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Ships, Sleighs And Christmas Lights by Colleen Brice

Nov24

Beautiful And Educating

Ships, Sleighs And Christmas Lights by Colleen Brice is a charming book about the origins of St Nicholas. It is perfect for children aged five years and older.

The book opens with Christmas scenes before delving into the real life Nikolaos who was born in the fourth century in Asia Minor which is modern Turkey. We hear about his connections to the life of Jesus before returning to present day Christmas and also learning about life in Lycia.

The whole book is simply written enabling young children to understand. The text is backed up with beautiful illustrations. Each page is a starting point for discussion or you can read the story straight through in one go.

I loved the parallels between Nikolaos and Jesus – when caught in a storm, Nikolaos knows if he prays to Jesus, He will calm the storm inside him.

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A Cosy Christmas At Bridget’s Bicycle Bakery by Alex Brown

Nov24

Warm And Witty

A Cosy Christmas At Bridget’s Bicycle Bakery by Alex Brown is a wonderful contemporary festive offering that will warm your heart. It is the fourth book in the Carrington’s series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The story is a study in love, grief and new beginnings. We witness a family recovering from the loss of a father and a home as they return to the seaside town of the mother’s childhood. Here they get a warm welcome as they meet friends old and new.

Grief brings many feelings including that of guilt for being alive and beginning to live again. A young child has a beautiful attitude to the loss of her father which will bring a tear to your eye and a smile to your lips.

There is much love within the community. There is kindness too as neighbours look out for each other.

New ventures are greeted enthusiastically as a need is met within the town.

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