Ruthie and her friend found a bottle that had a djinn in it. They decided to make a wish, only to have it backfire. The djinn tricked them and now Ruthie is stuck in a recipe box. 75 years go by and the box is opened by Lee. Lee is a werewolf who is a chef and is cooking Christmas dinner for his family. I enjoyed this one. For a novella, this packed a punch. I loved the story-line with the djinn and wishes. Well-paced and enough info was given, I knew exactly what was going on. I think this would have worked even better if full-length novel. Really enjoyed this.

About the Book

Title: The Knights Before Christmas | Author: Joan Holub | Illustrator: Scott Magoon | Publication Date: September 8, 2015 | Publisher: Macmillan / Henry Holt | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 4 to 8

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MY REVIEW

I saw The Knights Before Christmas by Joan Holub and I thought, what better way to kick off the upcoming holiday season than with a classic, of sorts.

Written with humor and wit, what child wouldn’t delight in feeling they are a hero by saving the castle from the invaders, even if it is Santa.

There will be “reindeer” and Santa and gifts galore.

They will cower with fear, yet man the walls.

The book is large and thin, making it easy for the small hands in the household to hold onto. My biggest concern is the pages in those grasping little hands, how well will they hold up.

The illustrations describe the action, word by word, in vivid color.

A fun book to add to a child’s reading list, but I was left a bit confused at the ending. Santa bad? And a Trojan Horse? How would a 5 – 8 year old child respond to it?

I have not reviewed many children’s books, but these are my thoughts. Am I being too harsh? Your thoughts may be quite different, so be sure and check it out for yourself.

I received a copy of The Knights Before Christmas by Joan Holub in return for an honest review.

  3 Stars

We received this book to give an honest review.

This was a neat take on old story we all know Twas the Night Before Christmas.

In The Knights before Christmas we have three knights who when hearing a clatter they go and investigate oh but behold who could it be? I think it may just be Santa Claus but will the knights let Santa in or will they try to stop him from invading the castle? 

K liked the whole story there wasn't just one favorite part though he did say he liked how Santa had dragons. 

I liked the little thought bubbles when the knights would speak. They were actually quite funny. The illustrations were wonderful though the only thing I would say is that if Santa has dragons instead of reindeer they should look like dragons. To me they just looked like black reindeer.

I think children ages 4 on up will really enjoy this story as it is full of laughter, rhyming and great pictures. We will be reading this book right before Christmas as it will make a perfect night before Christmas read. 

Title: A Knights Bridge Christmas
Author: Carla Neggers
Publisher: MIRA
Series: Swift River Valley #5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"A Knights Bridge Christmas" by Carla Neggers

My Thoughts....

If you like a sweet Christmas love story then this novel is for you. I liked how this author
was able to bring these two people together...Logan and Claire. Claire was a widow and new Librarian with a son Owen who had come to live in Knights Bridge. How will this all come about? Claire also did a program with the seniors at the retirement home....therefore meeting Daisy. Logan was a ER doctor who was from Boston had come to Knights Bridge, Massachusetts to help his grandmother [Daisy]get settled in the local assisted living facility and also get her home ready to sell. However, Daisy wanted her home decorated for the holidays one last time from putting her home up the for sale sign. Needing help with this decorating job ....Logan gets Claire's help and this sweet story will take off from here. Was Daisy up to some matchmaking needing Claire to help Logan with the decorating of her home? To find out you will have to pick up the good read to see how well this author will bring it out to the readers. I felt it was a sweet holiday story of how two people being brought together during this season in the quaint town. Would I recommend? YES!

I received a copy through NOR in exchange for an honest review.