Oh my! That crazy time of year has arrived again. I swear it comes earlier and earlier every year. Already we have Christmas stamps in and posters up declaring post early for Christmas around the world. I am sure it was only yesterday that I was putting all the Christmas decorations away…lol. (Working in a Post Office/Bank it is only natural that I would have first notice of closing dates for posting your Christmas parcels in time to reach your loved ones, wherever they may be.)
Well that said, I couldn’t resist in giving you all a little reminder with this adorable picture book.
A Very Marley Christmas
Author: John Grogan
Illustrated by: Richard Cowdrey
Published by: Harper Collins Publishers
Ages: 3 – 8 years
Theme: Well Christmas of course, festive season, mishap and mayhem.
Opening Lines: Christmas was fast approaching at the little house on Churchill Road. Cassie and Baby Louie wanted everything to be just right for Santa’s big visit, but something was missing: snow.
Synopsis: from the inside front flap- With all the excitement of Christmas approaching. It’s no surprise that Marley, the lovable pup with a nose for trouble, wants to get in on the action. Anticipating his very first snowfall and Santa’s arrival. Marley jumps in to help his family every way he can. But Marley, being Marley, always ends up on the wrong side of right. It’s not long before he tears down the twinkle lights, attacks a chain of paper snowflakes, and mistakes the Christmas tree for … well … his very own indoor bathroom. Will Marley’s good intentions ruin everything before Christmas begins? Or will he manage to share some Christmas magic with his family after all? This follow-up to the No:1 bestselling BAD DOG, MARLEY! Delivers a heartfelt holiday story with many hilarious Marley mishaps along the way.
Why I like this: Hey, just look at that cover, that adorable face with a mouth full of Christmas paper and tell me you wouldn’t want to read inside. Richard Cowdrey has illustrated many children’s books, and the hilarious, colourful illustrations in this book are pure delight. There is one I love where the children are looking longingly out the window with their father wondering when the snow will come so santa can land his sleigh, in the background you can see Marley is helping himself to Christmas gingerbread cookies sitting on the table. Funnily enough Richard who lives in Ohio is also the owner of a yellow Labrador named Murphy, whose behaviour very similar to Marley’s. John Grogan has done a superb job in bringing a light-hearted look at Christmas mayhem, when a young dog gets into mischief. Children will laugh their way through each page turn and cheer at the end.
Resources/findings:
I did come across John’s blog… http://johngroganbooks.com/wordpress/
Trailer of the movie Marley and Me …. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsDj_HRTDzg
This is a website of different breeds of dogs …. http://dogglehq.com/thetube/category/dogs-101?gclid=CPy24bme7rkCFed_Qgodf0gAjg
Learning about dog breeds… http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/mammals/dog/
Since it is coming to that Christmas season…. Maybe now is the time to think of making hand made Christmas decorations, or what about making a dog safe toy to give as a christmas gift to the animal shelters.
Download a Marley printable… http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/HarperChildrens/Kids/GamesAndContests/Printables.aspx?GPId=2094306
Help Marley sort his mess in this delightful activity… http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/harperchildrensimages/printable/marleyxmasdl_all3.pdf
Enjoy your weekend. I am still away overseas on holiday attending a family wedding. See you soon when I get back. In the mean time pop 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 
Very cute, though I certainly don’t feel the Christmas mood coming on just yet! Have fun at the wedding!
Thanks Julie. We had great fun at the wedding. Just landed back home an hour ago, heading for an early night, I think. Christmas will be upon you before you know it.
I saw some of the pics you posted, looked wonderful. We have Halloween to look forward to first. How is it celebrated in NZ?
Adorable book and story. Christmas books are beginning to come out now, and we haven’t even celebrated Halloween or Thanksgiving. My great granddaughter would love the antics of Marley. Fun choice!
Glad you like it, Pat. Yes Christmas decorations are coming out here too. Thanks.
I too can’t believe it’s nearly that time of the year already.We are into autumn here summer has definately gone,leaves are falling and the nights are getting daker early.
I love the book,any story about dogs draws me in.
I wonder where the year went, it seems to go so fast these days. I must be getting old…lol. We have just changed to daylight saving… yay for summer! Glad you like my choice. Lovely to see you.
LOL I guess I’ll have to start now if I want to get all my Christmas reading in. Thanks for all the wonderful extras.
Thank you, Joanne. Yep, no time like the present to get started, have fun, and thanks.
It does sound delightful; and you are right. . .Christmas is sneaking up on us again!
Thank you Jarm. Christmas is around the corner… 🙂
It snowed at our house yesterday … but I hope that doesn’t mean Christmas is around the corner. Oh wait, it really is! We’ll have to find this one. Kiddo really likes the Christmas season this year.
Oh your Kiddo is gonna love this, Stacy. A fun choice for a stocking filler! Snow! wow, would love to see that.
This sounds like a cute book! I haven’t watched any of the Marley movies or read any of the books, but this PB sounds great! 😀
You would love the Marley movies, such fun! Thanks Erik!
Oh, cute. I didn’t realize there was a Christmas Marley story. We have the first children’s PB about Marley. I’ll have to find this one.
Your very welcome, Kirsten! Hope you find it, enjoy!
That Marley. Always into trouble — as any good Lab should be!! Thanks for the fun review! and the fun extras!
lol… thanks, I knew you would like this one, rhythm. Enjoy!
A story about a dog and Christmas mayhem is not to be missed. I haven’t read this one. I’ll add it to my list!
lol…. you will love this… enjoy!
Well, I loved Marley and Me even though it was sad, so you’ve got me hooked! But Christmas? Already! Holy silver and gold – I’m NOT READY! 🙂
Glad you are hooked on it. Yep Christmas, and we picked up some neat Christmas decorations while on holiday, so we are half way ready…lol.