Tessa Fox Reads
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Me

My Top 20 Picture Books of 2018

12/12/2018

0 Comments

 
Wow, I can't believe 2018 is already almost over! It's true what they say: that each year passes a little more quickly than the one before it. Luckily, each trip around the sun also seems to bring us more beautiful and diverse picture books written by, illustrated by and featuring all sorts of different people.

If you're still looking for some gift ideas for the children in your life, consider these my suggestions! And if you don't feel like spending the money, I encourage you to visit your local public library and check some of these beauties out. Without any further ado – here are my favorite picture books of the year:
​

Tessa's Favorite Picture Books of 2018

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

This year there were some great (and seriously needed) books focused on breaking gender norms (Pink is For Boys, Julián Is a Mermaid​ and Teddy's Favorite Toy) and some very touching stories about serious issues that can be difficult for children to understand, like a grandparent's memory loss (The Remember Balloons [good luck not crying through that one]) and the refugee crisis (Marwan's Journey). 

There was also some very strong books promoting acceptance and understanding (All of Us and All Are Welcome), books about feeling like you might not fit in (Neon Leon and Neither) and adorable confidence boosters (I Am Enough and The Day You Begin). Of course, there were also some books with show-stealing illustrations (Yellow Kayak and Ocean Meets Sky) and heartfelt plots (Run Wild and Dad By My Side).
​But out of all these top picture books, there could only be one favorite, and it certainly stood out. Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung is perfect for storytime or one-on-one sharing. This important book serves as a childhood primer on a difficult topic for most people to discuss: the social construct of race.

With simple yet stylized illustrations, Mixed tells the story of how "colors" have their differences and some might not always get along. But when these colors start to blend (and blend, and blend!) – they realize the world becomes a pretty colorful and beautiful place. I can think of few things more special than that.
Picture


Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday season, filled with lots of special moments and memories!

(and hopefully some of these wonderful books, too!)

0 Comments

The best books of 2015, according to readers like you!

12/30/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Hello, dear readers! I find myself making excuses yet again for delayed postings (I've only managed one a month since October!), but this is always such a busy time of year. On that note, I hope everyone had a happy holiday. I can't believe that tomorrow is already the last day of 2015, but you know what that means .... it's time to rank the best books of the year!

Now there are countless "best books" lists and while there's usually some overlap, there is almost never two identical lists. But there's one source that I find myself coming to year after year for the best, best books rankings: The Goodreads Choice Awards.

One of the reasons I love the top books of the year as declared by the Goodreads Choice Awards is that they're chosen by average readers like you and I! No snobby critics with potential motives for selecting particular titles, just bookworms who know the good stuff when they see (or read) it. How cool is that? Since there's voting involved, it's also fun to get to choose your favorites (or at least try to predict the winners) during each round and see if your selections make it all the way to the winner's circle.

A little over one year ago I published a post about the 2014 Goodreads Choice Awards winners being announced, so I figured I'd continue the now-annual tradition and highlight this year's champion titles:
​

The 2015 Goodreads Choice Awards winners

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
It looks like I'm more on my game this year - I've already read, wanted to read, or at least heard of the majority of these titles before the voting for the awards began back in the beginning of November. But of course, that is not at all surprising considering I now have more than a full year's worth of experience working in the magical public library world to help fuel my literary fire!

As you can see, I've already marked my "want to read" selections. And while there are still a few titles from last year's Goodreads Choice Awards that I have yet to get around to reading (oops), I'm not opposed to tacking on a few more books to my ever-growing "to-read" list! I hope this post helps you find a few titles that interest you as well – particularly if your New Year's resolution is to read more books!
​

Happy Reading!
​And here's to a happy and healthy 2016!

0 Comments

Bookish Halloween: 20 easy literary character costume ideas

10/28/2015

0 Comments

 
Halloween is almost here! With less just a few days left until my favorite holiday, I thought I'd share some literary inspiration with the procrastinators out there who still haven't chosen a costume. Already know what you're dressing up as? Here are some ideas for next year! They're fun, easy and great conversation starters for all your All Hallow's Eve extravaganzas. Like most people, I did not come up with the majority of these ideas but used this fancy thing called the World Wide Web to find some pretty neat costumes!.
​

1) Nancy Drew and/or the Hardy Boy(s)

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
A great couple's costume for the super sleuths out there!

2) Strega Nona

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
Endless pasta as a costume accessory? Sign me up!

3) Harold and the Purple Crayon

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
Perfect for couples with a young child (or two - one can be the crayon)!

4) Eleanor & Park

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
Who doesn't love this YA duo?

5) Miss Havisham from Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations

Picture
Source: Pinterest
A good excuse to bust out that wedding dress in the back of your closet!

6) The Old Man and the Sea

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
I wish I could take the credit for coming up with this punny one.

7) A greaser from S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders​

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
Bonus: You can be Ponyboy Curtis this year, and Danny Zuko the next!

8) Harriet the Spy

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
My alter ego as a child and a very practical costume if rain is in your Halloween forecast!

9) Madeline

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
Whether or not you have 12 little girls in two straight lines, this Madeline ​is adorable!

10) Harry Potter & his crew

Picture
Source: Pinterest
Ten points will be rewarded to the house of your choosing if you can recite all of Rowling's spells.

11) The Paper Bag Princess

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
The smallest amount of effort is required for this one. 

12) Your favorite Dr. Seuss character

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
From Thing 1 to Thing 2, the Cat in the Hat to Sam I Am - you're sure to start a heated debate about the best Dr. Seuss book at your Halloween celebration with one of these costumes!

13) Pete the Cat

Picture
Source: Pinterest
Purrfect for the cat AND children's book lovers out there!

14) Release your inner Wild Thing

Picture
Source: Buzzfeed
This one takes a little bit more effort. I think I'll save it until I have more costume prep time and
maybe a little wild thing of my own to take Trick-or-Treating!

15) Arthur & friends

Picture
Source: Pinterest
"Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card!"

16) Captain Underpants!

Picture
Source: Pinterest
Who wouldn't want to walk around in next to nothing besides giant underwear and a cape? 

17) Frodo & Co.

Picture
Source: Pinterest
Choose a hobbit, Gandalf, Legolas or Gollum if you're looking to find "your precious" on All Hallow's Eve. This makes for a great group costume in Middle Earth and beyond!

18) A Bookworm

Picture
Source: Pinterest
Bookworms are great at all ages - but this costume is particularly cute for the bookish babies out there.

19) The Fiction Fairy

Picture
Source: Pinterest
This one would take a little bit more effort, but it's so adorable it just might be worth it.

20) "Reading Rainbow"

Picture
Source: Pinterest
"Butterfly in the sky, I can go twice as high!"

​

What are you dressing up as this Halloween? Tweet me your response @TessaFoxReads or leave a comment below!

0 Comments

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's the Super Summer Reading Program!

5/27/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture

SUPER SUMMER READING 2015

Picture
Superheroes are sweeping public libraries across the country with this year's summer reading program! With separate categories for kids, teens and adults, summer reading programs are a great way to beat the heat and get the whole family reading. Not only will you meet new heroes and heroines through books, but you just might discover some new superpowers of your own (and win a few prizes too)!

Below are the details for the summer reading program at the Community Library, where I work. The kids and teen summer reading programs run from June 8-August 7, and the adult program runs from June 8-July 13. Similar programs can be found at your local library.
Picture
"Every Hero Has a Story"
Kids (ages 0-11)
Kids will be given a bingo-style reading log. Complete a horizontal, vertical or diagonal bingo to receive a program completion prize! Extra bingo forms mean extra entries in the grand prize drawing. Prizes are available while supplies last. This year's grand prize is four tickets to Discovery World in Milwaukee.
"Escape the Ordinary"
Teens (ages 12-18)
Teenagers will be given a bingo-style reading log. Complete a horizontal, vertical or diagonal bingo to receive a prize! More bingo forms mean more entries in the grand prize drawing. The grand prize is a certificate for four VIP wristbands, pizza, and pop at America's Action Territory in Kenosha. 
Picture
Picture
"Escape the Ordinary"
Adults (ages 19+)
As part of the annual summer reading program, read or listen to books to enter weekly drawings and win prizes. The grand prize is a Kindle Paperwhite. Patrons who turn in at least three weekly drawing slips will be eligible to win. 
As the Community Library explains in its program brochure, this year's summer reading program theme aims to, "celebrate heroes of all ages who walk through the doors of the library each day; the heroes who have made their marks on history; the heroes who keep our communities safe, clean, and productive; and high-profile superheroes. From the youngest child to the strongest, mightiest crusader, each and every hero has his or her own story to tell."

What are you reading this summer? Tweet me @TessaFoxReads or use #TessaFoxReads.

Images via Collaborative Summer Library Program
0 Comments

National Library Week celebrates exemplarily workers

4/14/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture

HAPPY NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK BOOKWORMS!

An extra special shout out to all my librarian friends out there, as today is National Library Workers' Day!

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a nation-wide observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. All types of libraries – be it school, public, academic or special – are recognized and participate in this honorary week of recognition.

According to the ALA, "It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support." And guess what? I couldn't agree more! Libraries promote lifelong learning, equitable access to information and a love for literacy. They are safe havens and resource centers. Librarians are educators, friends, motivators, supporters and active community members. They are role models and tech support. The list goes on and on! 

In 2014 there was one particular library that couldn't stay out of the headlines – for all the right reasons. I've posted a few times about the Ferguson Municipal Public Library in Missouri, located just blocks from where racially-fueled protests took place following the Michael Brown shooting and Grand Jury ruling. It was there at that tiny public library that Director Scott Bonner and his staff embodied what librarianship is all about, which ended up bringing the small library donations totaling more than $200,000.

After the unarmed Brown was shot by a police officer in last August, the St. Louis suburb was hit by escalating protests and civil unrest. But while local businesses and schools closed their doors as riots, violence and arson raged, the Ferguson library remained open.

"Just a few blocks from the clashes between protesters and police, Bonner, the only full-time librarian on staff, who had started the job just weeks earlier, set out a sign at the library doors saying 'Stay Strong Ferguson. We are family.' He then worked with volunteers, church groups and local teachers to put on educational programming for up to 200 children a day, said the ALA, while racial tensions were 'at a boiling point.'"  – The Guardian 

Bonner's exemplarily work recently won him the Lemony Snicket award, honoring “noble librarians faced with adversity.” He also put out this response on Twitter, and I think it says a lot about him as a person:

Every librarian is a superhero. Go to your library. They'll teach you to fly!

— Scott Bonner (@ScottyBonner) March 24, 2015
You see? This is how important libraries are to their communities! But everyone knows libraries are only as great as the people who work inside them! As part of this week's festivities, today is National Library Workers' Day. This is my first year I find myself in that category, and I can't wait to celebrate many more days like this during my quest to become a professional librarian. 

But I'll let you in on a little secret about this week: Even without it, librarians would still be more than happy to do what we are doing – to do what we love. Although I must to admit, a little public appreciation goes a long way.

For example, a few weeks ago I had an older library patron approach my desk and ask for some help planning an upcoming trip to Milwaukee. I helped her find an affordable hotel, contact information for the Mitchell Domes and the Milwaukee Art Museum, and even suggested a few restaurants for her to try out. Last Friday that patron came back to the library and rushed over to my desk, exclaiming "Oh I'm so happy you're here! I had such a wonderful time in Milwaukee! I couldn't have done it without you!" 

I couldn't help but smile and feel reminded me why I wanted to work in a public library: to help people like her and to give back to my community. Much to my surprise, she returned again the very next day, with a vase of fresh cut flowers from her garden and a thank you card reading "It's people like you who make it possible for people like me to be thankful for people like you." If that doesn't warm your heart I don't know what will.

The truth is, there are countless interactions like that occurring between patrons and library workers each and every day. Do you have a special library employee in mind that deserves recognition? Nominate a stellar library worker today as part of National Library Workers' Day. And go and pay your librarians a visit at your local library while you're at it! 
Picture
0 Comments

Happy World Book Day: Looking at libraries around the world

3/5/2015

0 Comments

 
Today marks the 15th World Book Day, a celebration of authors, illustrators, books and – most importantly – a celebration of reading! In honor of the global event, let's take a look at some unique and unconventional libraries around the world! 

Some people get their books from ...

The back of a donkey - Colombia

Picture
Photo via Book Riot.
Since 1990, teacher-turned-mobile-librarian Luis Soriano has been bringing books to thousands of children in rural Colombia – all from the back of a donkey. The "biblioburro" provides poor children with more access to books, and thus an opportunity for better education. Soriano has perhaps seen the biggest honor he could have received: a children's book written about him and his burros, called Waiting for the Bibioburro, by Monica Brown and John Parra. Proceeds of the book sales help benefit Soriano's work.

On top of an elephant - Laos

Picture
Photo via Lao American Magazine.
In an effort raise public awareness about endangered Asian elephants and promote literacy in rural communities in Laos, an organization called Room to Read teamed up with local government and two other NGOs (Action with Lao Children and ElefantAsia) to create an elephant mobile library. Stocked with 640 Lao-language children’s books – many of which feature elephants – and supplementary educational materials, the library’s maiden voyage included four primary schools that serve more than 1,000 students in the northern province of Xaybouly, according to Lao American Magazine.

The hump of a camel - Kenya

Picture
Picture
Photos via BBC News.
The camel library service is an innovative initiative led by the Kenya National Library Service that has received a lot of praise for its effort in promoting literacy and reading in North Eastern Kenya.  According to KNLS, "the use of camels as a transport means to carry books to the nomadic communities started in 1985 and has gained a lot of interest in the community.  The mobile camel library is a common feature at semi-permanent homesteads and the sparse grazing lands."

Inside a phone booth - England

Picture
Photo via BBC News.
Villagers from Westbury-sub-Mendip in Somerset, England have 24-hour access to their neighborhood library, found in an iconic red phone booth, or as the British say, a "phone box." The little library offers 100 books in addition to DVDs and and CDs.

On a ship - Norway

Picture
PicturePhotos via Thor News.
Norway is a country known for its mountains and fjords, making transportation a bit tricky for some people to make it to a stationary library. But there is no lack of coastline in the Scandinavian country, making the open sea a Norwegian bookworm's best friend. 

Behold Epos, the book boat! The floating library contains more than 4,000 books and audiobooks and is a great way to reach some of the country's western communities that lack their own libraries. Epos is an extremely popular mobile library, especially for children.

But it's not like the United States is a stranger to unconventional libraries. From vending machines to wheelbarrows, Americans get their books in pretty unique ways too – and we have for a long time. Check out some of these old photos of unorthodox libraries from the USA's past! 
Picture
A booketeria in a Nashville, Tenn. supermarket. Photo via the Nashville Public Library.
Picture
Packhorse librarians pose in Hindman, Ky. Photo via the University of Kentucky's Goodman-Paxton Photographic Collection.
Picture
A Works Progress Administration Bookmobile visits Bayou De Large, La. Photo via the New Deal Network.

Celebrate World Book Day by checking out the book My Librarian is a Camel to learn more about how books are brought to children around the world!

0 Comments

Celebrate the first ever National Readathon Day!

1/20/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
You know what the best day of the week is? Saturday. I mean, Sunday is cool too, but knowing that Monday looms just around the corner sort of puts a damper on things. But this Saturday – this Saturday is going to be extra special, because it's the first ever National Readathon Day!

According to publisher Penguin Random House, "40 percent of American adults are either at or below basic reading proficiency, and 14 percent are fully illiterate. But the trouble doesn’t stop there. Each year, millions of Americans – especially our youth – are losing touch with the power and importance of reading books. As Malcolm X said, 'People don’t realize how a whole life can be changed by one book.'"

To address this issue, Penguin Random House teamed up other bookish organizations like GoodReads,
Mashable and the National Book Foundation to create an event to raise awareness and funds to help share the power of literacy. And what better way to do that than dedicate an entire day to reading? As an added bonus, it gives you an excuse to lay in bed and read all day! 

How to participate in the Readathon

How to get started

If you’re a reader:
  • Create a Firstgiving Fundraising page to benefit the National Book Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit.
  • Invite friends and family to donate to your effort.
  • Check back into this site to find a participating venue near you or encourage your local bookstore or library to host a reading party.
  • Join bookworms across the country for the inagural National Readathon Day Saturday, January 24th from 12-4 p.m. and make #timetoread!

How to host an event

If you’re a bookstore, library, school, or other venue:
  • Tell Penguin Random House that you plan to host a Readathon party by emailing them at readathon@penguinrandomhouse.com
  • Visit Penguin Random House's resources section and download supporting materials. If you're one of the first 200 venues to sign up, the publisher will ship a Readathon Day poster to you.
  • Promote National Readathon Day in your store or library by displaying event signage and promoting it in your newsletter and social media efforts leading up to the day.
  • Join bookworms across the country for the inagural National Readathon Day Saturday, January 24th from 12-4 p.m. and make #timetoread!
Now, unfortunately I won't be able to partake in National Readathon Day because I'll be at an all-day orientation for new graduate students pursuing their masters in Library and Information Science. Considering that this is really the first step of me becoming a librarian who will dedicate her entire life to promoting literacy, I think the book gods will excuse my absence. Plus, I spent my entire day off last week finishing the last couple hundred pages in A Storm Of Swords ... so that should count for something!

Still not sold on an excuse to spend your weekend working through that book you just haven't had a chance to get to yet? Take a look at what some Penguin Random House authors had to say about literacy and National Readathon Day. Here's to making #timetoread!

National Readathon Day from No14 Productions on Vimeo.

*To learn more about National Readathon Day, visit global.penguinrandomhouse.com/readathon
0 Comments

A dozen notable books of 2014 to read in 2015

12/30/2014

0 Comments

 
This time of year is filled with lists recounting the past 365 days and all that came along with them. With that in mind let's talk about some of the best books of 2014! 

A simple Google search for "best books of 2014" comes up with countless results, all of which differ in selection and presentation. There are some lists I agree with more than others, including the reader-selected Goodreads Choice Awards Best Books of 2014 and this neat interactive list from NPR. Queen of the Universe, Oprah Winfrey herself, offers a list of 2014's award-winning books on her website, and the Huffington Post presents a nice round of up Oprah's personal idea of this year's best books.

I'm not going to pretend that I've read all of the books mentioned on all of these lists, but when multiple sources are giving a book such praise, it's a pretty good idea to check it out. That being said, here are some the books that have made their way onto multiple "best" lists and also made it on my 2015 "to read" list.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Have a safe and happy New Year! Bring on 2015!

0 Comments

Christmas as an adult may feel bittersweet, but that's OK

12/24/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Image retrieved from Buzzfeed.com.
'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a blogger was stirring, not even her mouse. Bad jokes aside, here I sit on Christmas Eve looking back on the year and all that came with it.

For me, it was a year filled with change. I graduated college and moved in with my boyfriend of six years. Our little family grew bigger as we brought our cat, Mushroom, and lizard, Reginald, into our new home. Taylor got a good job in Milwaukee while I took some time off and figured out what I wanted to do next. Ultimately, I decided to go to grad school, launched this blog and started working at a public library.

While I'm extremely grateful for all these new changes 2014 has brought into my suddenly adult life, I can't help but feel a bit ... too mature. As a kid, Christmas seemed like the best day in the world, but as I have gotten older, that Christmas sparkle has started to fade.

This year no one brought me to the mall to sit on Santa's lap. St. Nick didn't stop by my house at the beginning of December. I wasn't part of an art class where I could make a shitty ceramic mug and give it to someone who loved it like it was the best gift they've ever gotten.

For me, this time of year forces me to remember – sadly – that I'm no longer a kid. So far, today has just been another day for me. I emptied the dishwasher, did some laundry, worked out, paid some bills and prepared some food for tonight's family celebration. Too adult, especially on Christmas Eve, right?

Right now, at age 22, I'm in that awkward phase where I'm young enough to still feel like a kid, but nowhere near ready to have kids of my own. Luckily, I know that one day when I do have kids, I'll be able to see the Christmas sparkle again, through their eyes instead of my own (which might be even better). But for now, I'll just have to wing it.

Here's to trying to take things a little less seriously this holiday season, and hanging on to my childhood a little more tightly. As I used to say as a kid, I'm a "big girl, baby too." And I'm proud to say I always will be.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder
0 Comments

Timeless holiday classics to share with the children in your life

12/22/2014

0 Comments

 
Whether you're looking for some last-minute gifts or brainstorming activities to do with your relatives while they are in town for the holidays, this blog post is for you! 

Everyone loves a good story, especially the heart-warming tales you can share over and over again with the special people in your life. Why not take some time during your holiday celebration to step away from the latest family drama or the tray of assorted cheese and crackers to share a story with the children (or anyone, really) in your life. 

This time of year is all about traditions, so why not start a new one? Here are a few seasonal stories that I loved reading as a kid, and love re-reading even more as an adult.

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

Picture
Despite not having any words, The Snowman is possibly one of my favorite stories to read this time of year. The book was also transformed into an animated film in 1982, which was nominated for an Academy Award.

The book: This picture book follows a young boy who builds a snowman one wintery day. To his surprise, the snowman comes to life and whisks him away on a snowy adventure.

The reason to read it:  
This story is perfect to share with anyone, no matter his or her age. The beautiful illustrations give off a warm and familiar feeling while somehow also allowing readers to imagine how the crisp winter air would feel on their cheeks as they float through the sky with their own snowman guide.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Picture
Like so many of Theodor Seuss Geisel's books, this one is a classic. Today, lots of kids have undoubtedly seen the film adaptations of the story, but have they sat in the lap of a family member and physically turned the pages of this feel good story with someone they love?

The book:
As many people know, this book is the story about the Grinch, a grouchy recluse who lives in a cave near a town called Whoville. When the Grinch decides he has had enough of the townspeople's Christmas joy he comes up with a "wonderful awful idea" to steal Christmas. 

The reason to read it: Dr. Seuss’ critique of the commercialization of Christmas is just as relevant now as it was when the book was originally published in 1957. Perhaps more important, the Grinch’s personal transformation reminds readers young and old that Christmas is about much more than gifts.

The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola

Picture
From the man who brought you celebrated children's books like Strega Nona, Little Grunt and the Big Egg and Nanna Upstairs & Nana Downstairs comes this great retelling of a celebrated cultural legend.

The book:
 This book introduces readers to a young girl in Mexico named Lucinda, whose mother is asked to make a blanket for her church's statue of baby Jesus. When her mother gets sick, Lucinda is determined to finish the blanket herself, accidentally ruining it in the process. Embarrassed and ashamed, Lucinda is afraid to bring the blanket to church on Christmas Eve until she meets an old woman who changes her mind.

The reason to read it: This profound tale reminds readers that the size or cost of a gift is not as important as the love with which it is given – a reminder everyone could use now and again.


The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett

Picture
Jan Brett's stories have captured readers for decade, and big reason for this success can be attributed to her unique illustrative style.

The book: Meet Teeka, a little girl who works on Santa Claus’ farm and is tasked with gathering wild reindeer to prepare them to guide Santa's sleigh on Christmas eve. She eventually learns that being bossy doesn't get her very far with the large animals, so she must discover a different approach to win over the reindeer. 

The reason to read it: This behind-the-scenes look at Santa’s North Pole operation is unique, creative and – most importantly – wildly entertaining. PS: Be sure to pay close attention to the margins!

The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

Picture
How could I not include this wonderful poem turned children's book? I know a special little girl on my Nice List is getting a copy this year! 

The book: With the rest of the family fast asleep, a father suddenly hears a strange noise outside. When he goes downstairs to investigate, he finds old Chris Kringle himself. 

The reason to read it: No Christmas book list would be complete without this classic poem, and the story makes great for perfect bedtime story on Christmas Eve.


Have another Christmas classic or holiday tale you want to share with me? Tweet me @TessaFoxReads.
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    Tessa Fox is the Early Literacy Librarian at the Kenosha Public Library. After working in the journalism and publishing fields, Tessa decided to dedicate her life to books and public librarianship, and went back to school to get her Master's in Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she graduated in December 2016. Tessa has been working in public libraries since 2014. Disclaimer: The views expressed here are mine alone and do not reflect those of my employer.


    Connect with me online!

    Picture

    Picture
    Picture

    Picture

    Tweets by @TessaFoxReads

    Archives

    April 2020
    December 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    July 2017
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014


    Categories

    All
    Adult
    Audiobooks
    Banned Books
    Best Picture Books Of The Year
    Book Contests
    Book Crafts
    Book Displays
    Book Lists
    Book News
    Book Reviews
    Books
    Bookshelves
    Bookstores
    Booktalking
    Book Trivia
    Children
    Children's Books
    Community Library
    Diversity And Inclusion
    DIY
    Fantasy
    Favorite Books
    Feminism
    Fiction
    Girl Power Books
    Halloween
    Historical Fiction
    Horror
    Humor
    Kenosha
    Kenosha Public Library
    Librarian
    Librarianship
    Libraries Now A Day In The Life
    Library
    Library And Information Science
    Library Contests
    Library Ideas
    Library Internships
    Library News
    Library Programs
    Mainstream Fiction
    Mike De Sisti
    Milwaukee
    Milwaukee Public Library
    MLIS
    Mobile Libraries
    Movies
    MPL Express
    Mystery
    Nonfiction
    Personal
    Picture Books
    Poetry
    Politics
    Public Library
    Quotations
    Reading
    Refurbished Furniture
    Representation
    Romance
    Science Fiction
    Sci-Fi
    Seasonal
    Self-publishing
    Social Media
    South Milwaukee Public Library
    Storytime
    Summer Reading Programs
    Technology
    Television
    The Journal Sentinel
    Thriller
    UWM Grad School
    UWM School Of Information Studies
    Video
    Webinars
    Western
    What I'm Reading
    Why Books Matter
    Why Libraries Matter
    Women's Fiction
    Writing
    Young Adult
    Youth Services

    RSS Feed