Exploring "To Mimi's House We Go" by Susan Meissner: E-ARC Book Review and Discussion Questions

To Mimi's House We Go by Susan Meissner

This title will be released on Kindle and in hardcover on Tuesday, September 10th, 2024.

Genre: Children’s picture book fiction

Publisher: Tommy Nelson

Illustrator: Mette Engell

Netgalley Shelfs e-book page count: 17

Thank you to Netgalley, publisher, and author for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Age Recommended: 4+

Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Date Started and Finished: May 14, 2024  

Synopsis:

If you're looking for a Christmas-themed poetry book inspired by the traditional holiday travel hymn "Over the River and Through the Woods," then this narrative may be for you. In this beautiful Christmas story for children aged 4 to 8 and all grandmothers, readers accompany families from diverse cultures and nations on a trip to their grandmother's house. This book provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the numerous modern modes of Christmas travel, as well as the unique ways families celebrate Christmas. The common themes of food, family, and love are sprinkled on a Christmas cookie of rhyming speech reminiscent of carols and folksongs.

To Mimi's House We Go by Susan Meissner mixes the joy of Christmas with warm memories of time with Grandma in an adventure journey across country and city, coast to coast, and holiday magic in this sweet children’s picture book.

Review:

The cover is charming and will attract the interest of young readers. The pictures are adorable, colorful, and complement the accompanying rhyming text. The book's rich colors and diverse images will undoubtedly appeal to children. The rhyming text is simple to read and could even be sung by children, grandparents, or other adult figures. The entire story is well-written, simple to read and comprehend, and provides an opportunity for learning about different cultures, Christmas celebrations, traditions, activities, and modes of transportation. To Mimi's House We Go, written by Susan Meissner and illustrated by Mette Engell, is ideal for anyone seeking a delightful rhyming book with brilliant colored graphics and Christmas learning possibilities.

Discussion Questions for To Mimi's House We Go, written by Susan Meissner and illustrated by Mette Engell

1.      Was the book a “thumbs up” or a “thumbs down” for you?

2.      What do you think about the book’s cover?

3.      Was there a specific scene or illustration that you liked?

a.      Which part of the illustration caught your attention the most?

4.      What did you enjoy about this book?

5.       What did you dislike about the book?

6.      What are some of the modes of Christmas travel in the book?

7.      The book depicts various Christmas traditions. What are some of your family's Christmas traditions?

8.      Based on the reading, what are some of the ways people celebrate Christmas?

9.      After reading the book, what are some of the things you learned about the Christmas season?

10.  After seeing the illustrations in the book, describe or draw some of your favorite Christmas things, memories, or traditions.