Winnie the Pooh as a child and wanted to share the story with my young nephew.

This book was very nostaligic for me and I the stories were very familiar.

I loved how just about every character got mentioned at some point throughout the three enchanting stories.

Book Review #126 - A dog Named Christmas by Greg Kincaid

When Todd McCray, a developmentally challenged young man still living on his parents’ Kansas farm, hears that a local animal shelter is seeking temporary homes for its dogs during the days leading to Christmas, he knows exactly what he wants for the holidays. His father objects, but Todd’s persistence quickly wins out. Soon the McCrays are the short-term foster family for a lovable pooch the young man names Christmas.

But what about all the other dogs who will be forced to spend the Yuletide season in cages? In the days that follow, Todd uses his special gifts of persuasion to encourage his hometown to participate in the “Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program.” What follows from his small act of kindness will teach his family, and his community, about peace on earth and good will toward men—and animals.

My Rating: 5/5

I knew I would like this book before I read it because I love to read books about dogs.

What I liked most about this book was that the whole book you think that this is Todd's story when really it is about Todd's father.

I loved Christmas, he was by far my favourite character. He had all the typical characteristics that everyone loves about dogs.

I just watched the movie adaptation of this book and it didn't compare to the book at all.

If you have this book on your TBR shelf I would recommend reading it around Christmas time.

Book Review #109 - Let it Snow by Various Authors

The weather outside is frightful, but these stories are delightful! When a huge blizzard (that doesn't show signs of stopping) hits, Gracetown is completely snowed in. But even though it's cold outside, things are heating up inside, proving that the holiday season is magical when it comes to love. In three wonderfully (and hilariously!) interconnected tales.

My Rating: 4/5

This book contains three short stories.

The Jubilee Express by Maureen Johnson. I never fully came to like Jubilee. I did like this story though. It was also very funny.

The second story was A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle by John Green. This was my favourite of the three. It had funny, likeable characters that get themselves in the weirdest situations.

The third story was A Patron Saint of Pigs by Lauren Myracle. This is actually the first time I have read any of this authors work. I am definitely going to read her other books. I loved the inclusion of the pig.

I probably would have given this book 5 stars had I read it around christmas, although Christmas in Australia is the total opposite as portrayed in the book.

Book Review #106 - Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them... turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a shelf in her favourite bookshop, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept them. But is Dash that right guy? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

My Rating: 5/5

This is the first book I have read by both of these authors. I liked both of their writing and thought they collabrated together perfectly. I will definitely be reading their other collaborations and their other books.

What drew me in first with this book was the premise. It sounded like it would make a very intriguing story, which it was.

The two main characters were both likeable with big personalities, although Lily did annoy me at times.

The setting was one of my favourite parts of the book. You could feel the magical feeling of Christmas in New York, which is the main reason why I think this book would make a really good movie