Kristina Lucia Pezza

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is a tale that touches my heart with every annual read. I have warm memories of this book being read to me as a little girl and now as an adult I eagerly gift this book to the younger. With a gentle story line and warm illustrations it is easy to become entranced in the coveted journey to the North Pole. A journey that was certainly a dream of mine as a child. The message of as long as you believe and open your mind is a powerful concept. Each time I have the opportunity to gift this book to a child it excites me to know this classic is sitting on another child’s bookshelf. Reading a story is what breathes life into it or as the narrator concludes “for all those who truly believe”.

5 More Sleeps Till Christmas by Jimmy Fallon is a great edition to any holiday book collection. There is something magical about gifting a book to a child and reading it to them. My favorite part is hearing their voices request the second, third, and fourth reads. This year I was in search of a second book to gift and during a walk 5 More Sleeps Till Christmas popped in my head. The story is so delightful and the illustrations warm and inviting. I found myself relating seamlessly to this story as I recall the build of excitement those days leading up to that magical moment. With this book wrapped under my tree I find my myself also asking “how many more sleeps till Christmas” so that I can watch a special child unwrapping this book.