The first book that would make a lovely gift is the fourth book in the Becoming America Series. The Dreams of Singers and Sluggers (Becoming America’s Stories Book 4) by Antoinette Truglio Martin
About the book
Lily has to do EVERYTHING. She bakes Daily Bread, minds her thumb-sucking little sister, hangs laundry on the roof, and keeps up with home chores her big sisters list. She even fetched a nurse from the Henry Street Settlement to save Mama and the new baby. Now the bossy public health nurse, who visits each day to attend to somber Mama and the bawling baby, sends Lily on errands throughout the Little Italy streets.
Things turn around when Lillian Ward, the Henry Street Settlement head nurse, hears Lily’s powerful voice, she invites Lily to sing in the Children’s Choir. Lily sneaks to the choir and the forbidden play yard with tag-along Gigi on Wednesday afternoons. Her schemes unfold when she needs permission to sing with the choir at the New York Highlanders Fourth of July baseball game at Hilltop Park. The Yanks need a morale booster, and Lily and the choir may be the ticket to keep fans cheering and buying beer, Cracker Jack and ice cream. More trouble arises when a mean girl wants Lily’s solo, and the “Black Hand” terrorizes the neighborhood.
One of the early reviews for the book
Also by Antoinette Truglio Martin
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Read more reviews: Goodreads – Website: Stories Served – Blog: Stories Served Blog – Facebook: Antoinette Truglio Martin – Twitter: @StoriesServed – Linkedin: LinkedIn
The next great gift idea is the latest children’s book from D.L. Finn – Tree Fairies and Their Short Stories
About the book
When reality and magic meet in the forest
It’s 1969, and twelve-year-old Daniel Burns is camping in the redwood forest with his family. Danny wants to listen to his music and read, but his family has other plans. S’mores around the campfire and stories end their first day. The family is sleeping soundly in their secluded tent when Danny wakes up and finds his sister, Colette, is missing. Assuming she went to use the outhouse, he goes after her. When he finds his sister, they discover there is a thin veil between reality and fantasy. Two bonus short stories offer a glimpse into the magical world that finds Danny and Colette. These hidden beings not only share our world but have a role in protecting their forest.
One of the recent reviews for the book
I’ve enjoyed getting to know this author and her writing style through social media, so I knew I was in for a treat when I read Tree Fairies and Their Short Stories. Author D.L. Finn introduced me to an enchanting and magical world, one that I hadn’t experienced in decades. Although classified as a Middle Grade level read, this book carries a beautiful message for young and old alike. This book came at a perfect time when I needed an escape and a little magic. It was a delightful read!
Other children’s books by D.L. Finn and for adults in the Cafe and Bookstore
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow D.L. Finn: Goodreads – Connect to D.L. Finn – Website: D.L. Finn Author – Facebook: D.L. Finn Author – Twitter: @dlfinnauthor
The next author Darlene Foster has a wonderful travel series and here is Amanda in Malta: The Sleeping Lady.
About the book
Amanda receives a postcard from her best friend, Leah, and is surprised to learn that she is in Malta with her aunt. Reading between the lines, she senses Leah is in trouble. Desperate to help her, Amanda travels to Malta with her classmate Caleb and his parents.
Amanda is intrigued by this exotic island in the middle of the Mediterranean, full of colourful history, sun-drenched limestone fortresses, stunning beaches and fascinating birds. But…who is killing the protected birds? Who stole a priceless artifact from the museum? And why is Leah acting so strange? She couldn’t possibly be involved in these illegal activities, or could she?
Join Amanda and her friends as they visit ancient temples, an exciting falconry and the enchanting Popeye Village, as they try to get to the bottom of the mystery of the Sleeping Lady.
A recent review for for the book on Goodreads
An exciting mystery for children in a fascinating location
Amanda in Malta is Book 8 in the Amanda Travels series, and it is a great mix of mystery, adventure, travel and history.
I think this series is a brilliant concept, allowing young people to learn about wonderful places around the world while developing their reading at the same time. It’s sure to inspire an interest in travel, and each book in the series can be read as a standalone novel.
Amanda is a twelve-year-old girl who receives a strange letter from her friend Leah. Leah is visiting Malta with her aunt, and seems to be in trouble. Then a friend invites Amanda to travel there on vacation. The adventure plays out around the most interesting historic and tourist sites in Malta, so for the reader it’s almost as good as really being there. Tensions rise when a tiny Neolithic statue, The Sleeping Lady, is stolen from the museum.
This is an enjoyable mystery that young people will love. Amanda and her friends are courageous and daring, always willing to head into danger, and the story is a real page-turner. The historic and tourist sites are brilliantly woven into the action, and are integral to the most dramatic scenes.
I was very interested in this book, having visited Malta on a cruise about four years ago. It was a pleasure to visit again through Amanda’s eyes, and learn so much more about it.
Although suited for children aged 9 – 12, it would also be excellent for anyone learning English or trying to improve their literacy. it’s an easy and enjoyable read, so would be a great choice for reluctant readers. The whole series would be a good gift idea for children of the right age.
This is the sort of story that ticks all the boxes, helping to inspire a love of reading in children as well as expanding their general knowledge. I give it a resounding five stars.
A selection of other books by Darlene Foster
Find out more about Darlene’s books and read the reviews: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Website/Blog: Darlene Foster WordPress – Goodreads: Goodreads – Twitter: @supermegawoman
Now for a review a book for younger children by Miriam Hurdle – Tina Lost in a Crowd.
About the book
Tina invited her friend Erica to attend a popular Tchaikovsky’s Spectacular concert on a summer evening with her parents. During the intermission, her dad left the seat to buy some snacks. Tina and Erica followed him wanting to use the restroom. The shoving crowd pushed them away, and they lost sight of him. It would be impossible to fight through the 18,000 people to find him or go back to Tina’s mom. What would the girls do?
This story tells about what happened to Tina and Erica after they got lost. Children can adapt to the learning from different situations they may observe or encounter. Adults could have discussions with the children about the situations to help them develop problem-solving skills.
A recent review for the book
Tina and her friend Erica go to the Hollywood Bowl with Tina’s parents to listen to a classical music concert and watch fireworks. During the intermission, on the way to the restrooms, Tina and Erica get lost. Thankfully, Tina remembers some words of wisdom and all ends well. This is a cute story appropriate for preschoolers and young readers, and it shares some excellent advice for kids if they ever get separated from their caregivers. The language is accessible and the illustrations are delightful. It made me want to visit the Hollywood Bowl!
Head over to buy the book: Amazon US – And:Amazon UK
Also by Miriam Hurdle for adults
Read the reviews and buy the books:Amazon US – And:Amazon UK – – Goodreads: Miriam Hurdle – Blog: The Showers of Blessings – Twitter: @mhurdle112
Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books…thanks Sally.
More wonderful choices for Christmas shopping. Toni x
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks very much Toni ♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Smorgasbord Christmas Book Fair – #Children – #History Antoinette Truglio Martin, #Fairies D.L. Finn, #Adventure Darlene Foster, #Safety Miriam … | Ace Sales & Authors News
Lovely reviews for wonderful writers! Thank you for spotlighting these beauties, Sally. 💗
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks very much Gwen…♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for including Amanda on this list, and Toni’s fabulous review. A great selection of books that would make wonderful gifts for the youngsters on your list. (and the not so young but young at heart!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pleasure Darlene.. delighted to share…hugsx
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is a wonderful gathering of books, Sally! Congrats to these authors! I’m especially thrilled to see D.L. Finn’s Tree Fairy book featured. I highly recommend it for all ages! Thank you for sharing and congrats to these authors!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks Jan.. and agree with you Denise’s book is a delight… ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jan xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Terrific selections, Sally. Thank you
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you John…hugsx
LikeLiked by 2 people
HI Sally, four lovely books for children. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Robbie… have you a date for Sir Chocolate’s move away from Amazon or will they still be available before Christmas so I can include in the book fair? hugs x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Sally, it is only the ebooks that are coming off Amazon and not the paperbacks. They will still have an Amazon presence. Only three of the ebooks are currently available anyway due to some of Amazon’s policy changes with regards to ebooks. I would like to have them featured if you are okay with that. They are also available at a better price from TSL Publications and as books from Lulu.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the update Robbie..I will feature in the Christmas book fair on 2nd December so time for the print books to arrive..hugsxx
LikeLike
Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for sharing Michael…hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing another great list of wonderful books, Sally! I had my nose in some of them, and they are wonderful to read. I am not the earliest bird in this, but it would be a pleasure to read. xx Michael
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks Michael and glad you have enjoyed them.. a little escapism does us all good.. hugsxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really enjoyed both Tree Fairies & Other Stories and Tina Lost in a Crowd and would definitely recommend them to others. I’ll check out the other books you listed. Thanks for sharing them, Sally! 🙂
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks Yvette for your recommendation for Denise and Miriam.. agree with you… hugsx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Yvette xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Looks like a great selection for a certain age group.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks Craig… a time to get them hooked on good stuff..xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a great series you do, books for the holidays. Thanks for sharing these. There are a few there–I so enjoyed.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Jacqui.. I always feel cheered up when the Christmas book fair begins… xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
The Christmas season is officially here, Sally. Fun to see these lovely kids books featured, and congrats to the authors on the wonderful reviews. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks very much Diana..enjoy the rest of the weekend..hugsx♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
You too, Sally.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for these wonderful gift selections!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pingback: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up 21st – 27th November 2021 – Thanksgiving, Relationship WrapUp, Toto, Christmas Book Fair, Book Reviews, Memories and Humour | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
Great books and authors! Sharing and wishing everyone A Very Merry Christmas! 🎄
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Bette.. My Maine coming up in the next week or so..hugsx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Sally! 🎄 Holiday hugs & kisses!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for featuring my book along with other wonderful children’s books, Sally. Diana did a beautiful review of Tina Lost in a Crowd. The Christmas shopping has started. 🙂
LikeLiked by 4 people
My pleasure Miriam and I am sure you had an amazing holidays with your family..♥♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
We had lots of fun with the little ones, Sally! It’s too quiet after they’re gone. But Christmas is coming up very soon and we’ll be heading their way! ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
So pleased you had a wonderful time Miriam and as you say not long until Christmas…♥♥
LikeLike
A wonderful selection of books today at the bookfair Sal. I just finished Denise’s Tree Fairies and throughly enjoyed. Congrats to Miriam, Denise, Darlene and Antoinette. ❤
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks Debby and for adding your recommendation for Denise’s book.. I enjoyed it very much..♥♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Debby xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hugs xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, some great Christmas reads, I can recommend D.L Finn’s Tree Fairies, Darlene Foster’s Amanda in Malta, Miriam Hurdle’s Songs of Heartstrings, and Tina Lost In A Crowd. Great choices!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks Marje.. I agree amazing books and delighted to share..enjoy the week..hugs ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sally and you too. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Marje xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful lineup of books, authors, and reviews. Congrats to Miriam, Denise, Darlene, and Antoinette. Thanks for sharing, Sally. Hugs 💕🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks very much Harmony… delighted to share everyone’s books in the run up to Christmas.. it makes me feel festive…♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful selection. My best to all the authors. Thanks, Sally.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks very much Staci…hugsxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great selection, Sally. Wishing these authors all the best.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Joan and have a good week..hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such lovely reviews and books. I think I would enjoy Denise Finn’s tree fairies book. ❤
LikeLiked by 3 people
I am sure you would Colleen.. I loved it..♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for including the tree fairies in this great list of books to put under the tree this year. Hugs xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure Denise…hugsx
LikeLike
Fantastic authors. Great choices for readers. Thanks for sharing, Sally.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Beem.. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
More wonderful suggestions for Christmas books. Congratulations to all the authors featured. What talent there is, Sally. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much Judith..♥
LikeLiked by 1 person