Welcome, December! I'm so ready this year for Christmas...or that's what I'm telling myself. They say that the world is often just how we perceive it to be, right? Actually, I do have my tree up, although it's not fully decorated. It always goes up Thanksgiving weekend. I'm going to bake an insane amount of Weihnachtsstollen. For those, who don't know what that is, it's a very traditional, German Christmas bread. This isn't my bread, but this is what it looks like.
Usually, I hit around 15 or so of them. So, my kitchen will be busy. Plus, cookies start now, since we have a running supply in our household the entire Advent season. Yep, it's time to gain weight!
What are you up to this first week of Advent?
On the reading front, I'm going to be doing a dive into Christmas reads, especially on the picture book end. It looks like there's about a dozen of those on my pile. Then, I have a few more fantasy reads than I've had during the last months, a couple nonfiction books, and a few historical. The rest is a mix of directions to spice things up. Oh, and I have an interesting, bilingual series coming in for Chinese/English gurus, which I'm looking forward to. Hmmm...let's just say that I'm going to need these upcoming nights by the fire to keep up with everything.
Here's a quick glance at some of the reads I'm hoping to hit the next weeks.
THE HIDDEN SEA
I'm starting off the month with a little bit of fantasy and, hopefully, a fun adventure. It's the 3rd in the Wildsmith series...and nope, I don't believe I've read either of the other two books. But I'm guessing that won't cause too many issues. I do love the cover and am excited to see what this one holds. Join me on the 1st to explore this world!
Middle Grade Fantasy
BEHIND FIVE WILLOWS
I've read a couple works from this author and have enjoyed her tales. They tend toward historical fiction set in Asia and, so far, have been grabbing while carrying quite a bit of depth and lovely world building. I'm hoping this one isn't any different as it explores a girl, who wants to marry well but finds herself up against difficult rulers, in the middle of intrigue, and facing more danger than she hoped for. There should be a touch of romance as well. I'll be diving into this one on the 3rd.
Young Adult Historical Fiction
ONE NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM
Can't have December without some Christmas goodness! This is an adorable looking board book, and the front cover had me wanting to snuggle up into a blanket on the couch. Yep, that sheep is fuzzy! This one promises tons of wholesome emotions and should bring the meaning of Christmas to the youngest readers out there. I'll be prying this one open on the 7th.
Holiday Board Book
MERRY CHRISTMAS, MY DARLING DEAR
It was the cover which grabbed my attention—so calm and caring. Snuggle-up-in-the-blanket-and-enjoy vibes are beaming from this one, and I'm betting it holds all sorts of goodness. Find out if I'm right or not with me on the 12th.
Picture Book Holiday
ERASED
This last year saw an uptick in science fiction tales (at least, it seemed like it to me). So, I'm not going to miss out on presenting one this month, either. This tale heads into a world of androids, where one grows more human than is allowed. I don't think there are any human characters, which will create an interesting twist. We'll find out more on the 13th.
Young Adult Science Fiction
RIVER OF CROWS
Ready for a portal tale? It's been awhile since I picked up one of these and thought it'd be a nice change-up. Plus, the series looks like it might be quiet grabbing. I'm expecting tons of adventure and tension as well as golden friendship. It definitely promises fantasy, dangerous moments, and unexpected situations. Get ready to enter another world with me on the 15th.
Middle Grade Fantasy
THE GHOST'S GAMBIT
This book is put out by an author, whose works I enjoy. I haven't really taken too much of a look at it, yet....as in, I don't really know what it's about even. But if it's anything like her other works (and the cover tells me it is), it should pack action, hold great world building, and carry nice character depth. I'm really looking forward to seeing what this latest adventure holds and will tell you all about it on the 17th.
Young Adult Fantasy
SECRETS FROM THE NORTH POLE
This should be a fun one for the holidays. It claims to reveal the secrets of the North Pole as a little elf takes readers on a tour and explains all sorts of things, such as the origins of Santa's suit. I'm ready for a little Christmas cheer. So, pick up those mugs of hot chocolate and dive in with me on the 21st.
Holiday Picture Book
LEDGENDARY NINJA OF FEUDAL JAPAN
Can't miss out on some nonfiction goodness, and this read promises to be just that. When I first saw this graphic novel, my brain clicked into action and adventure, BUT it's actually nonfiction and part of a historical series about various warriors from around the world. I'm hoping that this one is as wonderful as it sounds like it might be. After all, I know several young readers who might really enjoy this one. Let's dive into history on the 22nd!
Middle Grade Nonfiction / Graphic Novel
SWEET & SALTY!
Oh, why don't we just close off the list with another nonfiction read? I saw this one and pounced on it, since this would be awesome for that week between Christmas and New Year. Plus, it might hold some great ideas for the New Year's celebration. I'm hoping these recipes are easy to create and hold ingredients, which aren't difficult to get your hands on. Grab those pots and pans because we'll be cooking on the 26th!
Children's Nonfiction / Cookbook
Usually, it's time for my Joker Read, but this month means the end of 2025...which means it's time to look back at the year on Bookworm for Kids.
And choose the 'Best Of' from my reading list!
On the 31st, of course.
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