Tinycandy’s Gift (a children’s book review)

Hi All:

Over the last few weeks, I’ve had a few individuals and a few publishers come a knocking at my door.  Why?  To see if I’d be willing to receive a free copy of their newly released books and, if I’d like to, write a blog post about the books.  I am not obligated to say one thing or another and there’s no pay in this (a running theme for me…hmmm) – but I do get the book for free.   I also take it as a HUGE compliment to be asked to review these books :-)!

 So, this is the first of a few book reviews that are coming…and Christmas is the best time to send this first one to you because it’s about elves!  This heart-warming children’s book is called Tinycandy’s Gift and it is written by Susan L. Estes, illustrated by Mike Motz.  This book tells the story of the elf who created candy canes.

 Now, I don’t want to ruin it for you, but what I liked about this book is that it’s realistic.  A realistic book about elves?  Yep.  Tinycandy is a little elf that the other elves aren’t too nice to.  He’s different in how he looks (no pointy ears, oh my!), he has trouble making toys, and he is perceived to be Santa’s pet (my maternal instinct made me want to hug him a few pages in).  Tinycandy ends up being successful with inventing candy canes. 

When he goes to share his creation with the other elves, they still make fun of him.  It takes Santa stepping in, telling the elves to behave, before they decide to be nice to Tinycandy.  And therein lies the realistic part…I’ve read many children’s book that make it sound like the kid getting made fun of has to change one thing, and the kids teasing him or her will be converted, moved, instantly turning sweet and friendly.  Those books have their place – but I think this one gives us another possible situation that our kids have to cope with: sometimes, some kids need a little prodding, a little reminder from an adult, to behave – and that’s ok.  This book also says, if you are the one being teased, it’s ok to get help.

 My daughter is very brave; she detests tattling.  However, she can go to the other extreme and hold things in when she should get help – like when someone else hits at school.  It’s good to have a book illustrate that for me too.  Many thanks to Susan Estes and Mike Motz for their work.

 Check it out when you can and enjoy and Merry Merry!

 Swati

Tags: book review, children's book review, Merry, Mike Motz, publishers, Susan Estes, Tinycandy's Gift