I love doing all I can to get into the holiday spirit. My family and I decorate every room of our home (including the bathroom, bedroom, hallway and kitchen). We also enjoy listening to holiday music (it’s pretty much the only music we listen to the whole month of December) and we LOVE watching holiday movies and specials.
When my children were younger, we loved reading them holiday books. In fact, we kept all of their favorite holiday books from when they were kids. I hope (and pray!) I can read the to my future grandchildren, and my kids can read them to their children as well.
I still display some of their favorite holiday books on the coffee table. Sometimes I catch them reading the books. It makes my heart smile.
I am a HUGE animal lover. For that reason I also love books about animals (preferable happy stories).
I recently received to review a book that featured dogs and their experience at Christmas time. It’s called A Very Lappy Christmas.
The book was written by Caroline Henrich and illustrated by Judith Gosse.
What is a “Lappy” you might ask? I wasn’t sure myself until I read this book. “Lappy” is short for a Lapphund.
The Finnish Lapphund is a hardy, easy going, medium-size breed of Spitz type. Traditionally it has been used for herding reindeer. It is one of the most popular dog breeds in its native country, Finland.
I thought I knew about all different dog breeds. I never heard of a Lapphund until now. I even asked my friend who is also a huge dog lover, and she was not familiar with the breed either.
Here is a brief synopsis of the book;
A Very Lappy Christmas is a fun, illustrated read for the entire family. For the dog lovers in your life, it makes the perfect gift. The story combines the magic of Christmas with self-acceptance, teamwork, and love. In Kennett Square Pennsylvania, a Finnish Lapphund named Snowy lives with her seven brothers, their parents, their sister Brandi, a lovely rescue dog, and their human family.
The Finish Lapphunds, Brandi, Steve, and Chris are all based on the author’s real family. Caroline Henrich was inspired to write about her dogs, as well as her family’s strength, determination, love, and support. Henrich adds that this book embodies her view on the value of self-acceptance, family, teamwork, and above all, the importance of love and service.
I really enjoyed this book. I really liked getting to learn more about the brand (now I want a Lappy!). They seem like wonderful dogs that would make a great family pet.
The illustrations in this book really added to the story. The illustrations are colorful and whimsical. I especially loved the illustrations of the different dogs featured in the story.
This is a unique book to help you get into the holiday spirit. It’s an easy read for children, and an enjoyable short story for adults. This would be a great bedtime story!
If you are interested in learning more about this book and the author, visit HappyLappies.com. On the website you can “meet” the real dogs featured in the story, as well as learn more about the author and the illustrator.
On the website you can also find out where you can purchase this book.
Are you familiar with the Lapphund?
What is YOUR favorite holiday story? Feel free to comment and share your thoughts. I always love to hear from readers.
PHOTO SOURCE: HappyLappies.com
Kimberly
*I received a free copy of the book in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
