The Magical Christmas Book is a delightful story about a young boy named Jack who discovers a magical book that transports him to a winter wonderland. The book is found tucked away in the dusty corner of a old bookstore and holds secrets that can only be unlocked at Christmas time. As Jack opens the book, he is immediately whisked away to a snowy landscape filled with twinkling lights, gingerbread houses, and Christmas carolers. He finds himself in the middle of a bustling Christmas village, where cheerful villagers are busy preparing for the holiday season. Jack explores the village and meets various characters, including Santa Claus himself. He learns about the importance of giving and spreading joy during the holiday season.
He learns about the importance of giving and spreading joy during the holiday season. Along his journey, Jack encounters various challenges and obstacles that he must overcome with the help of newfound friends. The book also holds several interactive elements that allow readers to be a part of the Christmas magic.
FOR EVERY TOWN A WITCH by Kristin Bonilla
A burning witch on midsummer eve smells like campfire, like tobacco, like men standing in a circle as they smile and sing. She is only an effigy, a cartoon, with her green skin painted onto her plywood face, her body a sack of coarse black fabric scraps stitched together and overstuffed with hay. She rides a broom and has a long warty nose that was carved by hand. The time it took to give her two warts instead of one.
Bless this land, they sing. Their voices are warm and robust, the kind of singing only a day’s worth of drinking can provide. The entire town has turned out to thank the patron saint, to bless the bounty of summer. There is white fish and roast pork, greens and berries and cucumbers, fresh bread, beer and wine. Table after table laden with food. There is enough for everyone, and this alone is reason to celebrate.
“We make these fires to keep evil away,” a man tells me. “It is a very old tradition tied to the harvest.” It’s true that a bonfire has been lit on this night annually for centuries. But only since his grandfather’s generation have they burned the figure of a witch. Aside from those they burned for real, centuries before. I do not say any of this.
Someone passes a bottle of wine. I raise it to my lips, drink, swallow, and hand it on.
Next to me, holding the man’s hand, is a girl. She is no more than four years old, her cheeks glowing from the radiating warmth of the fire. Her eyes are wet, one hand raised to cover her mouth. She moves her hand and pulls on one of her buttery curls until it is completely straight, taut in her tiny fingertips. When she lets go, it springs back into a ringlet, resilient and strong.
On my tongue is the acidic, toasty aftertaste of the wine. I am reminded that the process of fermentation is the systematic work of turning sweet into sour.
Kristin Bonilla is a fiction writer from northern California. Her work has appeared in NPR: Three Minute Fiction, NANO Fiction, Smokelong Quarterly, online at Gulf Coast Magazine, and others. She is a graduate of UC Berkeley and currently lives in Houston. Follow her on Twitter @kbonilla.
There are hidden surprises, puzzles, and riddles that readers can solve alongside Jack, making the reading experience even more engaging and enchanting. Throughout the story, Jack learns valuable life lessons about love, friendship, and the true meaning of Christmas. He realizes that the magic of Christmas lies not only in the presents and decorations, but also in the joy of giving and the warmth of being with loved ones. The Magical Christmas Book is beautifully illustrated with vibrant colors that bring the story to life. The illustrations capture the festive spirit of the holiday season, making it a joy to read and look at. The words and images work together seamlessly to create a truly immersive and enchanting reading experience. Overall, The Magical Christmas Book is a heartwarming tale that captures the magic and wonder of Christmas. It is a perfect read for children and adults alike, and is sure to bring joy and excitement during the holiday season..
Reviews for "Step Inside Santa's Workshop with these Delightful and Magical Christmas Books"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I did not enjoy "Magical Christmas Book" at all. The story was poorly written and the characters were one-dimensional. I found myself struggling to stay interested throughout the book and was ultimately disappointed with the lackluster ending. The concept of a magical Christmas sounded promising, but the execution fell flat. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating holiday read.
2. Alex - 2 stars - While "Magical Christmas Book" had a potentially interesting premise, I found the execution to be underwhelming. The pacing was incredibly slow, making it difficult to become invested in the story. The characters lacked depth and I didn't feel any connection or sympathy towards them. Additionally, the writing style was bland and lacked creativity. Overall, I was left unimpressed and wouldn't consider this book to be a highlight of my holiday reading list.
3. Emily - 1.5 stars - I had high hopes for "Magical Christmas Book" but unfortunately, it failed to meet my expectations. The plot felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The magical elements promised in the title were scarce and didn't add much to the overall story. The dialogue was often stilted and the interactions between characters felt forced. I was hoping for a heartwarming and enchanting holiday tale, but was left feeling underwhelmed and disconnected from the story.