Summary:
A fourteenth wedding anniversary is nothing to sneeze at, Elliott Banner knows, but it's not exactly a landmark year—like fifteen, or twenty, when he plans to take his wife, Laura, to Paris. But when a headache on the drive home from their anniversary date—two days before Christmas—turns out to be more than a migraine, he wishes he had celebrated every year as though it were their last.
In this poignant, touching, uplifting story, a woman calmly gathers her family around her during the Christmas holiday to celebrate their lives together—both past and future—and to truly count their blessings.
A family history unfolds in a single night in this deeply affecting story that speaks volumes about love, trust, and letting go—a perfect holiday read that underscores the true meaning of the season.
My review:
This book is a marvelous story that can be read in a few hours. I do caution though that this is not a sweet, sappy, or even happy Christmas book. The truth is, the only real "Christmas" thing about the book is it is placed during this season.
No, in fact, it is a sad book and reminds the reader that even though there may be a holiday in the mix of things, that life and death still go on. It reminds to be grateful for life and to live in the "present" and to enjoy it as it is now.
It also reminds us that even in the face of tragedy that life will continue and that even though loved ones may not be here for the big things, like Christmas, that there is hope, love, peace, and joy.
That my dear readers, is what it is all about. 4 stars.
Disclosure: I own a copy of this book. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ with yours. ~Michelle
Blurb:
Mrs. B.'s class excitedly awaits the birth of three baby chicks, but when the special day arrives, one chick, Max, is too weak to break out of his shell. When even a trip to the veterinarian can't save Baby Max, Mrs. B. must teach her class how to say good-bye to their little friend.
Join Mrs. B. and her students as they show children what it's like to lose someone special and how they can cope in this book filled with rhyming verse and rich, colorful illustrations.
My review:
This sweet book tells the story of love, loss, and how to cope with death. The children in the story learn about death when one of the chicks they were awaiting to hatch suddenly dies. Their teacher Mrs. B. lets them know that it is okay to grieve a loss and to remember. The children and teacher go so far as to have a funeral in the school yard complete with hand-drawn pictures and flowers for Max.
In the end though the children remember there is also two chicks who are alive and well. The lesson here is that even after death, life still goes on.
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Death is a touchy subject, even for me! I think we adults tend to shelter kids when a death occurs. Truth is, we should treat it just like anything else in life...it happens. This book lets the readers understand life and death in a way that kids can understand.
Targeted for 4-8 year old's this book is beautifully written in rhyme with colorful and bold pictures by illustrator, Heather Castles. The book allows for adults and children to read together and discuss the subject at hand. I think the author did such an excellent job at this.
I can see why this book was picked for the Mom's Choice Award and it well deserves the 5 stars I wish to give it.
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Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book for my open and honest review. The view expressed here is 100% my own and my differ from yours.
The author is giving away a copy of this book to one of my readers. Enter in the Rafflecopter below for your chance.
Where to find the author:
Amazon
Goodreads
The giveaway is open to US only. Naila Moon of Once Upon A Time is not responsible for prize shipment.
The author, Diane Cantrell is solely responsible for prize shipment. Winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter. Giveaway is from Midnight MST Feb. 27th- Midnight MST March 13, 2014.
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