Catherine Stock

Most kids can't wait to go trick-or-treating, but Tommy's not so sure he wants to go. After his friend, Billy, tells him that all the witches and ghosts will be out and about on Halloween night, Tommy is hesitant. That night he checks around for ghosts and monsters before hiding in bed. Will a gentle talk with his mom convince him there's nothing to be afraid of? Or will he skip Halloween this year? Check out this classic tale to read with your Halloween hesitant little one to find out.

The Bottom Line: This gentle tale of a little boy who faces his fears is worth reading with your little before getting ready for Halloween for the first time. The story paired with soft watercolor illustrations expertly explains the holiday to little ones. Highly recommended for preschoolers who are hesitant to go trick-or-treating. Also, recommended for story times. This review also appears at the Mini Book Bytes Book Review Blog.… (mehr)

A young girl makes Valentine's Day cards for her parents, grandparents, cat and neighbor in this sweet picture-book from author/illustrator Catherine Stock. Each card has a special crayon drawing on it, from a flower for the girl's mother to a fish for her cat, Muffety. On the card for the little old lady who lives next door, and who looks lonely, the girl draws a rainbow. When the big day itself comes, the girl gets plenty of cards of her own, including one from a 'Secret Valentine...'

One of six picture-books in Stock's The Festive Year collection - of the other five, the only one I have read is Thanksgiving Treat - Secret Valentine pairs a simple but heartwarming story with appealing watercolor illustrations. I appreciated the theme of reaching out to the elderly, who might be lonely at holidays, and enjoyed the conclusion of the tale, in which the identity of the 'Secret Valentine' is hinted at, in the illustrations. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for simple and sweet Valentine's Day stories for children.… (mehr)