Book Review: The Christmas Angel by Mary Jean Kelso

Good morning book fans, Zebee and the gang here today. When our boss Joy read this story to us, we all wanted to go on our own adventure across the country. But more on that later. First let’s read what Joy has to say about the story.

* * * * * Melissa and her family were setting off on a great adventure to move from Philadelphia to Oregon. The trip would be long and hard. Each family member can bring one special possession along. Melissa’s most precious possession was a Christmas angel her father brought her from England. She packed it very carefully and hoped that it would make the trip unbroken.

Mary Jean has opened the trails of the Oregon Trail to the young reader this time. K.C. Snider’s art gives the reader a feel for what pioneers of the day went through.

At the end of the book there are several pages of information, websites and activities you can engage in to learn more about this part of American history.

* * * * * So, back to what I was saying, we all want to go on our own adventure across America. Here are a few of the places some of us want to visit:

Mori: I want to see the Sequoia National Forest in California. Those trees are amazing.

Lito: I’d like to visit the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest out in Arizona. I just think they’re cool.

Elvis: I want to take my family to see the Grand Tetons. There we could fly free, until we wanted to come home, of course.

Star: I want to visit the Empire State Building. Is it really taller than me?

Belinda: I want to visit my cousins over in Yosemite National Park. They say they get the best picnic foods. You know, my grandparents walked through our boss Joy’s campsite back when she was a little girl. But that’s a story for another time.

So, where can you get your copy?

Guardian Angel Publishing

Okay, we could be here all day talking about all the places we want to visit. How about you. Where would you like to visit if you had the chance? Share it with us and I promise I’ll post it here and share it with everyone, unless you don’t want me to.

Okay, I’ve got to go. See you back here Sunday with more zoo news.

posted by Zebee aka Joy Delgado
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Book Review:The Magic Violin by Mayra Calvani illustrated by K.C. Snider

Good morning Bloggerville fans, Zebee here.

Today’s story is about magic. The magic inside all of us.

“Eight-year old Melina wants to become a good violinist. When she loses confidence, her Rumanian teacher Andrea decides it’s time for a magic dose of self esteem.

A mysterious old woman in rags gives Melina some curious advice; a violinist Russian hamster, who happens to live under the old woman’s hat, offers her a virtuoso performance; a shooting star fills her with hope on Christmas Eve.

Is Melina actually playing better, or has her violin become magic? Who is the old woman in the town square, and why does she wear the same emerald ring as her teacher Andrea?”

Mayra Calvani has written a beautiful story about believing in yourself. Melina struggles with a particular piece of music, thinking it’s too hard and she’ll never get it. With some help and guidance, she accomplishes her goal. Bring in the hint at magic and you have a story to engage any child through to the end.

The illustrations by K. C. Snider bring the magic in the story to life. Beautiful winter scenes and attention to detail flow throughout the book.

You can purchase this book at
Guardian Angel Publishing
And right here

I liked this story. I wish I could learn to play the violin. Now that would be a sight! See you Sunday with more zoo news.

posted by Zebee aka Joy Delgado
We go Beyond Reading
Laughing Zebra – Books for Children
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