A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time
by Mary Pope Osborne
Join Jack and Annie on a magical journey back to the foggy streets of Victorian London in A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time. In this enchanting Merlin Mission, the time-traveling siblings are tasked with a high-stakes mission: they must help the legendary author Charles Dickens! When they discover that the famous writer has been thrown in jail and is on the verge of giving up, Jack and Annie must use their magic and a little help from three familiar ghosts to change the course of history. This historical holiday story puts a clever twist on the classic A Christmas Carol, making it a perfect read for the festive season.
This book is an ideal choice for young readers who enjoy blending history with fantasy. As part of the more challenging Merlin Mission series, it offers a richer vocabulary and a more complex plot than the earlier Magic Tree House books, making it great for children who are ready to level up their reading skills. Parents will appreciate the educational value of introducing children to literary history and the importance of empathy and social justice, all wrapped in a fast-paced adventure. It is a wonderful gift for fans of mystery, time travel, and heartwarming holiday tales.
Highlights:
- A creative reimagining of Charles Dickens' life and his most famous work.
- Engaging blend of historical facts about Victorian England and magical elements.
- Promotes themes of kindness, generosity, and the power of storytelling.
- Perfect for transitional readers looking for more depth in their chapter books.
Happy Narwhalidays
by Ben Clanton
Dive into the world-wide waters for a festive celebration with everyone's favorite underwater duo! In Happy Narwhalidays, the fifth installment of this beloved series, Narwhal is bursting with his signature good cheer and a craving for warm waffles. He is particularly excited to spread the word about the legendary Merry Mermicorn—a magical creature that is part mermaid and part unicorn. While Narwhal is ready to celebrate, his best friend Jelly is a bit more skeptical about the holiday spirit and the existence of mermicorns, at least until a mysterious gift arrives to change his mind.
This early graphic novel is perfect for children who love funny animal adventures and are just beginning to explore independent reading. The book is structured into three short, accessible stories that blend humor with heart, making it an ideal choice for readers interested in transitioning from traditional picture books to longer formats. Beyond the stories, young readers will enjoy the inclusion of fun ocean facts and silly jokes that keep the engagement high from start to finish. It is a wonderful tool for teaching the joys of working together and the incredible power of imagination.
Highlights:
- Features a charming and hilarious dynamic between the optimistic Narwhal and the practical Jelly.
- Includes educational ocean facts and interactive joke pages to keep kids entertained.
- Perfect for fans of Dog Man and The Bad Guys who are looking for a gentler entry into graphic novels.
- Encourages creativity and kindness through the lens of holiday traditions.