The Christmas Apron by Covenant Communications

The Christmas Apron, distributed by Covenant Communications is a sweet short Christmas movie about a young family during WWII struggling to make ends meet while helping out their neighbors as well when they can. Their dad is not able to serve because of an issue with his leg that requires him to use a cane. Their grandpa, however, is serving overseas and the kids miss him.

Christmas is coming, and the oldest girl would love a pair of point shoes for ballet. The second girl would love a piano, and the youngest, a boy, wants some paints. But with things being so tight, will the kids get their wishes? Grandma comes for a visit with her Christmas Apron and an inspiring story of why the apron is so important. In the past, the kids thought the apron was magical and could grant them any wish they wanted. But now that they're older, reality is setting in. They begin to realize that maybe, things being the way they are, they might not get their Christmas wishes. Still, will Grandma and her Christmas Apron be able to pull off a miracle? The movie is short and delightful, and fun for all ages.

Shaun the Sheep: We Wish Ewe A Merry Christmas by Lionsgate Pictures Entertainment

Shaun the Sheep is a fun stop action character in a cute world with his friends and the Farmer who looks after them.

In Shaun the Sheep: We Wish Ewe a Merry Christmas, distributed by Lionsgate Pictures Entertainment, Shaun and his cohorts go on several adventures, beginning with a Christmas adventure where they work hard to give their beloved Farmer a lovely Christmas (including stuffing a whole tree through the doggy door). The other stories are fun and entertaining, and great for the whole family to watch at Christmastime or any time!

The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull

The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull is the exciting first book in a three book series. Friends Nate, Trevor, Summer, and Pigeon meet Mrs. Belinda White, the owner of a new candy shop in town.

At first she seems quite nice, though the kids realize she has mysterious powers when she shares candy with them that gives them temporary magical abilities. But when the favors she asks in return for these magical candies become increasingly unethical, the kids realize that she may not be the good friend they thought she was at first. But is there any way from them to escape Mrs. White's clutches? Will anyone come to their aid? Read the book and find out!

My New Book, Felicity and the Raccoons!

I'm so excited to announce that my lasted book, Felicity and the Raccoons has been published recently!

Felicity Sparrow and hr best friend Cairn have faced all sorts of dangers on the many adventures they've had togethere. But when thet two sparrows meet a couple of friendly young raccoons who talk about historical figures lik Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass as if they're alive right now, the sparrows aren't sure what to think! And when the raccoons claim that a famous person...from history needs help, Felicity and Carin realize that they're about to head off on their biggest adventure yet!

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Narrated by Patrick Stewart

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a delightful Christmas story and the version narrated by Patrick Stewart is very well done.

He doesn't narrate the novella word for word as it was written by Dickens, but focuses on the key scenes, keeping the richness of the original language. Patrick Stewart is a master at narrating, especially with a book like A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge is a selfish, money hungry man who doesn't treat others very well, and sees people as only a means to get money. But when he's visted by his dead business partner Jacob Marley and three ghosts, The Ghost of Christmas Past, The Ghost of Christmas Present, and The Ghost of Christmas Future, Mr. Scrooge learns some things. He especially develops some empathy for Tiny Tim, the son of his employee Bob Cratchet, and realizes if Scrooge doesn't change his ways and increase Bob's salary, Tiny Tim will die. Tim's inclusion in the story was important in my opinion, because it is crucial for the readers to see that Scrooge's change to a better man wasn't just because of his fear for himself, but because of his compassion for Tim Cratchet and others. A Christmas Carol has 1800s language in it, so young kids might need some help understanding the vocabulary. Otherwise, it's a great story for kids as well as adults.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is a powerful middle grade novel about a boy named Conor dealing with the pain of his mom's illness, his fear of her dying, and his guilt that he just wants her pain and his pain to endeven if it means losing her.

He doesn't know what to do to deal with his wish for the pain to end, and thinks it makes him a bad person. But along comes a giant monster formed out of a neighborhood yew tree to show him some tough love and realize certain things about himself. It's a great book with deep emotions that readers of all ages can connect to.

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great by Judy Blume

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great by Judy Blume was a favorite book of mine growing up, and I listened to it on audiobook recently.

Sheila is an interesting girl, scared of dogs, but afraid to admit it. Her family goes to Tarrytown, New York for the summer, the neighboring town of the famous Sleepy Hollow made famous by Washington Irving's story. She meets and makes friends, but one drawback for her is that she's too scared to admit she can't do things, like yo yo, or that she's scared of things, like swimming. Will Sheila be able to get over this flaw by the end of summer? Read the book and find out!