Category: YA/MG/Children’s Books Page 1 of 42

Grandpappy’s Corner—The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein: Philippe Petit’s Daring Stunt

On February 13, 2026

In Grandpappy's Corner, History, Non-Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

by Mordicai Gerstein

DETAILS:
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Date: September 05, 2003
Format: Hardcover
Length: 44 pg.
Read Date: January 17, 2026

What’s The Man Who Walked Between the Towers About?

This is the story of Philippe Petit’s 1974 courageous and dramatic (and reckless, perhaps foolish) tightrope walk between the towers of the World Trade Center. Petit spent about an hour going back and forth between the towers entertaining onlookers and frustrating police on both ends of his wire, waiting to apprehend him.

Well, I Didn’t Expect That

This was originally published in 2003—so at least a good portion of it was written/illustrated after the Towers were destroyed and we get a couple of pages about how they aren’t there any more. Which takes this book from an enjoyable tale of some reckless bravado and art to a meditation on art’s fleeting aspect. Sure things like books, photographs, illustrations are more permanent. But the act—the performance—is just for a moment.

I can be inspired by watching footage and documentaries about this event, or reading books like this (or ones for grownups) about it. But, at best, I’m getting it second-hand. Even things we think are going to be around for ages, like buildings, don’t last—something as ephemeral as art and the way it impacts the audience can’t be either (although the echoes and memories in our minds and lives do).

I don’t know how much of that can really be communicated to the audience—for which object permanence as a concept wasn’t that long ago. But at least for older readers, that’s going to hit a bit.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

I don’t remember a time when I didn’t experience acrophobia—not crippling, but I’ve flirted with it on occasion. I won’t and can’t say that this art induced that reaction in me. But it got me as close to it that a Picture Book could. Gerstein captured the reality of Petit’s world—while keeping it fanciful enough to engage younger readers and to capture the spirit of the man and event.

There are a couple of pages, that fold out, too to increase the reader’s impression of the feat. Great idea and Gerstein’s execution of it was a highlight.

I can only be effusively positive when it comes to the art, it seems. And I’m okay with that.

How is it to Read Aloud?

This is a straight-forward narrative. Nothing flashy about it, so it’s easy. The page layouts (and pages without text) will help the older reader convey the meaning to their younger companions. And those text-less page provide plenty of space for discussion about the images.

So, what did I think about The Man Who Walked Between the Towers?

I expected something a bit more playful, imaginative, and perhaps just goofy. This is on me—I just didn’t see this as fodder for a Picture Book outside of that.

But nooooo, Gerstein had to prove me wrong.

This is just facts—presented in a way that will appeal and be understandable to a younger reader. But that’s it. A nice “torn from the headlines” kind of story. It should inspire, amuse, and (hopefully) dazzle the audience.

I’m very impressed with this work on several levels and absolutely understand how it made “25 Greatest Picture Books of the Past 25 Years” list.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Grandpappy’s Corner: Jibberjack, Fibberjack by Stefanie Gamarra, Marta Pilosio (Illustrator): A ‘Meddling Kid’ in the Making

By HCNewton

On February 5, 2026

In Fiction, Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

Jibberjack, Fibberjack

by Stefanie Gamarra, Marta Pilosio (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Marshmallow Tree Press
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Format: eARC
Length: 32 pg.
Read Date: February 2, 2026

What’s Jibberjack, Fibberjack About?

Leroy “Encyclopedia” Brown. Inspector Gadget’s niece, Penny. Scooby and his Gang. Flavia de Luce. Jupiter Jones, Bob Andrews, and Pete Crenshaw. Veronica Mars. These are just some of the names of children/teens who have spotted crimes and coverups that adults have missed. It’s time to add one more to that illustrious lineup: Frida Fitzgerald.

When people in her town are frightened by reports of a monster doing nasty things (like trampling flower beds), tensions rise. But someting doesn’t seem right about it all to Frida—so she starts asking questions. When people bother answering, theyir responses don’t help. But too often, her age words against her, and she’s dismissed.

Undaunted, she keeps asking questions about things that don’t make sense. And eventually (I can spoil things vaguely here, right? This book’s audience isn’t reading this space), she’s able to prove her point.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Pilosio’s art is great, as the samples on this site show.

The illustrations are full of great detail—and while I can’t really point to any humor or jokes, there’s a whimsy to the art that makes you think there’s a joke somewhere. Well, okay—there are a few, but even when there are none.

It just pops off the page in a way that will grab—and keep—the attention of young readers, and has enough character to attract their older reading companions.

How is it to Read Aloud?

It’s nice and straightforward—no rhymes or tongue-twisting words to go through. There’s a lot of opportunity for exaggerated speech and emphases in the dialogue (and parenthetical asides) for the hammier adult to get into.

The story itself is engaging enough to make it easier for adults on their 15th read of the same book to find something to latch onto. With enough clues and fun things in the images to talk about as well.

And that’s before the last couple of pages that give some things to talk to a child about, lessons to walk away from, and so on.

Basically, there’s meat for the involved adult reader.

So, what did I think about Jibberjack, Fibberjack?

I found the idea of a whodunit for the 4-8 age range intriguing, even if I wondered how well it could be pulled off. Gamarra nailed it.

I had fun, I can easily see reading this with the grandcritters several times and having enjoyable chats about asking questions, thinking about what they’re told, and wondering why someone might want them scared. In today’s media landscape, it’s never too early to start that.

And you might as well have fun while you’re at it.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the Author via BookSirens in exchange for this post and my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Grandpappy’s Corner: Olivia by Ian Falconer: Not a Book for a Tired Parent/Grandparent

By HCNewton

On January 23, 2026

In Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

Olivia

by Ian Falconer

DETAILS:
Series: Olivia, #1
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 1, 2000
Format: Hardcover
Length: 40 pgs.
Read Date: January 17, 2026

So here’s the thing you need to know about Olivia–you know that feeling when all you, as an adult, want is for a toddler to go to sleep so you can collapse and veg out for a bit (or maybe sleep yourself); and all the toddler wants to do is not settle down for the night? So you say, “Okay, you can pick X books, and then we’ll go to sleep.” You do not want this book anywhere the kid can find it. Leave it on another floor from their bedroom. Put it on top of something tall where they can’t see it. Because kids who are focused on not going to sleep are tricky and wily. This book is full of ways that those tricksters can exploit to push away lights-out.

Incidentally, a worn-out parent is something that Olivia’s mother can empathize with, and I’d think she’d understand hiding it.

Now, all that means is that Olivia has a lot of really good points to it. A lot of things to grab the attention of a young reader, a lot of things for their imaginations to jump off from and engage with.

This is a look at a six-year old girl (pig) named Olivia and all the ways she fills her days. And she is active–trying on clothes, dancing, painting, making a mess, building very impressive sand castles, and more.

The art is great–it’s simple, rarely detailed with backgrounds and objects–typically it’s just a black and white drawing of Olivia and a family member or two–with a splash of red to really grab your attention.The drawings that are more elaborate–full or two-page spreads, full of background, detail, and objects–are just stunning. On some you will get up to nine different drawings of Olivia–that will inevitably bring up, “What is she doing there?” and “What about there?” or “And what do you think she’s doing there?”, etc. etc. See my caveat in the opening paragraph.

This won some big awards and has spawned a bunch if sequels. I can see why both would be the case. It’s a sweet read, with some very fun art. Pretty much all you want in a picture book.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

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Grandpappy’s Corner: I Am a Highly Dangerous Warrior! by Raquel D’Apice, Heather Fox (Illustrator): A Great Starter-Fantasy Tale

By HCNewton

On January 22, 2026

In Fantasy, Fiction, Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

I Am a Highly Dangerous Warrior!

by Raquel D’Apice, Heather Fox (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: November 04, 2025
Format: Hardcover
Length: 40 pgs.
Read Date: January 17, 2026

What’s I Am a Highly Dangerous Warrior! About?

A big, hairy monster is threatening the town. People are frightened, and no hope is in sight.

But there is a six-year-old who is determined to go off and face the monster, proclaiming himself to be “a highly dangerous warrior!” The Wizard he lives with tries to dissuade him, but the child is determined and will not listen to reason.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

It is just adorable. The cover image gives you a great feel for what you’re going to find in the book.

Fox creates a monster that you can believe is threatening, but really doesn’t look it. The humans look like they leapt off the pages of a Johnny Hart comic (but with a contemporary feel) or out of a Craig McCracken cartoon.

How is it to Read Aloud?

There’s a lot of shouting to be done—which is kind of fun. The dialogue is silly, but thankfully, no tongue twisters are involved. Using appropriate voices for the Wizard and the Child seems to be easy, and the text helps with that a lot.

You probably won’t enjoy reading it as much as someone will enjoy listening to you read it, but it’ll be close enough.

So, what did I think about I Am a Highly Dangerous Warrior!?

The backcover alone is worth reading. Seriously. The stuff inside the book is even better.

It’s a goofy, straightforward story with a little bit of sweetness at the end.

I enjoyed this more than I expected to—and with a title and cover like that, my expectations were high.

At the same time, I don’t have a lot to say about it—it’s a fun little Fantasy story for those trying to raise the right kind of nerd. Or for those who aren’t. Oh, also, for adults who are the right kind of nerd. Either way, there’s plenty of goofy fun to be had.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy

By HCNewton

On January 21, 2026

In Book Tour, Fantasy, Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

I’m very pleased today to welcome The Write Reads Blog Tour for the first volume of Valinora Troy’s Lianna and the Hombit! The Tour’s in full swing, and it’s looking pretty good–take a gander at feed for https://twitter.com/WriteReadsTours or The Write Reads on Twitter or The Write Reads on BlueSky, you’ll see bloggers who have interesting things to say about it.

Book Details:

Title: Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy
Genre: Fantasy
Age Category: Middle Grade
Format: Hardcover/Paperback/Ebook/Audiobook
Length: 255 Pages
Publication Date: January 29, 2026

About the Book:

A grieving girl in need of a friend. A magical creature with a secret task. Can they end the ancient curse threatening their new home?

When 13-year old Lianna, devastated by the loss of her father, is sent to the distant land of Nivram, she finds her new home and guardian every bit as horrible as she expected. When she meets a magical birdlike creature called a hombit, they strike an alliance: Lianna will help it complete its secret mission if it helps her get home.

But her plan goes awry and she accidentally awakens a creature that threatens both her and her new home. Lianna must uncover family secrets to avoid a terrible fate…

A heart-warming story of the healing power of friendship when all seems lost.

Book Links:

Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads

About the Author:

Valinora Troy is a children’s fantasy and horror writer from Ireland. She has a MA in Creative Writing, specialising in writing for children and young adults. She has acted as a panellist for the CYBILS awards in the middle grade speculative fiction category and served as a Reading Ambassador for Louth Libraries. Her short stories for adults have appeared in numerous publications. She is the author of The Lucky Diamond trilogy, a middle grade children’s fantasy adventure series. In 2023 she was short-listed for the Staróg Prize. When not writing, she loves visiting schools and libraries to talk to children about books and writing.

You can find out more about Valinora’s books, as well as resources for schools, and sign up to her newsletter on her website: Valinora Troy – Children’s Fantasy Writer

Website ~ Twitter

My thanks to The Write Reads for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided (including the book).

Grandpappy’s Favorites of 2025

By HCNewton

On January 5, 2026

In Grandpappy's Corner, News/Misc., YA/MG/Children's Books

Grandpappy's Corner Favorite Picture Books of 2026 I’ve posted favorite Picture or Children’s books before, but now that I’m a Grandfather, I’m thinking about these things more. So, it’s not unusual for me to read these kinds of books, but I’m doing more of it. I fully expected this post to be larger this year–but there were fewer new-to-me reads and many, many re-reads (which I really should’ve anticipated). Anyway, here are the books that really stuck with me and struck me as ones to keep talking about.

I practically guarantee these will tickle you and/or warm your heart.

As always, re-reads (or re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-reads) don’t count for these lists.

(in alphabetical order by author)

Life Lessons by Titan

as told to Melaney Taylor Auxier

My original post
Accompanied by some great photos of Titan, Auxier helps him relate some important life lessons for young readers.

It’s short, sweet, and to the point. It’ll win over young dog lovers, and even bring a smile to us older ones when we need a quick fill of puppy love.

My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!

by Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Tiffany Everett (Illustrator)
My original post
This is a very sweet tribute to grandparents—not just your traditional older adult being kind and making cookies, or whatever. But grandparents who have a passion, who share it with their grandchildren—whether it’s being a musician—professional or otherwise—or any other number of professions. The stress here is what unites every grandparent—their love and affection for their grandchildren

The art is cute and energetic.

The book is sweet and heartwarming–especially for the grantparent-type, whatever they’re called or do.

Goodnight Darth Vader

by Jeffrey Brown

My original post
This is a book in the style of Goodnight Moon featuring Darth Vader and his twins (in a very non-canonical way) while he’s trying to get them to sleep, with looks at individuals from throughout the Empire (or former Empire) as they settle in for the night.

Brown has this great art style that both gets the detail necessary for the droids, aliens, ships, and all that. At the same time, he keeps it playful and appealing for people of all ages to look at.

I had a blast with it—I liked the art, the humor (fit for adult fans or wee readers), the take on the Goodnight Moon style of book, and so on.

Little Aiden: A Big Kid Book for Toddlers

by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)

My original post
In the first two books in this series, Little Aiden was not much older than a newborn (I figure), so there’s been some growth to get him to toddler-hood. And that’s been a lot of growth for Mom and Dad, not just Aiden (who’s done most of the work, let’s be fair).

It’s not so much a story or a book to teach about something/render a lesson. It’s just a look at the life of someone going through something the reader can identify with—going through this stage of life. I think seeing that commonality with others is an important thing. And there are some younger types who need to see early on that people who may have different ethnic backgrounds have similar experiences.

The illustrations are bright and whimsical—the affection between the family is clear. The illustrations are the star of the show.

That Christmas and Other Stories

by Richard Curtis, Rebecca Cobb (Illustrator)

My original post
This is a collection of three children’s stories (probably published separately), two of them are explicitly Christmas themed, the other is more wintery. Curtis knows how to melt the heart of adults while making them smile. He proves here that he has the same ability with children.

It is charming. It’s sweet. There are laughs and “awww”s throughout. I don’t know what else to say—this is a winner, something great to pull out for the post-Thanksgiving through December 26 era annually.

Hansel and Gretel

by Stephen King, Maurice Sendak (Illustrator)

This was a gentle reworking of the classic story, with some repurposed art by Sendak–which King used to help in his retelling, he describes how it shaped it in an author’s note. It’s just creepy enough to qualify as such–totally appropriate for fairy tale age readers (although the Brothers Grimm would find it tame). You’d think Sendak took King’s text as the basis, not the other way around–it all works wonderfully. It’s definitely one to add to your collection.

Freddie Fastback and His Friends

by Felicity Watt Wilson, Laci McCrea (Illustrator)

Freddie is a turtle who is decidedly not fast. Until he finds an old-fashioned roller skate (the ones you used to attach to your shoes, remember those?)–and then he’s off for adventure. And learning that slow isn’t that bad. It’s a cute story.

The artwork is just amazing–all painted. With so many details that adult readers will find fascinating to look for as much as the younger set. It’s a winner.

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REPOST: The Return of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza, Julia Iredale (Illustrator): The Witch Returns to Battle a Dystopian Holiday

By HCNewton

On December 25, 2025

In Fantasy, Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

The Return of the Christmas Witch

by Dan Murphy & Aubrey Plaza, Julia Iredale (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Series: The Christmas Witch, #2
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 10, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Length: 56 pg.
Read Date: December 17, 2022

What’s The Return of the Christmas Witch About?

Kristtörn wakes from her frozen slumber to find a world she cannot recognize—it’s a dystopian world where the joy of Christmas is gone and everyone is left with an automated, sanitized, homogenized, corporation-run day of market-driven consumption. Santa is nowhere to be found—and many doubt he ever existed—in his place, we have the Kringle Corporation.

We get to spend time with one family—grandmother remembers Santa and longs for his return, but her grandchildren don’t (but aren’t fans of Kringle, either). Kristtörn watches the girl and the two strike up a relationship at a distance, and ultimately team up to take down the corporation and bring back Kristtörn’s brother.

That’s a sloppy job on my part, but it’ll do for these purposes. Murphy and Plaza tell it so much better.

The Artwork

On the whole, I’d just want to repeat what I said about the first book, so I will.

Iredale’s work struck me like a classic storybook, the kind of art that was in the books I read as a kid—especially the books that were old by the time I read them. It was fitting for the kind of story. It wasn’t knock-out gorgeous, and I think it would’ve hurt the book overall had it been. There’s some sharpness to the art—almost the kind of thing that would’ve been carved into wood.

It’s vibrant and I can’t imagine a kid who won’t want to pour over the pictures as much as the story.

So much for repeating—I did think this work wasn’t as well done as the previous book. There are a couple of illustrations that…sloppy isn’t the right word, but they don’t seem as finished. It felt like Iredale ran out of time and rushed one or two drawings/characters. That’s likely not right—and probably not that fair of me to say. But that was my impression. I doubt that any of the target audience will pick up on it (or care if they do), but it surprised me that I wasn’t as impressed with the art.

So, what did I think about The Return of the Christmas Witch?

This takes a darker turn than I expected from this story—the first book had a hint of this, and it’s not out of place, but I raised an eyebrow at the dystopia. That said—I thought it was a great choice, and offered a new take on the usual “over-commercialization of Christmas” and “we need to get back to the essence of the holiday” stories. But that’s what it is at its core—and I’m all for that kind of story.

I did think the ending felt a little rushed—like the authors ran into a hard page limit/word count. It wouldn’t have taken much more, but after the well-established set-up, I thought we needed a little more development to the magical ending.

The door is left open to one more book in the series—it’s maybe even suggested. If so, I’m totally on board for it. I can see the authors leaving it here, too—and I’d be okay with that.

The words-to-image ratio for this kind of book leans toward the words side, so that will limit some younger fans—but as long as there’s a willing adult around, I think this will satisfy fans of the first book.

3 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

REPOST: The Legend of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza, Julia Iredale (Illustrator): The Story of Santa’s Misunderstood Sister

By HCNewton

On December 25, 2025

In Fantasy, Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

The Legend of the Christmas Witch

by Dan Murphy & Aubrey Plaza, Julia Iredale (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Series: The Christmas Witch, #1
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: November 15, 2021
Format: Hardcover
Length: 56 pg.
Read Date: December 3, 2022

Santa and Me

Let’s start with a personal note, I’m apprehensive (at best) about man-made religious holidays. I don’t do Christmas posts here—and almost without exception, if you see a book on here having to do with any Winter holiday, it’ll be because it’s part of a longer series that I already read.

But having been indoctrinated in American mass culture, I was on the receiving end of more stories, shows, and movies about Santa Claus (both growing up and since) than anyone else. And I’ve probably seen variations on his origin than Batman and Spider-Man combined (and if I never have to see Ben Parker or Thomas and Martha Wayne killed again, it will be too soon). They’re not my favorite things, but I tend to enjoy them and am always ready for a new one.

Which brings us to:

What’s The Legend of the Christmas Witch About?

We open with a couple of twin children, Kristoffer and Kristtörn, both of them have some magic which they mostly use in the games they play with each other. They have no parents when we meet them, and don’t appear to remember them.

They’re separated at one point, and Kristoffer is taken in by a couple from a nearby village and grows up among people—eventually delivering baked goods from his adoptive mother’s bakery. Kristtörn is heartbroken by their separation, and a witch from the woods comes along to raise her.

Time passes and Kristoffer becomes Santa Claus. Kristtörn tries to make contact with him but is unable to. So she starts visiting places just before Christmas Eve, hoping their paths cross. A legend around her (mostly misunderstanding her) grows at the same pace as her brother’s does.

This all leads somewhere, but I’m not going to go further than that.

The Artwork

Iredale’s work struck me like a classic storybook, the kind of art that was in the books I read as a kid—especially the books that were old by the time I read them. It was fitting for the kind of story. It wasn’t knock-out gorgeous, and I think it would’ve hurt the book overall had it been. There’s some sharpness to the art—almost the kind of thing that would’ve been carved into wood.

It’s vibrant and I can’t imagine a kid who won’t want to pour over the pictures as much as the story.

So, what did I think about The Legend of the Christmas Witch?

The best way to describe this book is—imagine that the Grimm Brothers wrote a story about where Santa came from as well as telling us about his sister. Now imagine that someone took that Grimm’s Fairy Tale and sanitized it for contemporary kids. That result would be a lot like this. A little dark, a little light…

Because of that tone, I do think that parents/caregivers/etc. should exercise some judgment in who gets to read this one—some of it is going to go over the heads of young ones of a certain age, and some of it could be considered too dark for some little ones. But for the right reader, this take on Santa’s origin is going to be a lot of fun.

I’m glad that I indulged my curiosity, I’m not going to suggest that this filled me with the Christmas spirit or anything, I’m not off to buy the biggest goose for anyone and my heart is the same size as it was before. But when it comes to a reworking of the Santa Myth, this was a very satisfying one.

3 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

Grandpappy’s Corner: Tiny Hands Hymns, Vol. II; Tiny Hands Psalms; and Tiny Hands Apostle’s Creed edited by Hannah Duguid Estes, illustrated by Jessica Hiatt: A Great Set of Starter Devotional Reads

By HCNewton

On December 14, 2025

In Grandpappy's Corner, Theology/Christian Living, YA/MG/Children's Books

Tiny Hands Hymns, Volume II

Tiny Hands Psalms

and

Tiny Hands Apostle’s Creed

edited by Hannah Duguid Estes, illustrated by Jessica Hiatt

DETAILS:
Publisher: P & R Publishing
Publication Date: October 29, 2025
Format: Board Book
Length: 16 pg. (each)
Read Date: November 29, 2025

What are the Tiny Hands About?

This is going to be remarkably like the post I did about the first 3 Tiny Hands books, because these new three are remarkably like them–consistency is good. These are little board books that serve as beginning devotional materials—training wheels for young worshipers, if you will.

Tiny Hands Hymns, Volume II

These are the first stanzas/verses of some of the best hymns around: “Abide with Me,” “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” “Fairest Lord Jesus,” “How Firm a Foundation,” “O Worship the King,” “Rock of Ages,” “Take My Life, and Let It Be,” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”

On the opposite pages are fitting illustrations, with some accent illustrations on the pages with text.

Tiny Hands Psalmss

These are a selection of psalms—translated by Iain Duguid (Professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary)–either the complete psalm or a notable portion.

They include Psalms: 1, 18, 23,334, 51, 100, 121, and 139. The translations are clearly “kidified.” But I think they’re faithful.

Again, opposite each is an appropriate illustration, with some accent illustrations on the pages with text.

Tiny Hands Apostle’s Creed

This is a fairly standard translation of The Apostle’s Creed, split up segment by segment. Yet again, opposite each is an appropriate illustration, with some accent illustrations on the pages with text.

This is probably my favorite of the new bunch–if only because this’ll be one of the easiest for my grandcritters to put into use.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Outside the previous Tiny Hands books, I’ve apparently appreciated Hiatt’s work as a cover designer on a few books (The Wonderful Works of God by Herman Bavinck, Things Unseen by J. Gresham Machen, and Struck Down but Not Destroyed by Pierce Taylor Hibbs), but illustrating board books calls for a slightly different skill set. Still, the illustrations remind me of those covers.

I think these are great. Bright and cheerful, without being cartoonish or silly (I have nothing against those kinds of illustrations, but they’re not fitting for the subjects).

How are they to Read Aloud?

They’re fine—although I can’t imagine that anyone, even those who can’t carry a tune, not singing the hymns instead of reading them. A lot of adults won’t need to actually read the Creed, we have it memorized (although, it’s good to pay attention so the pictures match up.

The translations (I’d be tempted to call them paraphrases, but the books say translations—and I don’t know enough to contradict that) are foreign-feeling for people who are familiar with/have memorized the relevant portions from the AV, ESV, NASB, etc. Once you get past that feeling, there’s nothing about the text that’s difficult or odd to read—and they seem easy enough for young children to comprehend (to some degree).

What did the Grandcritter think of Them?

I haven’t been able to read them to him–he sees this art/format and he assumes it’s the first volume of Hymns and demands to sing some of them–he won’t even give us a chance to go over the new ones, much less the other books. I’m sure I’ll get him to let us eventually. But for now, I can’t answer this.

So, what did I think about the Tiny Hands books?

I think they’re a great idea—and overall, I am pleased with the execution. I do recommend them without hesitation.

I have some questions about some of the technical bits of translation, verse choices, and whatnot—not so much that I have a problem with the books, I’d just like someone good with the original languages to sit down with me and walk through these.

But for a young child? I think they’re well done and would be great resources for regular use.

4 Stars

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Grandpappy’s Corner: That Christmas and Other Stories by Richard Curtis, Rebecca Cobb (Illustrator): Christmas is All Around It and So the Feeling Grows

By HCNewton

On December 11, 2025

In Fiction, Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

That Christmas and Other Stories

by Richard Curtis, Rebecca Cobb (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Puffin Books
Publication Date: August 5, 2025
Format: Hardcover
Length: 128 pg.
Read Date: November 28, 2025

What’s That Christmas and Other Stories About?

Richard Curtis wrote a children’s book, and had such a good time with it (and was inspired by Cobb’s illustrations) that he wrote a couple more. This book brings them all together in one—not unlike the movie Curtis wrote that was released last year called That Christmas. The books differ in important ways from the movie—but I’m not going to talk about that too much. It’s hard because I came to this collection because of it.

The important differences don’t eliminate the core of each story—whichever way you come to them first.

Curtis does write a little introduction for this book which contains a little insight into why he focuses on the holiday:

Quite why I’m so passionate about Christmas is a bit of a mystery to me; I’d already written the film Love Actually, with all its stories set at Christmas. I think the reason is because I’ve always loved Christmas in the simplest of ways — presents, Santa, family — but also it’s a kind of dramatic deadline. Have you been naughty or nice all year? Does the person you’re in love with love you? Are you a happy family or a family falling apart? Christmas is a sort of emotional magnifying glass: it can make sad and difficult times harder, but also make joyful and happy times even happier.

The Empty Stocking

This story focuses on two twin sisters, Charlie and Sam. Charlie is high on Santa’s naughty list, and Sam is very much not. Santa may know who does bad and good, but he apparently doesn’t know anything about context or motivation.

When Santa dis-proportionally distributes gifts to the twins—well, even he learns a little bit.

You just get a warm glow from most of this one.

Snow Day

On a Snow Day, one pupil and one teacher show up for school when no one else does. So they’re stuck together for the day. The student’s a frequent-flyer in detention, the teacher is the strictest in school—neither are looking forward to the day.

It starts out rough, and then ends up with the two finding a bond—one that benefits them both.

It’s silly, fun, and has a little bit of heart. It’s probably the most different from the film version—and I could argue for the superiority of both.

That Christmas

On a small island, the neighbors spend Christmases together in pretty much the same way every year. One year, the adults have to leave together on Christmas Eve, and leave the younger kids in the care of the older ones. Something goes wrong, and the parents can’t return. So the children celebrate Christmas in a very similar way to what they usually do—but with certain improvements (at least in their estimation).

There’s a very nice Linus-at-the-end-of-A-Charlie-Brown-Christmas-moment to this book—without actually quoting anything like Linus did.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

At the beginning, I wasn’t that impressed—I could see some children maybe enjoying it—but I couldn’t say the same. But before the end of the first book, I was on-board. By the end of the collection, I absolutely enjoyed it.

Along the lines of appearance—whoever was in charge of typography and layout did their job very well. Changes in type size and weight, as well as the placement of words on the pag,e were visually pleasing and did a lot to help out with the storytelling and tone.

How is it to Read Aloud?

There’s nothing exceptionally fun about the prose itself, like you often get, but the book is nothing but fun—and the typography I just talked about really helps the reader do that. Adults are going to have a blast with this.

So, what did I think about That Christmas and Other Stories?

I feel like I should say something more, but I just don’t have it in me. I heartily recommend it.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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