Author Guest Post & Review – The Living Christmas Tree

The Miller family’s Christmas tree looks like a normal Christmas tree during the day, covered with beautiful lights and ornaments. But little do they know that the tree is anything but ordinary.

Welcome to one of the November 29th stops on the blog tour for The Living Christmas Tree by Kristin Sponaugle with iRead Book Tours (schedule linked.) Be sure to follow the rest of the tour for spotlights, reviews, guest posts, and a giveaway! More on that at the end of this post.

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Author Guest Post

Why I Write Children’s Books

There are so many children’s books out there today that it’s hard to imagine there are stories that haven’t been written. It was a bit intimidating submitting my first children’s book, The Princess Puppy, to publishers as a new author. Not only am I a brand-new author, but one who has a bachelor’s in health sciences and a master’s in physician assistant studies. I didn’t feel qualified to be writing at all, let alone a children’s book. I was honestly nervous to tell anyone, including my husband, that I was writing… especially since it included the silly tales of my dog, Rosie.

I loved reading growing up, and I still love curling up with a good book to read to this day. As a child, I loved when my parents would read to me, and once I was old enough to read on my own, I couldn’t get my hands on books fast enough. I remember thinking that it would be so cool to be a published author someday. I just needed a story to tell.

Fast forward quite a few years, and I found myself retelling the tales of my Maltese pup, Rosie, to my friends. One day it occurred to me that Rosie’s antics would be incredible for a children’s book, and that’s how The Princess Puppy was born. A childhood memory inspired my second children’s book, The Living Christmas Tree.

I realized that while there are tons of children’s books out there, it doesn’t mean there isn’t room for a new one. I remember how much joy all of my childhood books brought me, and I hope my books can bring a smile to young readers too. There are so many young readers out there, just looking for the next story to capture their heart. If even one child finds joy in my book, then I’ll call my writing a success!

About the Book

The Living Christmas Tree
by Kristin Sponaugle

Published 7 September 2021
Mascot Books

Genre: Children’s Fiction
Page Count: 38
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!

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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My Review

My Rating: 4 Stars
Consider liking my review on Goodreads.

I was granted complimentary access to The Living Christmas Tree as part of my participation in a blog tour for this title with iRead Book Tours. Thank you to all involved in affording me this opportunity! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.

The Living Christmas Tree takes a page out of Toy Story’s book and brings Christmas tree ornaments to life at night, to the delight of the Miller family kids who catch the ornaments in the act after bedtime. It’s an adorable story about the enchanting magic of the season, paired with beautiful illustrations and a whole lot of childlike wonder.

It’s a little on the long side which means my 4 year old bailed on my as I was doing my review read through, but I think she’d love a “Daddy makes up a quicker version” performance and this could become a beloved book when she’s a bit older. This is definitely the sort of story I would have spent a lot of time daydreaming over at about 6 or 7.

About the Author

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.

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Giveaway Alert!

Enter to win a signed copy of The Living Christmas Tree (one winner/USA only) (ends Dec 24)

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