Favorite Christmas Stories?

Every December, my family gets out all of our Christmas books, and I read the picture books to my little brothers (who aren't little at all anymore, at 12 and 15!) and go through "The Best Christmas Stories Ever," ideally with some Christmas music playing in the background. I was just thinking this morning how I haven't read any of these yet this year, and that tonight would be a good night to curl up with a blanket and some hot chocolate and The Gift of the Magi or Eloise at Christmastime--my two favorites, if I had to choose.

What are some of your favorite Christmas stories?

Book Angels

Thanks to everyone who came to help us wrap last night! There are lots of packages under our tree now for the kids at Klingberg. There are still many names on the tree, though, so if you haven't had a chance to stop by, there's still time! We'll make sure they all get wrapped and delivered.

Valentine's Day Books

Looking for a book to give your valentine? We have several options for you.

A few of my favorites:

Pat the Bunny: Bunny Kisses is a touch-and-feel board book, with a button that makes a kissing noise when you press it. Very sweet!

Fancy Nancy Loves, Loves, Loves!, by Jane O'Connor, is a reusable sticker book featuring everyone's cherished (that's a fancy word for favorite) fancy girl, Nancy.



Hug Time, by Patrick McDonnell, was just published in November. It tells the story of a kitten who was "so filled with love he wanted to give the whole world a hug."


Another one I like is I Like You, by Sandol Stoddard Warburg, an ode to best friends of all ages. "I like you because..." the book begins, and lists reason after reason, ending finally with "I guess I just like you because I like you."

Holiday Stroll

Mark your calendars for Friday's Holiday Stroll through the Watch Factory Shoppes. The Alphabet Garden, The Funky Monkey, Peddler's Corner, Picture Framer, and Toyz will all be participating with special events and/or discounts.

The Alphabet Garden will be open until 10 PM with 15% off everything in stock. Join us from 6-9 PM for a gift-wrapping party inspired by the Main Street series by Ann M. Martin. Scholastic has donated books that you can help us wrap. We will then donate the books to a charity that you can help choose. (Leave a comment here with your suggestion, or call (203) 439-7766.) At 8 PM we will draw the winner of the Julie Albright American Girl doll.

Plan to come and enjoy the festivities with us!