Book Review and Giveaway- The Living Christmas Tree by Kristin Sponaugle

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Living Christmas Tree by Kristin Sponaugle
Category:  Children's Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 38 pages
Genre:  Children's Book
Publisher:  Mascot
Release date:   September 2021
Formats Available for Review: print-hardback USA, e-book (PDF)
Tour dates: November 26 to December 17
Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone.

***** 2021 Family Choice Award Winner *****

Book Description:
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During the day, the Miller family’s Christmas tree stands tall in their living room, sparkling with lights and ornaments. Little does the family know that their Christmas tree is anything but ordinary. Each evening, the magic of Christmas brings their tree to life—much to the delight of Hannah and William Miller. Follow along as Hannah and William experience the magic of Christmas in a whole new way.

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Meet the Author:
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Kristin Sponaugle was born in Butler, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Duquesne University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in health sciences and her master’s degree in physician assistant studies. Kristin had always dreamed of becoming an author, and made that dream a reality with her two published children’s books, The Princess Puppy and The Living Christmas Tree. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cross-stitching, and playing with her Maltese dog, Rosie. Kristin lives with her husband, daughter, and Rosie, and resides wherever the Air Force sends them.

Connect with the Author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram

Author Interview 

 

1. What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

It’s so hard to pick just one! I love attending the Christmas Eve service at my church with my family. After the service is over, we drive around town looking at Christmas lights. 

 

2. Did you include any personal touches in your book, The Living Christmas Tree?

I actually have quite a few! The majority of the ornaments are based on real ornaments that hung on my childhood Christmas tree. The Nativity scene under the tree is also based off of the Nativity scene I grew up with. But most importantly, the main character, Hannah, is named after my daughter!

 

3. What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Just keep writing and reading! Write down any ideas you have – a character description you like, a storyline, a title, anything! I also recommend reading as it will keep your imagination going and expose you to different writing styles and genres. 

 

4. There are a lot of Christmas books out there. What makes The Living Christmas Tree stand out?

The Living Christmas Tree differs from the rest because it brings the focus to a different part of Christmas – the tree itself. Our Christmas trees often twinkle brightly in the background of holiday stories, but rarely takes the center stage. I also think it has a magical twist with the ornaments coming to life at night, encouraging the reader to see the beauty of our smallest decorations.  

 

5. When are you releasing another book?

That’s a good question! I published my first two children’s books, The Princess Puppy and The Living Christmas Tree, less than a year apart, so it’s been a bit of a whirlwind. I have a few ideas in mind that I’m really excited about, so hopefully those will get published in the near future!

My Thoughts: 

The Living Christmas Tree is written by Kristin Sponaugle. The book is geared toward children ages 3-7. My sons and I read this book together right before Thanksgiving to kick off the holiday season. My sons are 10 and 8. My 8 year old was able to read this independently with no issues. He plans to take the book to school to share with his classmates. He said that he hopes to see our Christmas tree and ornaments come to life when he sneaks down the stairs. 

The book is well written and aimed for younger kids. This is a great story to read this holiday season. The story brings out the magic of Christmas. Especially through the eyes of children. We will be donating this book to my 8 year old sons classroom since he enjoyed it so much. The illustrations are beautiful and the characters engaging. 

I received a copy of this book through the IRead book tours blogging program, all thoughts are my own. 

Tour Schedule:

Nov 26 – Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – book review / author interview / giveaway
Nov 26 - The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway
Nov 29 - Westveil Publishing – book review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 29 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 29 - Sefina Hawke's Books – book spotlight
Nov 29 - My Bookish Bliss - book review / giveaway
Nov 30 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Nov 30 - Triquetra Reviews – book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / author interview / spotlight
Dec 1 - Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Dec 2 – @twilight_reader – book review
Dec 2 - The Phantom Paragrapher – book review / giveaway
Dec 3 - Rockin' Book Reviews - book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 3 – Books for Books – book review
Dec 6 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 6 – Kam's Place – book review
Dec 7 - icefairy's Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Dec 8 – Reading is My Passion – book review
Dec 8 – fundinmental – book review / giveaway
Dec 9 – All Booked Up Reviews – Instagram – book review
Dec 9 - Older & Smarter? – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 10 – Sandra's Book Club – book review / giveaway
Dec 13 – Bigreadersite – book review / giveaway
Dec 14 – Captive Dreams Window – book review
Dec 14 - She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Dec 15 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Dec 15 - The Adventures of a Travelers Wife – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 16 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Dec 16 - I'm Into Books – book review / giveaway
Dec 17 – Cover To Cover Café – book review

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