dear mr. hemingway’s 2020 holiday books & pairings
Candy Cane Licks & Middle Grade Picks
Pumpkin Spice Up Your Life by Suzanne Nelson (Scholastic, Inc.)
I wish Suzanne Nelson’s middle-grade foodie books were around when I was a kid. First crushes, yummy treats, and loveable characters are always a win in my book. Perfect for the middle ones in your life.
From the publisher:“Nadine and Daniel have been best friends pretty much since birth. While she has her music rehearsals and he has his snowboarding, the two of them always make time to meet up at the Snug Mug, where Daniel works, for their catch-ups over pumpkin spice lattes.
But their daily routine is shaken up when a new girl, Kiya, starts at their school. Daniel falls head over heels for Kiya the second he sees her. Which would be fine…if Nadine hadn’t recently realized she might be falling for Daniel herself. Nadine knows she has to find the courage to tell Daniel how she feels, but what if she’s already lost her chance?”
P.S. Pair this delicious treat with a bracelet from Sea Life Vibes. What a gift!
Dog Diaries: Curse of the Mystery Mutt: A Middle School Story by James Patterson with Stephen Butler (Jimmy Patterson)
This is what the kids need this holiday season. Fun and loveable stories that simply bring joy and happiness. James Patterson for the win once again!
From the publisher: “Junior is loving his life with the Khatchadorian family. But his idyllic life soon turns to terror when a mysterious individual begins to make trouble in the neighborhood. It starts with a mysterious howling in the night. And when Junior’s pooch pals realize their favorite toys are missing, things get serious.
Junior thinks he knows what is happening. He’s heard of a mysterious creature called the Howly Wiener that visits town once a year and fills the street with monsters. With only a few days until the Night of the Howly Wiener, can Junior come up with a plan to protect himself and his pooch pals and stop the mischief for good?”
P.S. Pair this middle-grade wonder with a reusable water bottle from GoGo Refill. Say no to plastic and yes to kids reading!
Doodleville by Chad Sell (Knopf)
Chad Sell’s new graphic novel is sure to please. Fantastic graphics and loveable characters definitely put this in the read again pile. Place a bow on the beauty and put it in the hands of your favorite kiddo this holiday season.
From the publisher: “Drew is just a regular artist. But there’s nothing ordinary about her art. Her doodles are mischievous…and rarely do they stay in Doodleville, the world she’s created in her sketchbook. Instead, Drew’s doodles prefer to explore the world outside. But after an inspiring class trip to the Art Institute of Chicago–where the doodles cause a bit <too< i=””> much trouble–Drew decides it’s time to take her artistic talents to the next level. </too<>
Enter the Leviathan–Levi, for short. He’s bigger and better than anything Drew has ever created before. He’s a monster, but a friendly one. That is until Levi begins to wreak havoc on Drew’s other doodles–and on the heroes, her classmates have dreamt up.
Levi won’t be easily tamed, and it seems there is a link between the monster’s bad behavior and Drew’s feelings. With the help of her loyal art club friends, will she be able to save Doodleville–and Levi–before it’s too late?”
P.S. Take a quick break from reading with Double Drop from Rainbow Toys. I bet you can’t get that ball in the hole!!!! Wicked cute pairing.
Dear Mr. Hemingway’s 2020 Holiday Books & Pairings
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