HEATHER PIERCE STIGALL
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BOOK REVIEW: IT’S THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS

12/26/2025

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​December 26th is the first day of the 12 days of Christmas. Some people celebrate with a partridge in a pear tree, but how does Santa celebrat? He must be tired after staying up all night delivering  gifts to everyone else. Does he do anything special? Mac Barnett and Syndey Smith answer that question in:
​TITLE: SANTA’S FIRST CHRISTMAS
AUTHOR: Mac Barnett
ILLUSTRATOR: Sydney Smith
PUBLISHER: Viking, 2024
OPENING LINES:
In the old days, Santa didn’t have Christmas.
All year he made toys at the North Pole, which he loaded up in his sleigh each Christmas Eve, then flew all over the world to place under trees.
When he got home, he slept.
And when he woke up Christmas morning, he went back to work.
That’s it.
Picture
In “the old days” the only thing Santa did that was special on Christmas was to sleep in an extra half hour? Poor Santa! That changes when a polar bear and some elves treat Santa to his very first Christmas, complete with a tree, lights, decorations, presents, and a feast. Much better! This adorably told picture book is full of adorable illustrations to match. I’ll be pulling this one out every Christmas from now on.
 
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BOOK REVIEW: NATIONAL DAY OF GIVING

12/3/2025

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​Today’s recommendation is all about giving – giving shelter to those in need:
Picture
​TITLE: JUST ENOUGH ROOM FOR CHRISTMAS
AUTHOR: Robin Currie
ILLUSTRATOR: Estelle Corke
PUBLISHER: Good Books, 2025
OPENING LINES:
Old Hannah, the milk cow, lived in a small Bethlehem barn, with just enough room for one.
One night a cold blew. Old Hanah heard a knock. A traveler called:
“Old Hannah, Old Hannah, let my horse in, please!
Your barn is so warm and out here, he will freeze.”
It was a small barn for Old Hannah, but just enough room for two.
This cumulative story tells the tale of a milk cow who receives several visitors on a cold night long ago. No matter how many visitors knock at her door, she and her guests make room for one more, even a newborn infant. Young readers will enjoy the repeated refrain, building tension, unique point of view, and darling illustrations in this Christmas story with themes of kindness and generosity.
 
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    About Heather

    Heather is a busy wife and mom of five rambunctious children and one lovable pup They all provide lots of distractions, but oodles of inspiration.  Sometimes the pictures and ideas in her head turn into her own children's stories, but she always makes time to read other people's books. Sometimes she reviews them here.

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  • Books
    • GILBERT & THE GHOST
    • PAISLEY'S BIG BIRTHDAY
    • PAISLEY'S BIG FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
  • About
    • Meet Heather
    • Press Kit
  • Appearances
    • Author Visits
    • Events & News
  • Resources
    • For Writers
    • For Educators & Readers
  • Ramblings & Reviews
  • Contact