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Cocoa Mistletoe

Cocoa Mistletoe

A Christmas Story Celebrating the Gift of Giving
by Ciara L. Hill
Children - Christian
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 09/09/2023
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Cocoa Mistletoe: A Christmas Story Celebrating the Gift of Giving by Ciara L. Hill is a sweet Christmas story with a message that works at any time of the year. Cocoa Mistletoe is a little girl who loves Christmas and looks forward to spreading joy every year with special treats and presents. She delivers cookies to her teachers and picks out gifts for her friends that fulfill their Christmas wishes. Despite the happiness her gifts bring, she can’t help feeling as if something is missing. That’s when Cocoa Mistletoe devises a plan to do something different. She gets out her crayons, ribbons, and other craft supplies and decides that instead of using magic, she will create handmade gifts to show everyone how much they mean to her.

You will immediately be captivated by the world that comes to life through gorgeous illustrations by Natalia Scabuso. These images are bright and cheery with details and soft colors that create a sense of wonder and capture the imagination. The assortment of colors is breathtaking, perfectly balancing whimsy, charm, and the joy of Christmastime. The story is sweet with a positive message that fits throughout the year and is not just for Christmas. Cocoa is a joyful character that loves spreading happiness and cheer to all those around her by delivering presents with the help of her magical reindeer, Mr. McJingles. Her vibrant personality is infectious and will instantly raise your spirits.

The world that Ciara L. Hill has created is rooted in magic and wonder, reflecting the story of Santa Claus while offering something new. Cocoa is a character that will appeal to children for they’ll be able to see themselves in her and be inspired by her to put love and companionship into the holidays. This story redefines the holiday spirit and the message within the story is one that adults and children can both benefit from - that the best gifts of all come from the heart and holidays are about being together. Cocoa Mistletoe embraces the simple joys of the holidays with a character that embodies the true spirit of Christmas and a breathtaking wonderland captured through stunning illustrations.

Alex Ndirangu

There is nothing better than seeing a loved one open the present you gave them and smile. Cocoa Mistletoe by Ciara L. Hill is a great choice as a special gift for your little one. It's a cute story about a little girl who loves everything about Christmas. Cocoa Mistletoe is very busy during the holiday season. She heads to her workshop, where she magically creates toys, candy, sugar cookies, Christmas trees, and other gifts. Cocoa then jumps on her magical sleigh, and with her reindeer buddy Mr. Mcjingles she flies over the snowy drifts to deliver the gifts to friends, loved ones, and boys and girls from all over. But one day, while in her workshop, Cocoa discovers that magically creating and delivering gifts is not the only great way to spread the holiday spirit.

Ciara L. Hill has written a fun, colorful story. Along with the gorgeous illustrations by Natalia Scabuso, this sweet book is a good opportunity to teach your little one about the true meaning of the holiday spirit. The story expands on the value of a loving family, embracing growth and change, and the joy found in not only giving but giving from the heart. The book is relatively short; you can finish reading it to your child in one sitting. While reading, you can even pick up ideas about homemade gifts you and your child can make together. There is even a simple song in the book that you can sing together to cheer on Cocoa and her reindeer as they soar through the skies. Double fun! Cocoa Mistletoe is a lovely story to share as you tuck youngsters into bed on Christmas Eve or as they wait for the big day to arrive. Also, if you want to expand your family's Christmas library, you can never go wrong with this book. It's a fun read to dig out year after year.

Philip Van Heusen

Many people think Christmas is about getting something. Some realize that it is also about giving. However, most do not think about what they give and what is more important than gifts. Cocoa Mistletoe: A Christmas Story Celebrating the Gift of Giving by Ciara L. Hill beautifully presents the spirit of Christmas and giving from the heart. Cocoa has a heart of love and spends Christmas giving to others. Cocoa would make magical gifts and take them to her friends and neighbors in her magical sleigh pulled by her reindeer named McJingles. Finally, Cocoa realizes what is more important than typical gifts. She learns to give handmade gifts, spend quality time with others, share a helping hand, give heartfelt compliments, and spread joy throughout the year. Join Cocoa and start giving what is important and lasting.

Ciara L. Hill knows that Christmas is much more than giving physical gifts. In Cocoa Mistletoe, Ciara shares that the value of gifts is much more than their cost. She explains the importance of giving oneself. Homemade gifts convey, “I care enough for you to spend my time making you something special.” Parents can use this book to teach their children what is important in relationships. While receiving gifts is fine, Ciara teaches that the real spirit of Christmas is seen in giving. That giving includes giving of your time. In a self-centered society, reading a book about the joy of sharing with others is refreshing. As you read this book with your child, share ideas of what they can make and do for others. Also, remind them that the Christmas Spirit should be shared yearly.