Just like the rest of the world, I cannot believe how fast December has gone. I thought having a lot of our Christmas shopping done early December would have meant December would have been a bit more chilled, but alas, the month clearly has other plans!
This is probably the last time where we will see a full week of Book Advents, as the following week we’ll only have three more days until Christmas! But not to worry, I’ll have something extra for our last week to go with our last remaining books.
If you haven’t read what we found last week, you can read about this here.
Week Three
Saturday 15th December
The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Illistrated by Marcela Calderon
Another classic tale for T’s collection, with this one teaching the reader about greed. I love this Norwegian story and when researching how old it was I couldn’t believe that it dates back to the 1800’s!
Sunday 16th December
The Not-So-Perfect Penguin by Steve Smallman
Every day is a struggle with Percy; the Penguin who refuses to behave like everyone else. Although he doesn’t mean any harm, his antics are often at the expense at others!
This gentle story tells the reader about the difference between being silly and going too far and upsetting other people. There’s also teaching aids at the back of the book for extra conversation starters for teachers and parents.
Monday 17th December
There’s No Such Thing As Monsters! By Steve Smallman
Little Bear is so excited about sleeping by himself for the very first time, but as soon as the lights go out everything in his new bedroom looks different. From the new sounds he can hear to the monsters under his bed… well…
This gorgeous story is the perfect read for anyone who’s just exploring their room for the first time and might be a little nervous. By playing with lights and shadows, the reader takes comfort in knowing there’s no such thing as Monsters… just shadows and imagination.
Tuesday 18th December
Old MacDonald Heard A Parp! by Olaf Falafel
There are some very strange noises coming from Old MacDonald’s farm – who do you think could be responsible?
This book is a HILARIOUS rendition of the classic Ol’ MacDonald song with helpful instructions on how to make the relevant sound effects. That’s right. You heard me. Sound effects. I was in creases listening to Sharon read this book.
Wednesday 19th December
The Otter Who Loved to Hold Hands by Heidi & Daniel Howarth
Did you know that when Otters sleep they like to hold hands? And this is no different for little Otto, who feels the most safe when he is holding his parent’s hands. But when his parents realise they can’t do much whilst holding Otto’s hands, and likewise for Otto, they gently build Otto’s confidence so that one day he’s happy to do things on his own.
For us, as well as talking about confidence as a whole, we’ve linked this book in with T’s water confidence in the swimming pool which often fluctuates depending on his mood. This will also no doubt come in handy when T starts school next year!
Thursday 20th December
The Extremely Greedy Dragon by Jessica Barrah
Georgie Johnson bravely takes up the task of waking a sleeping dragon, who had taken up residence on a railway track, by rustling a packet of crisps. The crisps are quickly gobbled up, but what happens when Georgie goes on the hunt for more food?
This colourful book challenges the reader about first impressions and how not to assume the worst in people!
Friday 21st December
Blackbird, Blackbird, What Do You Do? by Kate McLelland
Pip the Blackbird doesn’t know what he wants to do, so he goes on a journey to find out. Along the way he becomes a Heron, an Owl and a Pigeon, until he discovers the thing that he is best at.
This is a wonderful story, beautifully illustrated, about finding yourself and who you really are. A gorgeous addition to our book shelf.
With week three done, there’s only one more week to go. Week four is going to be a short one next week, so I’m going to be sharing a few helpful tips on creating your own Book Advent – cheaply! In the meantime, I’d love to know if you’ve done a book advent this year. If so, where did you source all your books? What are your favourites so far? Have you read any of the ones featured?
