• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

A Real Page Turner

  • Home
  • Media Kit
  • The Blog
  • Contact Me
  • Terms
    • Cookies
    • Privacy Policy




  • Book Reviews
    • Book Lists
    • Fiction
      • Mystery
      • Psychological Thriller
      • Thrillers & Suspense
      • Romance
    • Nonficton
      • CookBook
      • Memoir
    • Series
    • Young Adult
  • Kids Books
    • Graphic Novels
    • Horror
    • Kids Series
    • Toddler Books
  • Authors
  • Gift Ideas

Book Lists

Kids Christmas Books to Buy Now List

November 26, 2020 by Leah Leave a Comment

We have a lot of traditions in our house when it comes to Christmas. First, we have always gotten our kids new Christmas pajamas that they opened up on Christmas Eve; second, we got a board game for the kids that we played together that night; and third, we got take-out and watched a funny Christmas movie. My personal favorite is Elf! One tradition that I wish I would have started was getting my kids Christmas books each year. How cool would it have been to have a whole box of great Christmas books that they could one day share with their families?

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

kids christmas books Photo by Nadi Lindsay from Pexels

Baby and Toddler Kids Christmas Books

One thing I made sure to do with my kids when they were a baby was read to them. I love books (duh…I have a book review site!), and I thought if I read to them when they were young, that they would grow up to love books too. And they do! Most of the time. They are teenagers now and being told to read something specific in school isn’t always their favorite, but they still read for pleasure too. Here are some great kids Christmas books for baby’s and toddlers.

Disney Baby My First ChristmasDisney Baby My First ChristmasDisney Baby My First ChristmasLittle Blue Truck's ChristmasLittle Blue Truck’s ChristmasLittle Blue Truck's ChristmasBaby Touch and Feel Merry ChristmasBaby Touch and Feel Merry ChristmasBaby Touch and Feel Merry ChristmasMy First ChristmasMy First ChristmasMy First ChristmasSanta's Workshop: Christmas Lift-a-Flap Board Book (Chunky Lift-a-Flap)Santa’s Workshop: Christmas Lift-a-Flap Board Book (Chunky Lift-a-Flap)Santa's Workshop: Christmas Lift-a-Flap Board Book (Chunky Lift-a-Flap)Christmas Songs: Interactive Children's Sound Book (10 Button Sound) (Interactive Early Bird Children's Song Book with 10 Sing-Along Tunes)Christmas Songs: Interactive Children’s Sound Book (10 Button Sound) (Interactive Early Bird Children’s Song Book with 10 Sing-Along Tunes)Christmas Songs: Interactive Children's Sound Book (10 Button Sound) (Interactive Early Bird Children's Song Book with 10 Sing-Along Tunes)Merry Christmas (Bright Baby Touch and Feel)Merry Christmas (Bright Baby Touch and Feel)Merry Christmas (Bright Baby Touch and Feel)

Christmas Books for Young Kids

There are so many books for young kids that are fantastic for Christmas time. My son was obsessed with the Polar Express when he was four years old. Literally obsessed. We read the book, listened to the soundtrack, and watched the movie constantly. So much so, we had to buy a second movie because we wore out the first DVD. I didn’t even know that was possible. Besides Polar Express, here are some other fantastic books to pick up.

The Berenstain Bears and the Christmas Angel (Berenstain Bears/Living Lights: A Faith Story)The Berenstain Bears and the Christmas Angel (Berenstain Bears/Living Lights: A Faith Story)The Berenstain Bears and the Christmas Angel (Berenstain Bears/Living Lights: A Faith Story)Fritz the Farting Reindeer: A Story About a Reindeer Who FartsFritz the Farting Reindeer: A Story About a Reindeer Who FartsFritz the Farting Reindeer: A Story About a Reindeer Who FartsDasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas ForeverDasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas ForeverDasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas ForeverA Coronavirus Christmas: The Spirit of Christmas Will Always Shine ThroughA Coronavirus Christmas: The Spirit of Christmas Will Always Shine ThroughA Coronavirus Christmas: The Spirit of Christmas Will Always Shine ThroughPolar Express 30th anniversary editionPolar Express 30th anniversary editionPolar Express 30th anniversary editionPete the Cat Saves Christmas: Includes Sticker Sheet!Pete the Cat Saves Christmas: Includes Sticker Sheet!Pete the Cat Saves Christmas: Includes Sticker Sheet!

X-mas Books for Older Children

I think when I initially thought about this idea, I figured it would be harder to find books suitable for older children. Boy was I wrong! As soon as I started looking, I found all kinds of fun kids Christmas books for older children! Check them out below.

The Kids Laugh Challenge: Would You Rather? Christmas Edition: A Hilarious and Interactive Question Game Book for Boys and Girls Ages 6, 7, 8 , 9, 10, 11 Years Old - Christmas Gift for KidsThe Kids Laugh Challenge: Would You Rather? Christmas Edition: A Hilarious and Interactive Question Game Book for Boys and Girls Ages 6, 7, 8 , 9, 10, 11 Years Old – Christmas Gift for KidsThe Kids Laugh Challenge: Would You Rather? Christmas Edition: A Hilarious and Interactive Question Game Book for Boys and Girls Ages 6, 7, 8 , 9, 10, 11 Years Old - Christmas Gift for KidsWeird But True Christmas: 300 Festive Facts to Light Up the HolidaysWeird But True Christmas: 300 Festive Facts to Light Up the HolidaysWeird But True Christmas: 300 Festive Facts to Light Up the HolidaysBest Kids' Christmas Jokes Ever! (Highlights Joke Books)Best Kids’ Christmas Jokes Ever! (Highlights Joke Books)Best Kids' Christmas Jokes Ever! (Highlights Joke Books)Would You Rather Book for Kids: Christmas & Winter Edition - Fun, Hilarious, Ridiculous and Challenging Questions for Kids, Teens and the Whole FamilyWould You Rather Book for Kids: Christmas & Winter Edition – Fun, Hilarious, Ridiculous and Challenging Questions for Kids, Teens and the Whole FamilyWould You Rather Book for Kids: Christmas & Winter Edition - Fun, Hilarious, Ridiculous and Challenging Questions for Kids, Teens and the Whole FamilyThe Nightmare Before Christmas: 20th Anniversary EditionThe Nightmare Before Christmas: 20th Anniversary EditionThe Nightmare Before Christmas: 20th Anniversary EditionWould You Rather Game Book: For kids 6-12 Years old: Jokes and Silly Scenarios for ChildrenWould You Rather Game Book: For kids 6-12 Years old: Jokes and Silly Scenarios for ChildrenWould You Rather Game Book: For kids 6-12 Years old: Jokes and Silly Scenarios for Children

What kids Christmas books would you add to this list?

Filed Under: Book Lists, Gift Ideas

The Best Summer Reading List

April 29, 2018 by Leah 18 Comments

We are FINALLY starting to get warmer weather here in Michigan. While it was cold this weekend (think winter coats and hats…not even joking), the forecast for next we has 80 twice on it! I am beyond excited for the warmer weather and plan on enjoying a pedicure tomorrow to celebrate! Since summer is right around the corner, and for some people, school is out in about 30 days, it has me thinking about my reading list for the summer. To me, summer reading is the best! It doesn’t matter where you are reading…when the sun and warmth is involved, it’s the best!

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

summer reading

Image via Pexels

I have a very eclectic taste in books. My number one favorite book to read are series books. I get super invested in the characters and I always like to know more. I’m not going to lie, when a series comes to an end, I get sad. It’s almost like saying goodbye to a friend. That probably makes me sound pathetic, but that’s OK. That’s how invested I get in the characters.

If you like reading with a Kindlesummer reading (I totally do), then you need to check out Kindle Unlimited. Right now, for NEW Kindle Unlimited subscribers, you can get a three month membership for just $1.99!! It’s normally $9.99 per month! This is a HUGE savings! Give it a try! There are a lot of great series books (and non-series books) available on Kindle Unlimited!

Summer Reading List

I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for a new book to read. Getting suggestions from others is one of my favorite things to do. Not only do I value other people’s opinions about various books, but it gives us something to discuss afterwards! Below you will find all the books I think you should read this summer. Some are books that I have already read, while others are books on my list to read!

A Shade Of VampireA Shade Of Vampire

The A Shade of Vampire series is one of my favorites (and it’s FREE on Kindle Unlimited). Remember how I told you I like series books? Well this series currently has 59 books out!! Each book is a quick read. Pick up the first few copies for your next vacation and you will be sure to be entertained! The style of writing is also something I very much like. Each book is written from the viewpoint of each character. You know who’s “talking” because the author puts their name at the top of each chapter. Definitely give this series a try!

When I'm Gone: A NovelWhen I’m Gone: A Novel

When I’m Gone is an absolutely beautifully written story about a woman that began writing her husband letters on day one of her cancer treatment. She arranged to have those letters delivered to him periodically throughout the first year she was gone, sometimes on special days (holidays, anniversaries, etc). It’s through those letters that this husband starts to unravel secrets that makes him question if he truly knew his wife and the life they lived, as well as helped him to see that life does go on. I absolutely LOVED this book. I could not put it down!

Saving NoahSaving Noah

This next book was another that I could not put down and it made me want to read everything by this author. Saving Noah challenges you to think about the unthinkable when it comes to your children. Will you still love them the same if they commit an act so heinous it makes you sick to your stomach and cringe, had you heard it about someone else? Will your family be able to withstand something like this? If you haven’t read this book, or anything by Lucinda Berry, you need to. She is an excellent author!

Say You're Sorry (Morgan Dane Book 1)Say You’re Sorry (Morgan Dane Book 1)Her Last Goodbye (Morgan Dane Book 2)Her Last Goodbye (Morgan Dane Book 2)Bones Don't Lie (Morgan Dane)Bones Don’t Lie (Morgan Dane)What I've Done (Morgan Dane Book 4)What I’ve Done (Morgan Dane Book 4)

It’s time for another favorite series of mine! The Morgan Dane series is one where you will instantly connect with the characters and become wrapped up in the book. The first three books of the series are currently out. While the fourth book, What I’ve Done, can be pre-ordered and is set to release in September. This series is about a woman who started her career as a prosecutor. After helping a friend out by defending her son who has been accused of murder, Morgan has jumped the prosecutor ship and teamed up with a P.I. firm to begin defending those she would have otherwise put in jail.

The Memory WatcherThe Memory Watcher

If you like a book that has you saying, “wait…what?” in the middle and then causes you to stay up late until you finish the book, then this book definitely needs to make your summer reading list. I remember when I read this book. I was at a lacrosse tournament for my son. While the kids played in the pool, I read. I actually gasped out loud, causing my daughter to ask me what was wrong, when I got to a certain point in the book. From that moment on, I read every second I could. I had to see how this book ended and I had to see how it ended right that second!

Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross Book 1)Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross Book 1)

James Patterson is my absolute favorite author. I have been reading his books for many years now. While James Patterson has a lot of stand alone books, I believe his series books are where he excels. The Alex Cross series is my favorite. The first book, Along Came a Spider (which was also adapted into a movie) captures your attention and has you on the edge of your seat. Visit James Patterson’s website for more info on the order of the Alex Cross series. I highly recommend this series.

 

1st to Die (Women's Murder Club)1st to Die (Women’s Murder Club)

While I am singing James Patterson praises, another series by the same author that you need to add to your summer reading list is the Women’s Murder Club series. Like the Alex Cross series, you will get invested in these characters and literally begin chomping at the bit for the next one to be released. This series follows the four main characters: a homicide detective, a lawyer, a crime reporter and the city medical examiner. Together they make up the Women’s Murder Club and they join forces to solve some pretty horrible crimes.

Do You Ever Read Anything Else?

I pretty much tend to gravitate towards the serial killer, suspenseful type books. However, I also like to read memoirs written by various celebrities, autobiographies, and non-fiction books. Some of those books can be seen below. Like I said, I have a very eclectic taste in books!

 

 sTORI Telling Spilled Milk: Based on a true story Scrappy Little Nobody Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs The Stranger Beside Me Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography Fat Girl Walking: Sex, Food, Love, and Being Comfortable in Your Skin…Every Inch of It Escape

If you have read any of the books above, please leave me a comment and tell me what you thought of them! I truly hope you add one or some of these books to your summer reading list. Also, if there are books that you think I just have to read, please tell me! I am always looking for books to read. To stay up to date on everything that is posted here, please consider signing up for my news letter. Your emails are secure and they will never be sold or used for any other purpose than to send updates when I post something new.

I hope you have a wonderful summer and enjoy your summer reading!

Filed Under: Book Lists, Book Reviews Tagged With: books, james patterson, reading, summer reading

The Ultimate Summer Reading Bucket List

April 26, 2018 by Leah 5 Comments

Can you believe that the school year is almost over? Where has this year gone? It’s insane. In a few short months I will have a high schooler (say what?!?) and a middle schooler. I really can’t believe it. This year, my daughter really got into reading. She is currently reading the Harry Potter series and loving it. I want to continue to foster that love for reading so I put together this Ultimate Summer Reading Bucket list. After printing one out for each kid, they can hang it in their room and start checking off the different bucket list items! There’s something for everyone on this list!

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

summer reading bucket list

Print out your FREE Summer Reading Bucket List Printable HERE

CafePress - I Like Big Books - Natural Canvas Tote Bag, Cloth Shopping BagCafePress – I Like Big Books – Natural Canvas Tote Bag, Cloth Shopping BagRelaximals Cat Kids Reading PillowRelaximals Cat Kids Reading PillowThe Book Seat - Book Holder and Travel Pillow - RedThe Book Seat – Book Holder and Travel Pillow – Red

One of the things you can do to help foster that love for reading, is to take weekly trips to the library. Not only do you knock an item off the summer reading bucket list, but you also give your child (and yourself) the opportunity to check out a TON of different types of books at once! Definitely utilize the librarian. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve gone up to our librarian, told them an example of a book the kids like and they then give us a bunch more that are similar.

E-Book Reading

If your kids are like my daughter and prefer to read on a Kindlesummer reading bucket list, then definitely check with your local librarian as to which online service they use to borrow books. My local library uses Overdrive and Hoopla (though, I do believe that Hoopla will only work with a table, not a Kindle since you have to use the Hoopla app). Another great thing with the Kindle is the Kindle Unlimited Membership Planssummer reading bucket list. Kindle Unlimited is great! You can borrow up to 10 books at one time. Not sure if you will like it or use it? Click on the link and start your FREE 30 day trial. The Kindle Unlimited membership can be used to read books on a Kindle, on your desktop/laptop computer or on a tablet with the Kindle app.

 

Kindle Paperwhite E-reader - Black, 6Kindle Paperwhite E-reader – Black, 6Fintie Slimshell Case for Kindle Paperwhite - The Thinnest and Lightest PU Leather Cover with Auto Sleep/Wake for all-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Fits all 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016 Versions), black - EKD0021AD-USFintie Slimshell Case for Kindle Paperwhite – The Thinnest and Lightest PU Leather Cover with Auto Sleep/Wake for all-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Fits all 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016 Versions), black – EKD0021AD-USFire 7 Tablet with Alexa, 7Fire 7 Tablet with Alexa, 7

Whatever you do this summer, READ! Schedule electronic blackout times where you and the kids spend the time reading a book or use this summer daily planner printable and put reading on their daily to do list! Have a conversation about the books you are reading while you eat dinner. Kids like to talk about the books they are reading. As I mentioned, my daughter is reading the Harry Potter series. She’s so excited about this series, that she read two books in two weeks. She likes to talk to us about the differences between the book and the movie. And boy does she get upset when they make “stupid changes” in the movie!

Don’t forget to print your FREE Summer Reading Bucket List printable RIGHT HERE!

Filed Under: Book Lists, Kids Books Tagged With: for kids, summer reading bucket list

Best Books of 2017 That I Read

December 11, 2017 by Leah 29 Comments

One thing I like to do, besides spend time with my family, is read. As a child, if I got sent to my room, I didn’t mind. I would just lay on my bed and read for hours. Now, if my books got taken away, that would be a real punishment for me. Thankfully that was not something my parents ever did. I made a goal for myself, at the start of 2017, to read at least 50 books this year. Not only did I read those 50, but I read 28 more! I am currently on my 79th book of the year!

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

best books

Image via Pexels

Besides actually reading, the next best thing is to SHARE those books with others. If you are interested, you can feel free to follow me on Goodreads. I track every single book I read on that site. Since I’ve read 78 books this year AND I like to share those books, I’ve made a list of the best books that I’ve read in 2017! These books are in no particular order.

Best Books of 2017

I absolutely love reading series books. With a series, you get the chance to really get to know the characters and then build upon that from book to book. Right now, my favorite series book to read is A Shade Of Vampirebest books. There are currently 53 books out. They are quick reads and one I think you would really enjoy! Other series books I like are:

A Shade Of VampireA Shade Of VampireOn Her Father's Grave (Rogue River Novella)On Her Father’s Grave (Rogue River Novella)Tracks of Her Tears [Kindle in Motion] (Rogue Winter Novella Book 1)Tracks of Her Tears [Kindle in Motion] (Rogue Winter Novella Book 1)Death and Her Devotion (Rogue Vows Book 1)Death and Her Devotion (Rogue Vows Book 1)Twisted Truth (Rogue Justice Novella Book 1)Twisted Truth (Rogue Justice Novella Book 1)

You really can’t go wrong with any of the series above. They are all quick reads and the characters are likable. Which is important to me! If I don’t like the characters (or at least a few of them), then I probably will end up hating the book.

Top Ten Books I Read This Year

When I start thinking about the books I liked best that I read this year, I think about those that really stayed with me after I finished it. The top ten books I highly recommend you read in 2018 are:

When I’m Gonebest books

Saving Noahbest books

A Stranger in the Housebest books

Crossing Lexbest books

The Inside Darkbest books

The Couple Next Doorbest books

The Memory Watcherbest books

Spilled Milk: Based on a true storybest books

Remember Mebest books

The Strangerbest books

Each and every single one of these that I read are ones that really made me stop and think. A couple of them grabbed my attention so much, that I was unable to put the book down. When I can’t put a book down, then I know I have to share it and that is what got it on this book list!

What book would you add to the list? I am always looking to add to my “must read” list!


Filed Under: Book Lists, Book Reviews Tagged With: best books of 2017

10 Books for Tween Girls

September 18, 2017 by Leah 18 Comments

Books are a huge part of our lives in our house. Growing up, I loved to read. Going to the library was one of my favorite things. Even to this day, as an adult, I love going to the library. There’s something about being surrounded by books. When she was younger, my daughter would only check out or ask us to buy her non-fiction books because she felt that if she was going to read, she needed to be learning something. Over the course of the summer, she started branching out and has found quite a few fiction books that she really enjoys! Here are her top 10 books for tween girls!

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

books for tween girls

 

SistersSistersDramaDramaSmileSmile

10 Books for Tween Girls

Below are 10 books for tween girls that my 10, almost 11 year old daughter, really enjoys reading. There is definitely something for everyone! Pick up a few for Christmas and birthday gifts. I don’t know about you, but I always like to make sure I give the kids books as part of their gifts!

Among the Hidden (Shadow Children 1) 
Harriet the Spy
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
I Survived series
Warriors series
Roller Girl
Awkward
Kristy’s Great Idea Graphic Novel
Wonder
Who Was series
She definitely has an eclectic taste in books so there is surely something here for everyone. I personally am a fan of series books, so I like when I can find a good series for my kids to read. When you find a series they like, it ensures that they will have more to read and we want them to continue reading for pleasure! It makes having to read school issued books much easier!


So there you have it, 10+ books for tween girls. What books would you add to the list? I’d love to help my daughter (and other girls) find books they would love to read!

Filed Under: Book Lists, Gift Ideas, Kids Books Tagged With: tween girls

Primary Sidebar

the 411 on me

Hi!! My name is Leah Kanaan and besides being with my husband and kids, my greatest pleasure in life is reading! I am an aspiring author and would love to have my books published one day! Take a look around and hopefully you find a new book to read and enjoy!
Read More About Me

Follow Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Newsletter

Get the Latest
Straight To Your Inbox

Never Lose Your Place !

*

FYI

All links on this site may be affiliate links and should be considered as such. A Real Page Turner is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. See our privacy policy for more information.

© 2025 · A REAL PAGE TURNER · Built with Heart & Soul