We’re on our second heat wave this summer, and I believe heat wave number three starts next week. Going outside is like stepping into a furnace. I’m grateful that I’m off all summer and don’t have to deal with it. I just stay inside, curtains closed and AC cranked.

As I’m trying not to “melt,” the thought of Christmas couldn’t be any further from my mind. That is unless you go on television and see the holiday products being sold on shopping channels, and the plethora of holiday movies airing on channels like Hallmark.

When did Christmas in July become a thing? I honestly don’t remember this growing up.

Even though the holidays are still a long way off, it’s never too early to start preparing for them. When my kids were little I’d buy Christmas presents for them all year round. I would hide them until it was time to wrap. Doing it that way meant I avoided holiday crowds, long lines and marathon shopping sprees.

If the child in your life enjoys reading, or you cherish reading to a child, here are some holiday books I wanted to put on your radar.

A Stray Dog for Christmas by Jack Jokinen with illustrations by Wendy Tan (9781728283920, ages 4-8, on sale Sept 3, $14.99)

A Stray Dog for Christmas is based upon the true story of a little stray dog named Susie, who was alone and cold on the streets, who wandered into a home at Christmas time.

I LOVE that this is based on a true story, with a happy ending. As a “mom” to adopted pets, both past and present, I love happy pet story endings. I am also a fan of books pertaining to animals.

This is a sweet story with adorable illustrations which really bring this story to life.

In the back of the book is the real story of Susie, as well as some actual photos.

 

You can see a brief trailer for this book, as well as images and video clips of the real Susie in the video above.

Perhaps this book will inspire families to think about adopting this holiday season (or even now). Another great idea would be to donate food and supplies to local animal shelters and rescues this holiday season so that more deserving animals, like Susie, can have a happy holiday season (and beyond!) too.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas illustrated by Jane Chapman (9781464222580, ages 4-8, on sale Sept 3, $18.99)

This book make me laugh. It’s the classic story of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” but animal themed. Santa is a fluffy polar bear and his sled is pulled by super adorable and silly dogs.

The illustrations in this book are SO CUTE.

This one especially made me laugh. I love the look on the dog’s face that is flying through the air.

If you want to introduce your child to this classic story, this book would definitely be a fun way to do so.

Hanukkah Pajamakkahs by Dara Henry with illustrations by Olga and Alexsey Ivanov (9781728284576, ages 4-7, on sale Sept 3, $18.99)

This is a funny story about a little girl named Ruthie who received a brand new pair of pajamas for the first day of Hanukkah. Instead of taking them off to keep them pristine throughout the holiday, Ruthie doesn’t take them off. As a result her pajamas end up covered in glitter, glue, food and other things. But that’s okay, because it’s just proof that Ruthie and her family did a lot of fun things (traditional and more) throughout the holiday.

The first two books I have added to my family’s library. Even though my kids are adults now, they are too cute not to share with my future grandchildren or young nieces and nephews. As for the Hanukkah Pajamakkahs, I have a little girl in my after school program who loves to read and celebrates the holiday, so I plan on gifting it to her as we get closer to the holiday.

Even though this is not a holiday themed book, it’s worth mentioning as it could be gifted. The book is called Inspiring Quotes from Children’s Classics.

Inspiring Quotes from Children’s Classics illustrated by Ruth Burrows (9781728286471, ages 4-12, on sale Oct 1, $12.99).

This book is filled with quotes from classic stories to modern day books such as Harry Potter. I was surprised by that, but in a good way. When I thought “classics” I was thinking strictly books like Alice in Wonderland and Charlotte’s Web. I didn’t think current books and books series.

I like that the quotes are separated by theme, so you can find quotes specifically for the occasion you are looking for, such as friendship and taking risks.

The illustrations found on each page are sweet and charming.

These books will not be available until September 2024. I realize this post is a bit early, but I wanted to put them on your radar so you’ll be sure to check them out in the fall.

All of these books will be available on Amazon and other retailers.

Kimberly

*I received advanced copies of these books in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.