ABOUT THE BOOK
12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas
Written by Tanya Harvey
Illustrated by Chelsea Peters
Ages: 4-6 | 24 Pages
Publisher: Newtown Station Press (2024) | ISBN: 978-1069140333
Publisher’s Book Summary: Celebrate the joyful chaos of the holiday season! No pear trees here! This modern twist on a classic countdown reminds us that Christmas is not just about the Big Day, but how we cherish preparing for it together. From decorating the tree to last-minute shopping, each day presents a new challenge — and plenty of laughter — as the family works together to ensure everything is ready for their holiday celebration. This charming story captures the love and dedication that go into making the season special, reminding us how quickly it passes by — and how the journey is where the memories are made. Filled with delightful illustrations that bring heartwarming moments to life, The 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas is a whirlwind of festive fun, perfect for readers of all ages — especially Moms who make Christmas magical.
PURCHASE LINK
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Bookshop.org
YOUTUBE VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU0PC_yIs9c
MY REVIEW
The traditional carol of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” has been around a long time - long enough that there are quite a few versions of it in various musical styles, parodies, and even rewrites that could qualify as fan fiction. But Tanya Harvey has captured the fun and frustration of those last days before Christmas as families rush to finish their holiday preparations.The book follows the pattern of the traditional song and adds a new errand or activity each day. Mother, father, and two little girls are busy with wrapping gifts, shopping trips, craft projects, and blinging out the tree. Illustrations show the family driving home with the tree tied to the roof of the car, trying to unwind the light strands, and the cat batting ornaments around. As the days progress, mom and dad begin to look a bit ragged although the kids are singing and enjoying candy canes. By day 7 dad declares, “No more shopping trips.”
The cumulative text has occasional changes such as “we’re all done with glue” and “no more crafts to do” as preparations are completed. In the illustrations readers can see dad upgrading to a new snow shovel and then to a snow blower as the snow continues to fall or mom looking frazzled by ”More toys that sing!” But text and images work together to capture the feeling of a busy time getting ready to share holiday joy with family. A QR code even allows readers to sing along for a fun time with their own family and friends.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Finding the courage to create:Tanya Harvey has always loved art, storytelling, and creativity — but for years she pushed those dreams aside. A traditional career, a busy life, a comfortable path… until one day she realized it was now or never. She didn’t want her ideas, her stories, or her love for creating to be left behind.
All in on herself:
With the support of her family, Tanya followed her heart and became a children’s author and entrepreneur. She’s still a student in this role — learning, adapting, and exploring new things like animation and sound production. The best part? She has discovered how much fun it is to be fully herself.
Tanya creates because she can’t not. She loves solving problems, cracking the code, and bending the rules when the status quo is just that. Each story begins as a need — a better potty book, or a way to capture the magic of Christmas. She follows the sparks of joy, and that’s where the magic happens. Sometimes those sparks help others find connection, too.
For more information, visit tanyaharvey.ca.
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ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Accomplished Canadian illustrator and graphic designer with over a decade of experience, Chelsea Peters, has been honing her craft since childhood. Her distinctive style, characterized by her playful use of linework and watercolour, has captured the attention of notable clients such as Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, The Globe & Mail, and Canadian Geographic. She brought her unique touch to children’s literature with the publication of two illustrated children’s books, Poppy & Pa, written by Kristyn Jewell & 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas. Chelsea’s passion for combining traditional media with digital techniques gives her work a fresh, whimsical look bringing her clients’ ideas to life.
In 2013, Chelsea graduated with high honours from Sheridan College with a Bachelor’s of Illustration Degree, while winning the prestigious Silver Medalist’s Award for highest overall grade point average in her program. She also earned an Art Fundamentals Certificate with high honours in 2008.
When she’s not creating, Chelsea can be found spending time with her family and rescue dog, indulging in a tea latte, soaking up nature, or getting lost in a good book. Her creativity and passion for her craft are matched only by her love for the simple pleasures in life.
TOUR SCHEDULE
Monday, November 3, 2025 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas |
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 @PagesforPaige Instagram Post about 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas |
Friday, November 7, 2025 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas |
Monday, November 10, 2025 The Starlit Path Book Review and Instagram Reel about 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas |
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 Confessions of a Book Addict Book Review of 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas |
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas |
Thursday, November 13, 2025 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas |
Friday, November 14, 2025 The Fairview Review Book Review of 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas |
Monday, November 17, 2025 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Tanya Harvey |
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas |
Thursday, November 20, 2025 bored_military_wife Instagram Post about 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas |
Friday, November 21, 2025 avainbookland Instagram Post about 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas |
Monday, December 1, 2025 Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers Guest Post about 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas |
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas |
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 Froggy Read Teach Instagram Post about 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas |
This post is sponsored by Tanya Harvey. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.
