Midwest Book Review on “Holidays With a Tail”

Holidays with a Tail: A Tale of Winter Celebrations” is multicultural holiday story that appeals to culturally diverse juvenile audiences.

Written experienced elementary school teacher, Kelly Bouldin Darmofal, Holidays with a Tail begins the story with Alex on Christmas Eve, after having just moved from the suburbs to the city. Alex had wished for a Christmas gift of a puppy to play with. The next day brings one new surprise after another. Being Episcopalian, Alex celebrated Christian traditions in December, and he was overjoyed to find a puppy-sized box with holes in the lid for his present. Out popped Zipper, his new adorable golden puppy, his special Christmas gift.

The next day, when grandparents came bringing more Christmas gifts, Zipper surprised Alex by running out the door and into the snowy night. This begins a wonderful tale of exploration of ways different folk with different religious traditions celebrate the midwinter time of Solstice.

Zipper leads Alex and his mom, Katy on an exploration and traveling tour of festivities and homes, including four different families celebrating the Jewish Hanukkah, the Hindu Dwali, the Latina las Posadas, and the African American Kwanzaa. Each resident kindly explains the symbols and reasons for their celebrations, along with special foods and candle lighting customs and their significance.

Alex and Katy reclaim Zipper and eventually return to their home to celebrate Christmas dinner with their family and their special foods and gifts.

“Holidays with a Tail: A Tale of Winter Celebrations” is the perfect vehicle to explain to young children the wonderful richness and significance of different holiday celebration traditions for different cultures, peoples, and religions.

Read the original review on MBR


Holidays With a Tail: A Tale of Winter Celebrations
Kelly Bouldin Darmofal, author
Brad A. Calhoun, illustrator
Loving Healing Press
5145 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
www.LovingHealing.com
9781615996155, $17.95 PB, $29.95 HC, $4.95 Kindle, 34pp

Parker and Bandit [PB]

SKU 979-8-89656-018-0
$17.95
1
Product Details
UPC: 979-8-89656-018-0
Brand: Loving Healing Press
Binding: Paperback
Grade Level or Age Range: 5 - 8 yrs
Audiobook: Audible, iTunes
Edition: 1st
Author: Jennifer Bonn
Illustrator: Bijan Sammadar
Pages: 24
Publication Date: 02/01/2025

Parker and Bandit tells the story of a bond that exists between a boy and his dog. Parker and Bandit were born a week apart, and they had a connection from the start. When Parker was a baby, Bandit hovered near him to protect him, and, as Parker grew, he and Bandit were constant companions. This story underscores the connection and the power of an animal in our lives.

"I enjoyed the narrative of this beautiful story. It easily carried me through. It is a perfect bedtime story. The author conveys the important connection between a child and an animal." -- Kimberly Tucker, aircraft mechanic

"This is a touching story about a little boy and his dog! Parker and Bandit, a border collie, form a strong bond from birth and are the best of friends. This book gives children a glimpse of how animals can be soothing companions." -- Kathy Bridges, librarian

"Another gem from Jennifer Bonn! This time, she shares the unique bond between her young grandson, Parker, and their border collie, Bandit. With charming insight, she reveals the caring relationship that develops from birth between boy and puppy as they explore their world together. Absolutely another must read for anyone who has ever loved a child!" -- Donna Wood, English teacher

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Parker and Bandit [PB]

 

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