dear mr. hemingway’s 2020 holiday books & pairings
Picture Books Surprise All Those Tiny Little Eyes

Chowder Rules!: The True Story of an Epic Food Fight by Anna Crowley Redding and Vita Lane (Islandport Press)
Anything this Maine author writes is an absolute treasure. The kiddos will devour this yummy tale about clam chowder. Let’s not forget how extraordinary the illustrations are by the talented Vita Lane. Such a treat for the little ones.
From the publisher: “Maine lawmaker Cleveland Sleeper loved steamy, creamy, dreamy clam chowder. Thoughts of tomatoes in his chowder made him see red. So he proposed a bill to make it a crime to add tomatoes to clam chowder. New Yorkers were offended A war of words raged until finally, a duel of chefs settled the matter once and for all. The story behind the great chowder cook-off of 1939 is told by author Anna Redding with gusto, humor, and, of course, good taste.”
P.S. Natural play-doh from Bella Luna Toys truly pairs magically with this gorgeous gem of a book.
Over in a Stable by Suzanne Nelson and Aleksandar Zolotic (Zonderkidz)
Can you say GORGEOUS picture book? If you celebrate Christmas or just want to learn the story of baby Jesus…here you go. Stunning and accessible to all those little minds! Love it!
From the publisher: “Children ages 4 to 8 will enjoy counting aloud from one little drummer boy to ten little children.
Over in a Stable
- Features vibrant illustrations from artist Aleksandar Zolotic, showing the animals and people who gathered to celebrate the arrival of baby Jesus on that miraculous night in Bethlehem
- Is a great book for use at church or school services
- Makes a perfect Advent or Christmas gift
Over in a stable, though the hour was growing late, grazed one mother sheep and her fleecy lambs eight.
“Give,” said the mother. “We give,” said the eight.
And they gave their hay to make a bed to rest a King so great.
With a shiny cover that features glitter accents, Over the Stable is a treasured picture book your family will cherish for many years.”
P.S. What could be cuter than pairing reindeer ear muffs from Treehouse Toys with this book?
The Crayon’s Christmas by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers (Penguin Workshop)
I LOVE THIS BOOK. My kids still get a kick out of all Daywalt’s crayon books (and they are teens and tweens). Who doesn’t love a crayon? AND, if a crayon comes to life…even better. Plan on reading this book over and over and over again to your little one. It is a keeper.
From the publisher: “Tis the season for all of us to write our holiday wishlists. But everyone–even the crayons–knows the best presents are the ones that you give. In this unique book, readers get to see how Duncan, the crayons, and their families celebrate the holidays. With real, folded letters from the Crayons that you can pull from their envelopes and read, games, punch-out ornaments, a poster, and a pop-up tree, this book is the perfect gift for fans of The Day the Crayons Quit< and The Day the Crayons Came Home.”
P.S. Pair this incredible book with a READ TO ME t-shirt from Book Chick T-Shirts. As I said, this book will be read over and over again!
Dear Mr. Hemingway’s 2020 Holiday Books & Pairings
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