I know I am a little late with the Christmas theme, but I had, had this one saved and wanted so much to share it with you. I think it’s a classic!
“The Worst Twelve Days of Christmas”
Author: Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
Illustrated by: Ryan Wood
Published by: Abrama Books for Young Readers New York 2011
Ages: 4 and up
Theme: Christmas, tolerance, siblings, patience,
Opening Lines: It was Joy’s sixth Christmas, but it would be Sam’s first Joy knew this year would surely be the worst.
Synopsis: From the front flap of the book.. Joy tries to enjoy the holiday, but her new little brother drools on the ornaments and ruins the presents, eats all the cookies and smashes the snowmen, and wreaks havoc on what’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. Joy’s patience runs down as the baby’s mishaps pile up. But a sweet Christmas surprise may help her find her holiday spirit… In this hilarious reworking of the classic carol “ The Twelve Days of Christmas,” readers will sing along with Joy and her brother as they celebrate the holiday together.
Why I like it: Oh my! The joys of a new baby brother, and at Christmas time. This reminded me so much of the large age gap between my youngest of two brothers and myself…. 12 years. Although a much larger gap than this books, Joy and her brother, I can see how frustrated she must have become. I guess for me it was easier. I just ensured everything was out-of-the-way of tiny hands or otherwise kept a watchful eye. Sudipta has cleverly worked what is a popular Christmas song, into this picture book story, and many will love reading it aloud at their favourite time of year. Kids will laugh at the mishaps and join along singing to the repetitive count down. But it is that special moment in a baby’s life that melts any heart, which brings a special touch to Joy’s Christmas. You will have to grab a copy to find out what that is…lol. A great way to encourage counting as well as reading, Ryan’s big bright illustrations catch the eye. Done with pencil and computer, those big eyes captures the expressions well . He also uses swirling and sometimes exaggerated lines in his illustrations to give depth. I can see this book being read in the classroom as well as around the Christmas tree at home. Great entertainment.
Resources: Sudipta’s website gives you a wonderful insight into this book along with her other books she has written. Also a trailer and colouring pages….. http://www.sudipta.com/Worst_Twelve_Days_of_Christmas.html
Sudipta also speaks out to writers on Tara Lazer’s blog, about what to do with your writing ideas….. http://taralazar.com/2012/12/07/post-piboidmo-day-7-sudipta-bardhan-quallen/
Here are some great Christmas decorations for kids to make. Save this website for next time… http://pinterest.com/noona5/christmas-ornaments-for-kids-to-make/
Fun colouring pages and other crafts for Christmas at this website…. http://www.kidspot.co.nz/slideshow/Free-Christmas-Colouring-Pages+17.htm
For more books with resources please head on over and visit the lovely author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with the books reviewed by many authors.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
You made it — two hours and 10 minutes before midnight! What a great share Diane. I played the video and laughed out loud. Very cute idea for a book. Liked the Kirkus review on the author’s page.
LOL… yes I made it here, but missed Susanna’s blog…
So glad you liked it. Such a fun look at how a stinky little sibling can put a damper on Christmas. But it has a cute ending. Can just see you laughing at this one…lol.
Looks like some fun illustrations, I hope my library has it!
I hope so too. You will love it Julie.
Yep! They do!
I’m happy, or should I say JOYful!, to see another Christmas book! You can never have too many Christmas books. This one looks really cute. I think I tend to be a lot like Sam around Christmas decorations. Playing with the ornaments, drooling on angels, knocking things off the tree with my tail. I’m always hearing my name called very loudly. But it’s all so much fun! I need to check out this book. Thanks!
Hi rhythm, I can just imagine your tail getting in the way and you drooling on the angels… my, my! I think someone will get a kick out of reading this….lol.
Cool Julie!
This sounds delightful, Diane! And I am totally wondering what the special moment is! The first time he smiles… at Joy? Or his first steps – toward Joy? I guess I’ll have to read to find out 🙂 It sounds like a hilarious book, though! I love Sudipta’s work. And you are not the only one who is having trouble letting go of Christmas 🙂 There were at least 2 other Christmas books on the list this week. Thanks for sharing this one 🙂
Ahhhh…. if you check out Sudipta’s website it gives the ending away…lol. It was the non posting on the 21st that did it…lol. We all had Christmas books in our hot little hands I guess….lol. 🙂 It’s nice to make this special time of year last just that much longer… *wink*
This sounds wonderful! I can’t wait to read Sudipta’s work. Yay for Christmas pbs in Jan 😉
Hi Catherine, Glad you liked it. Sudipta has some lovely stuff, a very talented lady. ..lol.
Beautiful story, Diane! Love the whole idea of a sibling dealing with a new baby as Christmas approaches. And your resource list is fantastic. I didn’t even get to do a PPBF this week 😦 because I couldn’t access the necessary programs on my son’s computer. At least you posted yours here.:)
Hi, Thank you Vivian, so glad you liked it. I only just sneaked in, in the nick of time….lol. You’ll get there next time, now worries.
I know…but I feel badly because I will probably miss this coming Friday also…I should have thought ahead and written and scheduled posts.:)
Joy looks older than six on the cover… I like the message of the book! 😉
Yes she does Erik. But the overall message and is hilarious. A great book on the whole!
Oh! I’ve been wanting to read this! So glad you added it.