Jingle Bells
Susan Jeffers, Artist/Illustrator
Harper Collins Children’s Books, Fiction, Sep. 26, 2017
Suitable for Ages: 3-8
Themes: Sleigh Ride, Winter, Jingle Bells, Adventure, Ice Skating, Holiday Book
Opening: Jingle bells, jingle bells.
Synopsis: Ride along through a winter wonderland with a girl, a boy, and their pony — plus a mischievous dog! It’s a joyous adventure to Grandma’s house where a very special guest helps spread the yuletide cheer.
Why I like this story:
Artist Susan Jeffers’ takes children on an enchanted wintry journey set to lyrics of this beloved and joyful holiday song, Jingle Bells. Jeffers’ pastel illustrations are lavish and energetic. Each double-page spread captures the magnificent detail of the winter woodland scenes with romping furry critters, a playful dog bounding alongside the sleigh and a big adventure with a few bumps along the way. The ending is very clever. This book is a lovely keepsake and gift.
Children will have fun searching for the many animals Jeffers has hidden among the trees and in the snowy bushes. There is a picture guide of the hidden winter critters at the end of the book.
Susan Jeffers, the Caldecott Honor and New York Times bestselling artist of The Nutcracker and The Twelve Days of Christmas. She won the ABBY Award from the American Booksellers Association and a Caldecott Honor from the American Library Association. Her work has been exhibited in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Norman Rockwell Museum. Her books have sold millions of copies and have been published around the world. Visit Jeffers at her website.
Resources: Take a walk outside in the fresh snow and identify animal footprints. Look for signs of their burrows. Sing Jingle Bells. Go sledding.
Happy holidays everyone!
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
Children's Books Heal 
I love Susan Jeffers’ illustrations. We have THE NUTCRACKER and it’s absolutely gorgeous; we read it every year!
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I have to check our her other books. Her illustrations are simply magnificent. Would love the NUTCRACKER. Think you’d love the simplicity of this one.
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Beautiful cover. Very inviting. Great pick for the season. Happy holidays Patricia!
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Yes, I loved this beautiful book. The illustrations are gorgeous.
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Sounds lovely. Merry Christmas, Pat!
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It is a beautiful Christmas book! Merry Christmas to you!
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This book looks absolutely delightful, with magical illustrations, Patricia. Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year!
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It’s lovely to see magnificent artists create beautiful books for children. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
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It is! Thank you for your wishes, Patricia. I wish you happiness at this time of year and throughout 2018. Best wishes. xx
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This sounds like a super fun holiday story for kids! I know I loved searching through the drawings of picture books looking for hidden items when I was little. Happy holidays!
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Yes, I loved books where you have to spy items. But, Jeffers works is so beautiful! Perfect Christmas book.
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Beautiful book. Sounds like lots of fun!
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I recall being taken on horse-drawn sleigh rides by my dad as a child. This book would bring back great memories!
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Lucky you! Have never been in a sleigh. It’s such a beautiful book. You’d like Susan Jeffers.
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