Rosco the Rascal and the Holiday Lights - by Shana Gorian (Hardcover)

About the Book

James' and Mandy's neighborhood has taken first place in the holiday lights Best Block contest. But will Rosco's attempts to help just make things worse on opening night? And will Mandy's insistence on working independently be her downfall at the school train parade? Find out in this heartwarming Christmas adventure. Recommended for ages 6-10.

Book Synopsis

A community project in December has resulted in a first place win for James' and Mandy's glimmering, decked-out neighborhood. But now that they've won the contest, the neighbors must pull off a seamless opening night of the famed Holiday Lights Tour, in which hundreds, if not thousands of visitors will come to marvel at the Christmas displays.

So, will some petty competition between friends ruin the fun for ten-year-old James? And worse, when Rosco the rascally dog tries to make up for foolish behavior, inadvertently starting an off-the-leash dog rampage across sidewalks and lawns on opening night, will the whole neighborhood's displays be completely destroyed?

In addition, James's seven-year-old sister, Mandy, struggles with faulty costume construction at her school train parade that week, resulting in more than just disappointment.

Find out if the boys can come together to stop the undisciplined pack of dogs, salvage opening night, and save their friendship, and find out if Mandy can learn to appreciate her independence.

A heart-warming, realistic, and contemporary action-packed Christmas adventure, ideal for boys and girls alike.

Review Quotes

Excerpt from CHAPTER 5

ALL BY HERSELF

On Tuesday afternoon, Mandy knelt on the living room floor decorating her train car for the Holiday Train Parade. Candy wrappers and empty plastic bags covered the tile. She pressed her last gumdrop firmly into a dab of glue on the side of a large, brown, cardboard box. She'd had a busy week with art projects.

Perfect, she thought, sizing up her work. A moment later, a gumdrop slid slowly down the side of the box. Mandy's smile faded.

Uh-oh. She reached for the glue and applied another dab. It wasn't holding very well, but the hot glue gun would help.

"Mom, where are the giant lollipops?" Mandy called. "I'm ready for the wheels!"

"They're on the dining room table, honey!" Mom replied. "I'll be there in a minute!"

Setbacks were not going to get Mandy down today. She sifted through a mountain of Mom's holiday projects on the table.