Christmas Picture Books

Yes, you're right. It's only October. (But it's the end of October so hopefully you'll forgive me for this.) I am going to talk about two new Christmas picture books. But before you roll your eyes and say, "But it's not even THANKSGIVING YET!" I'll just say two things:

1. I have permission to give away a copy of each of these books to one of you; and
2. It's nice, I think, to be able to plan ahead a bit for the holidays and, if you win, to receive your books before they get started.

If you agree, read on!

I was happy to open a mailing envelope and find a copy of these two books in my mail. Both are unique stories of interest. While I do enjoy the typical "deck the halls" and tra-la-la-la-la Christmas books, I also enjoy pulling out a one-of-a-kind story for us to read and think about during the holiday season. The The Christmas Tree Ship is one such story which prompts the reader to think about sacrifice, those in need, generosity and thankfulness.

In The Christmas Tree Ship we learn the true story of Captain Herman Schuenemann who used to load his ship up with Christmas trees and take them from Michigan to Chicago. The trees on his ship were sold for $0.50 or $1.00 on the docks in Illinois and were also distributed to poor families in need. This book tells of Captain Schuenemann's last trip. He had planned it to be his last and it was, but not quite in the way he expected. Sadly, his ship went down in a storm in 1912. As the Author's Note at the back of the book explains, the "remains of the schooner were found in 1971 near Two Rivers, Wisconsin, in 172 feet of water. Christmas trees were still neatly stacked and strapped to the ship's deck."

While this story does have a sad element to it, it also reflects the love and respect that Captain's wife had for her husband. The children in Chicago were blessed the following year (and many years still) as the Captain's wife, Barbara, and her daughters began sailing trees down to Chicago in his stead. This is very touching story about love, loss and sacrifice.

In A Christmas Spider's Miracle we are introduced to a version of an old Ukrainian tale about a nursery spider who is carried into a home one cold winter's eve upon a Christmas tree. In this story we meet a mother spider who is worried about her babies becoming too cold and exposed out in the natural elements. We also meet a poor peasant woman who is approaching yet another Christmas with her children in which she finds herself with nothing to give them. After she tucks the children into bed on Christmas Eve, she goes out and finds a little Christmas tree which she then brings into the home. As you might guess, there is a certain special nursery spider on it and this spider is so grateful to be brought inside the warm house that she ends up weaving a very special surprise for the women and her family. This is one of those beautiful, touching tales that make you feel all warm and cozy inside.

Both of these books are very unique and, as you may or not have guessed by this point, are both newly released by Sleeping Bear Press.

As I mentioned earlier, Sleeping Bear Press has graciously offered up a copy of each of these books to one of my readers here at Reading to Know. In order to win you must be a U.S. Resident. Please leave a comment below, including a valid e-mail address so that I can easily contact you should you be selected as the winner. This contest will be open through Tuesday, November 1st.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNER (as selected by random.org) IS #4 - Audrey
Congrats!


Merry Christmas in October! :)

Thank you to Sleeping Bear Press for sending a copy of both my way and for allowing a giveaway.