The Twelve Days of Christmas Dogs: The Classic Edition, by Amanda Sobotka, Chris Dunn (Illustrator)

 

Publication October , 2025

If you can get through this one without singing or humming along, at least in your head, you're made of sterner stuff than me. All to check the rhythm and rhyme, of course. Seriously, this one is absolutely delightful. I felt like I'd stepped into a furry version of an old fashioned Currier and Ives painting. Each verse is illustrated with dogs of the described breed with a squirrel popping up regularly to join them. All are dressed in human clothing and doing very human things, well, mostly. Unless you happen to be Santa, I doubt you're flying through the sky on a sled. Doesn't matter. Still fun and the verses are repeated on two pages at the end for those just looking to sing along after viewing the various detailed illustrations.

I won't detail all the fun illustrations but, as a human owned by a corgi mix, I was delighted to see them included. Not only included, but both types included, not to mention one with a squirrel pal taking a nap and another curled up with it's stuffed bunny rabbit. Each is unique, from coloring to individual expressions. This holds true throughout the book not just with my favorite corgis, by the way. Children can have great fun spying the different breeds, counting them, and finding different expressions such as contentment, joy, amazement, and more. See how often the trusty squirrel pops up, too, and in what kind of outfit or adventure. Even the dogs' ear placement helps convey personality, so lots to see. Each view is beautifully detailed and revolves about a different situation, even dancing poodles, and is simply a delightful read with a whimsical touch. Thanks so much #CiderMillPress - #ApplesaucePress for this early peek. I'm thinking I'll be on the lookout for a print copy of this one for myself! My Daisy dog gives this one four paws up and a bushel of tail wags. 

 

Anne of Green Gables, by Katherine Woodfine (adapter) and Isabelle Follath (illustrator)

 

Publication September 3, 2024

Charming. Absolutely charming. Lovely, beautiful illustrations.

I was both delighted with this illustrated retelling of the story of "Anne of Green Gables" and the fact that I actually remembered much of the story from my decades ago reading. Some stories stick with you and this is one of them. The smart, imaginative Anne that I remembered is here. The format is lovely and, oh, my, the illustrations are just perfect. It's easy to envision them being framed and hanging on ones walls. I’m a 

The story is universal. A young girl, having lost her parents, has to find her way in a new family and setting. Anne is likable and occasionally full of mischief but determined to convince her new family to allow her to stay. She's smart and also driven to be successful, ultimately making friends while enjoying the enchanting Green Gables. It was a delight to experience her growing up all over again and such a sweet ending.

The story is a classic and my brief synopsis leaves much out but the book will fill that void, managing to retain the main plot points while making the story more concise and accessible to young readers. I haven't looked it up but do recall the original being lengthy to my own young eyes, so that is surely a plus. My thanks to #NetGalley and #NosyCrowInc for allowing me to revisit my childhood with Anne as I watch her grow up.

The Wind in the Willows, Ángeles Peinador (illustrator)

 

Publication August 1, 2024    Part of Picture Book Classics

What a fun blast from the past. It's been a long time since I read this one. How long? Long enough that I couldn't remember what critters had to be evicted from Toad Hall. The story so many have loved is still there, albeit in a condensed version. All the stand-out scenes are there, however, illustrated with bright, colorful artwork that helps tell the story. It's a fun introductiion to the original, though I'd love to know how they decided on which scenes to highlight and how to illustrate them. That might be a fun discussion point. I was reminded how reckless Toad was, too, as well as how he learned from his mistakes. A good lesson for children. We're not always perfect angels but, hey, learning from our mistakes and doing better is always a good thing, right? 

Bottom line, a fun flashback that gave me a delighted grin. Thanks #NetGalley and #RosenPublishingGroup - #WindmillBooks for this early look that reminded me of so many early memories of my world of books. Parents, this would be a great addition to your bookshelf and, hey, would make a great gift, too. It's also, hint-hint, a great excuse to dig out your own ol' copy of this story of Mole, Ratty, Badger, Toad, and all the rest. Enjoy!