Cozy Moments

I love this image of this majestic oak tree. It reminds me of the trees at my grandparent's farm. How peaceful is it to just look at all that glorious green? I can almost feel a soft breeze rustling the leaves. Ahhh.... Do you feel yourself starting to relax? Feel the sun on your skin. Perfect early summer day...

Now, this is Christmas all way. Red candles, Christmas lights...I close my eyes and can hear a crackling fire in the background. It feels warm, safe, holy. The most wonderful time of the year. 

This photo looks fun and flirty. What kind of drink is this? A fluffy, sweet coffee? How cute are those heart cookies? This photo makes me want to curl up on the sofa and watch a cutesy Hallmark movie or rom-com. 

Hope these images give you a much needed mental break in your day. I believe images are powerful, and we all need a cozy moment in our day. What images do you associate with coziness and comfort? 

The Christmas Crocodile by Bonny Becker

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The Christmas Crocodile by Bonny Becker, Illustrated by David Small

Received: Library
Rating: 💖💖💖

Summary (From Amazon):  When Alice Jayne finds a crocodile under the tree on Christmas Eve, her family goes into an uproar! The Christmas Crocodile doesn’t mean to be bad, not really, but soon he is eating up Christmas—from the dinner roast to the left stove-top burner…even the Christmas tree! Everyone has an opinion about what to do with him. Uncle Theodore suggests they send him to Africa, Father recommends the zoo, and Aunt Figgy mentions an orphanage. But Alice Jayne thinks the Christmas Crocodile deserves a real family. Can she find him a new home? And will she and the family survive till Christmas morning, with that naughty crocodile gobbling up everything in sight?

Things I enjoyed: 

1. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. While the book does not specify a year for the setting, an introduction by Nancy Pearl says the illustrations are meant to depict the Edwardian period. I love the old-fashioned Christmas feel of the book. The illustrations are 💖💖💖💖💖. While I enjoyed the story, it didn't wow me. I thought it was cute and fun, though. 

2. Alice Jayne...What a lovely name! I love double names, especially classic double names. 

3. I found myself smiling and even chuckling a few times while reading this book. I especially found Aunt Figgy to be a funny character! 

4. Christmas!! My most favorite time of the year. I love anything set during the Christmas season. It just makes my heart all warm and fuzzy.

I would recommend this book for the illustrations alone. The illustrations just bring the book to life, and I flipped back through the book after reading it, just to look at the pictures. It is a cute story, and I think children would love the unconventional inclusion of a crocodile in a holiday story. 

Check out The Christmas Crocodile HERE