
Mayhawke (97 KP) rated The Christmas Miracle of Jonathon Toomey in Books
Feb 9, 2018
This story is not especially original, but it is the way in which it is told rather than the story itself that makes it stand out. I dislike sugary sentimentalism and one of the problems I have buying childrens books (particularly Xmas ones) is that the market is so over-loaded with 'sugar' that it's verging on a serious case of diabetes. This book is not sugary, nor even particularly sentimental. It tells a fine story, calmly and with dignity.
It has been a popular story with all the varied personalities in the family, which has to say something about breadth of appeal, and as it was re-issued in 2015 It seems to be weathering social change as well.

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated If You Ever Want to Bring a Pirate to Meet Santa, DON’T! in Books
Dec 11, 2018
This is another delightfully silly picture book. As the situation gets more out of hand, the more fun the book is, and the ending is priceless. The book is narrated in second person, but more as Magnolia, the main character, using her own bad experience to warn us away from what could happen. The pictures are on the cartoony side, but they perfectly capture the fun and absurdity of this story. It's perfect for Christmas, but I could see it slipping into a reading list the rest of the year.

Merry Inkmas
Book
"There's a beast inside of me. I keep it caged. You drive it wild.” Cash Evans has come a long...

Ruth Frampton (577 KP) rated My Secret Dog in Books
Apr 10, 2018
An enjoyable read, with illustrations that are simple and easily taken in, but may not be to everyone's appeal this book is a good way to bring up the subject of responsible pet ownership with younger children.

Andrew Kennedy (199 KP) rated The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) in Movies
Dec 10, 2019
This film is the best of many retellings of Dickens classic ghost tale.
Gonzo is my favourite as Charles Dickens, his narration along with Rizzlo the rat is humorous and fun.
Kermit as Bob Crachit as the lead book keeper is amusing and his team of rats are hilarious.
Michael Caine plays Scrooge who's path of redemption is believable as he is visted by three ghosts who show Scrooge the errors of his ways.
Also, the songs are catchy.
Disney tried other versions but none can top this one. A true Christmas classic to watch every year.

Ballet Dream: Two Magical Adventures in One! Special
Book
Secret Princesses is a gorgeous new series about magical princesses and best friends. In this winter...

What is Round?
Book
Many things in the natural world are round - the moon, the sun, a nest, a bubble. And so are many...

The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated Last Christmas in Paris: A Novel of World War I in Books
Oct 5, 2020
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2017/09/22/matching-wartime-messages/

Midwinter Mysteries
Linda Stratmann, Cora Harrison, David Field, Graham Brack, Marilyn Todd, J. C. Briggs, Keith Moray, Seàn Gibbons, Gaynor Torrance and Kim Fleet
Book
Eleven authors. Eleven stories. One festive collection! Perfect for fans of crime fiction, short...

Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas in Books
Apr 15, 2022
I don’t think I will ever tire of reading Adam Kay’s work, from the diary entries full of sarcasm to the explanatory footnotes with a touch of humour, he makes his books so easy to read.
This book shows how medical staff don’t get the standard couple of weeks off that most people seem to get where they can binge on cheese and wine and forget which day of the week it is, whilst watching rubbish TV. They still have to work, and sometimes it’s the worst time of year because of people overindulging and not being careful with the most ordinary of tasks.
I don’t know how he manages to keep his sense of humour throughout both books and throughout his career in medicine, but I’m so glad that he does.
The final chapter was the most poignant one for me, where he talks about thanking the medical professionals with small gestures such as a Christmas card or donating to a charity. It shows that even though he is no longer in the profession, it isn’t too far from his heart (probably because his siblings still work in the profession) and he wants to make it better for those that do pull the short straw at Christmas.
Another brilliant read from Adam Kay, I can’t wait to read more from him (hopefully!). My only regret? Not reading this one around Christmas!