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

The Main Line Mutt [HC]

SKU 978-1-61599-791-6
$28.95
Maggie Dog Learns Her True Worth
1
Product Details
UPC: 978-1-61599-790-9
Brand: Loving Healing Press
Binding: Hardcover
Audiobook: Audible, iTunes
Edition: 1st
Author: Nancy M. Schwarz
Pages: 24
Publication Date: 02/01/2024

The Main Line Mutt is a Heartwarming Tale of a Mixed Breed Dog Named Maggie

"When Maggie moves to a new upscale neighborhood, she encounters the snobbishness of the purebred dogs, who all look down on her because she is a mutt. Maggie attends a big dog show but can't enter as a contestant because she isn't purebred. Through her warmth and charm, she manages to win the hearts of the judges, and a blue ribbon for 'best of all breeds.' Afterwards, all the other dogs become much friendlier. The colorful illustrations capture the feeling of the text, with attention to the expressions of the dogs and people. A touching story about what really matters in life." -- Douglas Florian, author/illustrator of Poetrees

"The Main Line Mutt is a delightful story with a heartwarming message. Children will enjoy the storyline and the illustrations and adults will enjoy the humor and the lesson of the story. Talented writers, Nancy and Michael Schwartz, bring their love of dogs, combined with their compassion, to create an inspiring tale." -- Susie Garber, writer and literacy coach, grades 1-12

"The Main Line Mutt is a wonderful story about accepting differences. Learning to be confident in oneself and kind to others are qualities that should be nurtured in this increasingly complex world. This book presents a wonderful opportunity to share just how special it is to be loved and appreciated for all one is and all that one can become." -- Liz Mennig, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction (retired)

"What a wonderful book! I love how it celebrates Maggie's uniqueness! It's important to remember that being different is OK and to respect oneself, as well as others. Self-confidence comes from self-love and feelings of worth and value. " -- Noriko Lovasz, B.A., M.S.M., receptionist at Great Valley Pet Hotel

"The Main Line Mutt will be enjoyed by both animal lovers and those who do not have pets. The book provides an opportunity for young children to think about friendships, rejection and the effects of moving from their home. It is an excellent jumping-off point for discussion about these topics." -- Dr. Elizabeth Girshick, Licensed Psychologist

From Loving Healing Press www.LHPress.com

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