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Billy and Monster's Golden Christmas

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They're back!

Discover what new adventures Billy and Monster get up to in the latest episode in this exciting series.

It's almost Christmas and Billy's looking forward to his present from Uncle Leland from England. On Christmas day, Billy isn't too excited when Uncle Leland gives him a golden pen but gives Cousin Bob a big monster truck. How could Uncle Leland do this to him? Billy's not a happy bunny and his ingratitude makes Uncle Leland sad and his Dad mad.

A game of hide and seeks plunges Billy into a world filled with snow, happy monsters and houses made of chocolate.

You will love reading this story to your loved ones as they get to learn the most important thing about this special holiday season. Expect funny illustrations, laugh out loud moments and touching moments in this funny book for kids.

Grab your copy today!

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 25, 2014

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222 people want to read

About the author

David Chuka

19 books277 followers
David Chuka lives in London with his lovely wife and two adorable children. His family are usually the first people to hear his funny and quirky tales. While he has written non-fiction material previously, he is absolutely proud to be called a children's book author. He loves writing stories that educate and entertain.

As a father himself, he has parents at heart when he writes. Bedtime has to be one of the best parts of the day for him as it gives him the opportunity to bond with his little ones. He believes you'll enjoy sharing his stories with your loved ones.

He would like to keep you updated on what he's working on and any giveaways he has on offer. Please subscribe to his newsletter at www.davidchuka.com

You can also follow him on twitter @davidchuka

He has so many stories to tell and can't wait to share them with the world.

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5 stars
22 (51%)
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16 (37%)
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3 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Sandra Stiles.
Author 1 book81 followers
December 5, 2014
This is another wonderful book by another of my favorite children's book authors. In this book we join Billy as he prepares to Celebrate Christmas. This year everyone is coming to his house. They open presents, eat wonderful food then they play games. It reminded me of my childhood. Everyone came to our farm. After lunch was over we would sit around the table and play games. Billy's Uncle Bob, who is from England always brings him a special gift. This year Billy watches his cousin open a present with a wonderful monster truck while he is given a golden pen. He is definitely not thankful for it. What will happen when he joins a monster family for their humble Christmas? A wonderful book to remind us why we celebrate.
I received a copy to facilitate my review.
Profile Image for Donalisa Helsley.
Author 5 books58 followers
December 5, 2014
Although Christmas is normally a happy time for Billy this year he finds himself disappointed and jealous. He later learns about gratitude and that having things does not bring happiness. A very sweet story to remind us all what the season is about. The illustration are different but cute. I do feel that there might have been too many words on the pages. I had to skip some to keep my group of clients attention. To be fair some of them would have had difficulty paying attention if there had been less words on the pages.
Profile Image for Kim Propp .
73 reviews15 followers
December 18, 2014
HoaP would like to thank David Chuka for giving us a copy of Billy and Monster's Golden Christmas to review.

Anxiously, Billy waits til it is time to see what he and his cousin get from Uncle. The presents are always the same so it is a surprise this year when they are not. Billy's cousin gets an awesome truck while Billy gets a 'dumb' gold pen. Acting graciously is not one of Billy's strong suits, and his father is displeased with his reaction towards the gift.

A family game of hide n seek ensues. Billy is the counter. The family hides. When Billy is done counting he opens the refrigerator to get a gold snack. He reaches deeper and deeper until he is in a whole new world. Billy meets two new friends who take him to their house for Christmas dinner. He eats with the family because he is hungry. Expecting more than a bowl of soup for a meal he is disappointed. Then Billy's monster friends open their presents. Billy learns from the monsters that Christmas is not about what we 'get' but who we get to be with and that is the most important gift.

Billy reaches back into the refrigerator and tries to grab a golden nut. He can't reach so he reaches further until he is out of the fridge and back in his own family home. Billy thanks his uncle for the gift. He has learned a very valuable lesson.

This story is upsurd. That is what makes it so fun! Although the story line is far fetched (I've never met anyone in my fridge), it is a lot of fun. Kids will learn the valuable lesson the monster family teaches. My son who is growing up much too quickly said that little kids will like this book. He said he is not a little kid, but I know that he enjoyed it as well. (My son is 11). The book is short and written for kids up to about age 9.

HoaP received a copy of Billy and Monster's Golden Christmas in exchange for an honest review. If you would like HoaP to review a book or product for you, please contact us at philanthropicHR@yahoo.com. Thank you for your support and God Bless!
Profile Image for Erika Messer.
176 reviews18 followers
December 21, 2014
This is a fun and whimsical picture book yet it also displays the importance of family and togetherness at the holidays. I love the way the author uses the senses to make the reader reminisce about their own favorite traditions and foods :) Billy remembers everything he loves about Christmas and what his grandma would make for dinner, desserts and all the fun they would have making it all. The illustrations are kind of like an anime type design, I really like the bold bright colors bringing out all the majesty and magic of the holidays. Billy is really excited, until he gets his first few gifts, and he is ... well ... not too thrilled with them. He tries to pretend but finds it hard. But when he reaches into the fridge to try to grab his grandmothers chocolate pecan pie, he finds himself on a snowy playground with monsters! They invite him back to their home for their family Christmas, where he sees them being thankful for every little thing they have such as a simple bowl of soup, small gifts like he received and wonders how they can be happy with them. When he finally is transported back to his own family Christmas, will he learn to be thankful for the little things and realize that his family is more important? Very awesome book, I really enjoyed reading it and I think it's a great book for young kids who are spoiled or don't appreciate what they have - teaches a great lesson :) The illustrations are amazing, I think they reallyl told the story through the pictures. Definitely 5 stars! I received a complimentary ebook to review :)
Profile Image for Anne Martin.
706 reviews14 followers
March 5, 2015
sorry, I don't have kids at home anymore and according to the way the book was presented, I expected something else, something anybody could enjoy and not only preschool kids.
When my children were growing up, I told them stories, of course, but I made the stories up. It began with what I remembered of fairy tales, then a lot of biblical stories, adding some cultural dimension to the classical story time, then aplenty of tales I created as I told them, and then suddenly came a time when they could read themselves... There never was a time when such books would have thrilled them.
And as I read this book, I was hoping to find more... find a story that would make me dream, remember that precious time with little kids, or just a story I would enjoy, even for a little while. I was disappointed. It is just a few pages with huge illustrations about Christmas gifts, and how much a kid wants his gift to be perfect. Of course. the meeting with the poor monsters enables the child to realize how lucky they are to get that much, even if it is not enough to completely satisfy them. When I read the page when Billy gets his pen, I thought the monsters would show him he could create new universes with the pen, by drawing or writing. No, just the usual "be lucky to be so spoilt when millions of small Chinese kids would love to have soooooo much". If one reads the book to a child, there is not even a theme offering a discussion! So, I guess it might be fun for two to three years old, who will fall asleep thinking of Christmas and of the presents to come.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
105 reviews62 followers
December 30, 2014
Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas by David Chuka is a great children’s story. I love that it starts out by introducing all of Billy’s different relatives who always get together at Christmas, plus their different personalities, and the different places that they travel from are also mentioned. I’m sure children can relate to this, because oftentimes Christmas is the only time of year they see certain relatives! Kids can also relate to getting crappy presents from those relatives who barely know them, and only see them once per year!
Billy ends up in a magical world, that looks like a playground filled with snow, after reaching too far into the refrigerator in an attempt to taste grandma’s pie! He finds himself surrounded by colorful creatures, and then his adventure and life lesson begins. The little colorful monsters are so grateful for everything they have and receive. This story teaches children to be grateful for their family, and to be happy with the things that they have in life. So many children are spoiled, and learn to just expect what they get, and to take everything for granted. In this book, it takes a couple of little monsters to teach Billy that Christmas isn’t just about getting lots of gifts, it’s about being with the people you love and being grateful for what you have!
I thought the illustrations were really cute, and the book was great. I loved the lesson given to the reader, and I think this is a great book for children ages 2-8. I give this book a FIVE out of FIVE stars!
Profile Image for Stacie.
Author 6 books100 followers
December 19, 2014
Billy and Monster's Golden Christmas serves as a heartwarming reminder to be thankful everyday for the true gifts in our lives.

Like most kids, Billy is anxious for Christmas. He's excited for delicious food, spending time with family from near and far, and most of all presents. However, when Uncle Leland gives Billy an ordinary gold pen, Billy is more than disappointed. Now, Uncle Leland is hurt and dad is upset with Billy for being ungrateful. Before dad can address Billy's behavior, grandpa suggests a game of hide-and-seek and Billy has to count. But, this seemingly innocent game of hide-and-seek catapults Billy into an unusual world with colorful monsters who are thankful just to have one another. Will Billy learn something from his new friends?

We've all gotten a gift that we were less than thrilled with and many times we let the disappointment show (even if we don't mean to). It's at these times that we forget, it really is the thought that counts. Billy's ordeal is a wonderful reminder of this and the story's message is related in an entertaining and simple manner, allowing children to easily grasp the lesson. The illustrations are engaging and vivid, adding to this delightful tale.

I recommend picking up a copy of Billy and Monster's Golden Christmas.
Profile Image for Laura Thomas.
1,554 reviews107 followers
December 29, 2014
This is a delightful story told with fun, colorful pictures.

Billy loves Christmas and everyone is coming to his house this year to celebrate.

The three things Billy loves most are:

Christmas dinner. That yummy stuffed turkey will the the trimmings and Grandma’s chocalicious desserts.

There’s also the fun games they play after dinner.

And, most special, the surprise present from his Uncle Leland each year.

This year Billy’s Uncle Leland gave him a golden pen knowing he likes to write comics.

Billy doesn’t think much of it and went to play hide and seek. A strange noise coming from the refrigerator makes him open it and reach inside. He keeps reaching until…Boom, he’s drawn into another world. There he meets the Monster family and shares their Christmas.

I applaud the author’s imagination and use of colorful, delightful pictures to tell this tale of Christmas and what it is really about.

What child wouldn’t enjoy this wonderful story of adventure, fun monsters, and the true meaning of Christmas. This is one you’ll enjoy sharing with your children each year.

I received this book for my honest review.
Profile Image for Nancy Silk.
Author 5 books82 followers
December 5, 2014
"A Wonderful Story to Read To Children During the Holidays!"

This is such a delightful young children's story book. It starts a week before Christmas and mom and Billy are looking forward to all the family getting together. There are three things that make it a fun Christmas for Billy:

1. Lots of good food.
2. A special present personally delivered by Uncle Leland who lives in England.
3. The games played after dinner.

Now...it's Christmas morning and not even a mouse can sleep in as mom and relatives are busy cooking in the kitchen. Sorry! No samples! After dinner, Cousin Bob and Billy join Uncle Leland to receive their special gifts. You'll have to download and read this story to find out what the gifts are! Until then, the gifts will remain wrapped. Good lessons here for children to learn manners and gratitude. The artwork is very colorful and unique. Oh! And there are monsters, but they're not scary! Take time to share with your children this Christmas. The author also offers a free coloring and activity book.
Profile Image for Christy.
1,313 reviews68 followers
December 17, 2014
This review originally appeared on my blog, Christy's Cozy Corners.

Billy and Monster's Golden Christmas is such a cute book! In it, Billy is celebrating Christmas with his family. He especially loves three things about Christmas: the food, the family, and the fun. They have lots and lots of yummy food at Christmas. The chocolate pecan pie sounds scrumptious! All of the cousins and aunts and uncles come together at Christmas including Uncle Leland from England! The fun includes games like cards and hide and seek.

Billy is excited to open his gift from Uncle Leland, but he's sad when he finds out it is only a pen. But during the hide and seek game, Billy learns that gifts are not what Christmas is all about. It is about love and being thankful for what you have.

This story is one that all children need to hear! Being thankful for what you get and understanding the meaning behind the gift is more important than getting everything you want. The illustrations in the book are adorable as well. I highly recommend reading this with your children!
Profile Image for Lynda Dickson.
581 reviews65 followers
March 29, 2016
Christmas is a time for Billy and family members from near and far to celebrate Christmas together. Three things Billy loves about Christmas are the food, the special present his Uncle Leland always brings him from England, and the after-dinner games. This year, Billy is disappointed with the Uncle Leland's gift. Later, during a game of hide-and-seek, Billy finds himself transported to a strange land where two friendly monsters invite him over for Christmas dinner. There, he learns what makes Christmas truly special. As Popo Monster says, "Having each other is the best gift for Christmas or any other day."

This is a cute story with colorful and fun illustrations by Renato Capasso. This is the perfect book to help teach your children that Christmas is not about getting the latest and greatest toys, but about being grateful for what you have and spending time with your family.

I received this book in return for an honest review.

Full blog post: http://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com...
Profile Image for Inderpreet Uppal.
Author 3 books77 followers
December 25, 2014
Billy reminds us of our children and their unending demands during the festive season. Billy too learns that being thankful whatever we get is the biggest blessing. Nonstop demands and tantrums if the demands are not met are a scene most of us parents are familiar with! Here is a story that helps both parents and children to understand and value what we have.

It is story of a boy who is unhappy with his Christmas gift and finds little monsters in his dreams who share their home and heart. Billy shares dinner with them and understands the true spirit of Christmas.

Sharing and caring with family and friends, the story has the element of magic as well as Dear Old Santa! A family that plays and learns together.

I found the story very for apt for teaching our children about the traditions and values. It has a straightforward premise and has an interesting storyline. Billy and your child both will be learning and growing with good morals and manners.

I find is extremely satisfying that Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas is a fine blend of learning and entertainment.
Profile Image for Amy Miller.
3,833 reviews34 followers
December 17, 2014
A cute story! Little Billy loved Christmas. He goes into detail about his family and their traditions. He mentions his Uncle Leland who lives in England and he great unique gifts he gives them. This year though Billy gets a golden pen while his cousin gets a toy monster truck. He is super upset. While playing hide and seek with the family he looks into the fridge and notices something is off. He is pulled into another place where he meets a monster family. The Monster family shows Billy that they lead a simple life. Their dinner is soup and the presents are small. Billy learns that if they had more they wouldn't appreciate the family they had and how important that is. Billy goes back home and thanks his Uncle for the gift and tells them all that having them all their is the best gift ever.
The message is a great one for a child to learn, no matter what you have or don't as long as you have family that is what is important. This would be a great rad for 5-9 yr old.
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,571 reviews20 followers
December 21, 2014
Billy and Monster's Golden Christmas is a delightful book about Christmas and the importance of family. It is easy to read and it has colorful pictures.

Billy likes Christmas because of the good food, spending time with family, and the presents he gets, especially the special present from his uncle who lives in England. This year, Billy is disappointed in his present from his uncle and he doesn't even say thank you for it. When he visits the Monster family, he learns that we should be thankful for whatever food or presents we get but that they're not what is important. Family is the most important thing. Once he learns that, his Christmas is even better because he's happy with what he has.

I like books like this one that are interesting for children to read, great to look at, and they learn a lesson. This would be a great book to add to a child's Christmas library.
Profile Image for Esperanza.
84 reviews101 followers
November 30, 2014
In the book Billy and Monster's Golden Christmas, the golden rule of being polite and thankful are brought to the surface. Billy the main character is one of those ungrateful kids that wants everything under the sun to fall before his eyes. He quietly learns that life is not all about getting, but life is also about being appreciative of what you have today. Billy unusually finds this out and his life lesson is found to be something that truly makes a difference in his heart. Our children listened to this story with content and appreciate the author's way of addressing this wonderful life lesson and bringing it to life! Chuka gives the kids something to be thankful for! We recommend this story to all families!


Profile Image for Amanda.
23 reviews28 followers
December 15, 2014
I admire David Chuka for creating such a unique realm. While Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas is an incredibly creative story it also contains a valuable lesson. And I highly appreciate how this will gain children's attention while teaching them that important lesson. Which is to be thankful for that which you have been blessed with. As for the illustrations: they're vibrant, crystal clear, and have quite a 3-D factor about them. I would recommend this to children & adults alike because it's all to easy to become unappreciative and to take things for granted in this world...

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for Stephanie Ward.
Author 7 books89 followers
December 21, 2014
My favorite thing about Billy and Monster's Golden Christmas is that it aptly deals with an issue that faces all children (and most adults) at one point or another...receiving a gift you don't really like. The story has a unique way of showing Billy that, not only is he not be thankful for a lovely gift, but that he doesn't appreciate what he has. The author cleverly delivers these lessons in a fun story that children will enjoy. The details in the book, especially the uncle's pants, are wonderfull and provide some humor for the adults as well. Great book for the holidays. And a fun digital title to have on an iPad or tablet during holiday travels.
Profile Image for Letty.
21 reviews11 followers
December 28, 2014
Books that teach a lesson are my favorite to get for my son and this quick read is a must. My son enjoyed the illustrations and the imagination of Billy portrait through them. We all have been disappointed in some way or another especially with gift we have gotten during Christmas. Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas uses a somewhat believable way teach our kids to be grateful and to appreciate what the most important gift and one we already have, Family!

David Chuka writing is very imaginative and engaging. I am looking forward to read more of his books in the future.

Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas will be a great addition to any child’s Christmas Library.

Profile Image for Bonnie Rediske- .
311 reviews9 followers
November 28, 2014
Billy and Monster's Golden Christmas is a cute little book with great illustrations. This book contains a great little life lesson about being thankful for the little things around you. You meet little Billy who gets a present that he feels is not as good as a present a cousin gets. He is jealous and does not say thank you. He is transported to the home of the Monster's where their happiness over the little things teaches Billy that happiness does not come from what you get but those around you. Perfect for ages 5-8
35 reviews108 followers
December 31, 2014
This is a cute Christmas book that the little ones will enjoy. Billy is looking forward to Christmas and seeing his uncle from England. This uncle always brings great presents. This year Billy was disappointed with his gift. After Billy's with the monster's, Billy learns the true meaning of Christmas. He hugs his uncle.He lets his family know that family is what is important. He learns to be thankful. I think five and six year old children would love this book and hopefully learn to appreciate what they have and the people that are important to them.
Profile Image for Connie.
591 reviews48 followers
January 5, 2016
This is a tale of a boy who isn't pleased about a gift that was given to him by his Uncle. Let me just say, I understand. :) Billy and his cousin Bob get a gift from their Uncle. While his cousin gets this cool monster truck, Billy gets a golden pen. I mean who doesn't love a monster truck!? :) Billy falls into an alternate time and has Christmas Dinner with the Monster family and realizes that they are content with the little things because they have each other. He learned the lesson of things don't mean anything without having those you love around you.
Profile Image for Gregory Bray.
Author 6 books49 followers
December 13, 2014
Who hasn't gotten a present and thought, "What were they thinking?" I always got socks and undies and thought that. Now that I'm older, I know that the best thing about Christmas is being with family. This is a nice story conveying the importance of being with family at Christmas. My son liked the monster pictures a lot.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,479 reviews57 followers
December 6, 2014
Now this is an awesome book for children of all ages and even adult a like to read about being thankful for what you have what you receive! Well written! Loved this book!!!

*Received for an honest review*
Profile Image for Kay LaLone.
Author 2 books143 followers
December 29, 2014
Billy tells what he likes about Christmas. His favorite is a gift he gets from Uncle Laland, but this year he doesn't like his gift. The monsters teach Billy a lesson. Entertaining story to teach children to be thankful.
Profile Image for Autumn.
2,367 reviews47 followers
December 18, 2014
We received this book to give an honest review.

This wasn't our favorite book but it was a good book to read. I thought the moral of the story behind this was really good. This is something that I have been trying to teach K. That even though you may not like a gift you are given you should still say Thank you and be grateful. That is something that I think all kiddos should learn.
With this story, Billy is given a gift a golden pen instead of being thankful he received something he is upset because it isn't "cool". I think we can all relate.
While playing a game with his family Billy goes into a different world with some monsters and they teach him that he should be grateful. Because some people don't have a lot to give, but love.
Being around families during the holidays is the best thing.

I enjoyed the ending where the question for the readers is given.
What are you thankful for?
I asked K this and he goes my family, and then asked me what I was thankful for.
K enjoyed the pictures and learning what Billy was thankful for at Christmas time. I think he will be asking me to read this book again to him soon.
The only problem I had with the story is the part that Billy is transported to another world. When he comes back to his world it is just said by his cousin, that they were tired of waiting for him so they went to watch TV. How did Billy just disappear without anyone noticing and not worrying. I know sounds silly but it is something that I felt should have been explained.
Profile Image for Vicki.
558 reviews37 followers
May 26, 2017
This is book five in the series and is a very cute story that teaches kids that it’s not about the presents you get for Christmas. What matters is being grateful for what you have and spending time with the people you love.

This is a short story, but it’s a fun book with cute colorful illustrations and a positive message. I think any child would love this book as well as the others in the series:

Book 1: Billy and the Monster Who Loved to Fart
Book 2: Billy and Monster – The Superhero with Fart Powers
Book 3: Billy and the Monster Who Ate all the Easter Eggs
Book 4: Billy and Monster’s New Neighbor Has a Secret
2 reviews
December 27, 2014
Reviews
I love Billy and his Monster books! This one is also beautifully done. Billy experiences a disappointment in one of his Christmas presents and doesn't feel like a 'thank you' is warranted. As he plays his imagination and his friends the monsters teach him a valuable lesson about what is most important - to value each other. Thank you David Chucka for another lovely book that's entertaining while it resonates beautifully with children's experiences. This is an 'evergreen' Christmas book, sure to be read year after year.
Profile Image for BreAnn Fennell.
Author 7 books44 followers
December 31, 2014
I wish I had this book to read with my child before Christmas. Billy and Monster's Golden Christmas has a good moral about being thankful and appreciating the important things in your life (like family). I think young children would enjoy reading this book as they enter into the world of reading. Parents and children can relate to the social struggle of what to do when you don't get what you want. I will be interested in reading more from this author, as he has several books in this series.
Profile Image for Rhonda Patton.
Author 32 books100 followers
December 21, 2014
great story with great meaning

I love this story. It teaches kids to appreciate gifts no matter how big or small. I recommend this read before Cheistmas.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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