Book Review Haven

 Penguin Young Readers Group has all of our favorite characters - Madeline, Skippyjon Jones, Angelina Ballerina, Mr. Men, Charlie & Lola, and Pinkerton, but this holiday season, Penguin Young Readers has a selection of beautiful books that perfect to both give and receive.  Whether celebrating times classics such as The Snowy Day or The Night Before Christmas freshly and originally, or introducing young readers to a brand new holiday story, including Jan Brett's Home for Christmas , these books capture the magic of the season. We love Christmas books!  Every year at the beginning of Advent, I wrap enough books for each night of the season and two for each Sunday.  The children love the surprise of unwrapping a present each night and snuggling up with a perfect Christmas book.  It makes each book *new* each year!  The children are especially excited this year because we have a new stack of books generously sent from Penguin Young Readers Group that wil...

 Who doesn't love the Macy's Day Parade. It's a tradition in so many homes across the nation. Our family loves to see the balloons. They are HUGE and balloons are just fun regardless of shapes or sizes, but the parade makes everything larger than life and magically come to life. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="116"] Balloon artist and impresario Treb Heining turned an unlikely skill and a daydream into a worldwide industry[/caption] Meet Balloon artist Treb Heining who turned an unlikely skill and a daydream into a worldwide industry. While working as a balloon vendor at Disneyland at age 15, Treb discovered he was a wizard at tying balloons. He dreamed of turning his unusual talent into a career and the results have dazzled millions of people around the world. Over the past 40 years, he has invented awe-inspiring displays and stunning spectacular, including balloon arches, columns, lettering, sculptures and more. Treb also...