As a former second-grade teacher, part-time librarian, and mother who has read a kajillion books to her seven children over the years I know a good children's book when I see one.
Apparently so do my two youngest daughters. When the book arrived they both (ages 14 and 12) sat down to read it. They are huge fans of Donita K. Paul's Dragonspell books so figured this would be good too.
What a sweet story! The Dragon and the Turtle reminds me of a Franklin book - same gentle tone, same good lessons. Beautifully illustrated, the story addresses the topic of friendship. Turtle is lost and his new Dragon friend helps him find the way home.
The Dragon and the Turtle is first in a series. Dragon and Turtle Go on Safari is the next installment. Kids can find out more about Dragon and Turtle at their website. To learn more about Mrs. Paul visit her website.
I originally planned to use this book as a gift, but might save it for grandchildren, which might be awhile since Andrew and Rachel just got married last May and aren't in any hurry to honor his sister's requests to make them aunties.
If you need a gift for a young child or want a break from reading Arthur, Berenstain Bears, Clifford, or Franklin books to the little people in your life, you might want to give this book a try.
Waterbrook Multnomah has a Dragon and Turtle contest to "send your child on safari". The Grand Prize includes: --A child size tent --2 sleeping bags --Campfire treats --Safari tools (compass, flashlight, and spy glass) --Stuffed animals --Copies of "The Dragon and the Turtle" and "The Dragon and the Turtle Go On Safari" 2 runners up will receive a copy of each book and a stuffed animal. Go HERE to enter. (Contest ends Feb. 11, 2011) Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book from Waterbrook/Multnomah Press in exchange for my honest review.
If you're feeling extra nice today, you can rate my review for the good folks at Waterbrook.
My friend Lori’s suggestion that I try The Blogging for Books program from Waterbrook/Multnomah Press sounded like a win-win situation. I like to read, blog, and write, and I certainly like free books. Especially since our local library has a small selection of Christian fiction and definitely not much from the current century.
Hopefully you’ll read the review because you like me.
I chose Two Tickets to a Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul because I loved her Dragon Flight books which were a wonderful fantasy series chock full of wisdom, humor, and spiritual nuggets. I wondered how a fantasy writer would handle a romantic novella.
She did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed this charming book.
For starters, the cover with its rich colors, embossed letters, and playful font is beautiful and inviting.
It’s a little something out of the ordinary, a Christian fairytale full of hope and divine intervention. This light-hearted read blends faith, romance, Christmas magic, friendship, and fantasy with a touch of Cinderella elements.
Two Tickets is a novella, therefore not a deep, many layered, fully-developed story. Think quick, fun, and fluffy.
Anything can happen in this clever tale of magical matchmakers, an unlikely couple, two tickets, and a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.
So now you have to watch this video trailer. It's only 31 seconds which is enough time for two good sneezes.
The story opens when Cora Crowder and Simon Derrick bump into each other “by chance” at a quaint bookstore on a hard-to-find Sage street that is sometimes there and sometimes isn’t.
Cora and Simon worked in the same office for years but never really noticed each other until they find themselves at the mercy of a group of determined matchmakers who have decided the clueless couple needs a little help in the romance department.
Estranged from her dysfunctional family, cautious Cora lives an orderly life alone with her cat Skippy. She struggles to love and forgive her family, whom she calls, "Tomorrow's Sorrows because whatever they choose today inevitably ends up being something they regret tomorrow."
Like many people Cora wrestles with how to reconcile worldly Christmas traditions with her Christian beliefs. She seeks to understand what Christmas is really all about, wanting to develop her own traditions and find the “right way” to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Simon happens to be Cora's boss. He is focused, no-nonsense, and diligent, rarely taking time to "notice" his employees. Though serious and anti-social at work, he is kind at home and puts his family's needs before his own. Simonlives with his multi-generational family including his delightful sister Sandy who has Downs Syndrome.
Unusual circumstances and interesting characters teach Simon and Cora valuable lessons as they see that God definitely works in some mysterious ways.
Good quote: "It takes a man a while to get his head around the fact that love makes you stronger, not weaker." – Sandy
Conclusion:
Two Tickets makes for a cozy read on a cold winter's night. Whether you’re a read by the fireplace, or read in the tub, or read in bed kind of person, I highly recommend adding it to your Christmas reading list. It also would make a nice gift, maybe even for someone in your family, and then you could read it too. :)
Disclaimer - I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in return for this review. I am not obliged to say nice things about it unless I really mean them.
