My favourite Christmas poem and a review of Pass the Turkey by Sue Vincent
Posted: December 26, 2020 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Poetry, Review, Treasuring Poetry | Tags: Book Review, Christmas, Christmas Poetry, Dr. Suess, Pass the Turkey, Poetry, Sue Vincent, Treasuring Poetry, Writing to be Read 61 Comments
This is my final Treasuring Poetry post for 2020 and I am sharing my favourite Christmas poem, an extract from How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss. I love this piece of his lovely Christmas story because it really illustrates what Christmas is all about. I love how the Grinch was unable to stop Christmas from coming because Christmas is in our hearts and souls and its not about the gifts, the food, the Christmas tree or even our families. It is about us, as individuals, and our own personal relationships, beliefs, and aspirations.
…So he paused. And the Grinch put his hand to his ear.
And he did hear a sound rising over the snow.
It started in low. Then it started to grow.
But the sound wasn’t sad! Why, this sound sounded merry!
It couldn’t be so! But it WAS merry! VERY!
He stared down at Whoville! The Grinch popped his eyes!
Then he shook! What he saw was a shocking surprise!
Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small,
Was singing! Without any presents at all!
He HADN’T stopped Christmas from coming! IT CAME!
Somehow or other, it came just the same!
And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: “How could it be so?”
“It came with out ribbons! It came without tags!”
“It came without packages, boxes or bags!”
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before!
“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store.”
“Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!”…
Ani, the small dog, and her two legs, Sue Vincent, know all about Christmas and making the best of it. Ani, with the help of Sue, has written a number of lovely rhyming poetry books, one of which is Pass the Turkey: The Small Dog’s Christmas. This is one of my favourite poems from this book:
Pondering
Dear Santa, I’m a little dog who doesn’t do religion.
I’d rather chase a tennis ball or terrorise a pigeon
Than argue over who is wrong or maybe who is right…
It seems a silly way to me to get into a fight.
I know the Christmas story, ’cause she told me long ago,
About Joseph and Mary when they had nowhere to go,
And that’s the bit that got to me, ’cause someone found a place,
Although they slept with beasts and not with others of their race.
According to the tale we’re told, they slept beneath a star
And shepherds brought their lambs to see and kings came from afar.
They gathered where the Baby lay, beside the ox and ass,
While angels sang above, they knelt in wonder on the grass.
Now, that’s a lovely story that the world will celebrate…
And then go back to living in their prejudice and hate.
They look askance at strangers if they wear a different skin…
I wonder if the Babe returned, if they would let Him in?
You know, I have to wonder, if there’s any point at all,
In putting presents on the tree or trimming up the hall
Unless they feel the Christmas spirit bringing love and peace
And know that it is in their hearts hostilities must cease.
I know, I’m just a small dog and my voice will not be heard,
I’m only good for cuddles and to chase a ball or bird.
But maybe when you visit you could tell them while they sleep
And give them just a bit of your compassion they could keep.
It would be nice to think it could be Christmas every day
(Without the preparations and the bills they have to pay)
But being gentle with each other, giving Love a place
Within their hearts and in the smiles they’d wear upon their face.
Much love,
Ani
You can read more about the small dog here: https://thesmalldogs.blog/
My review of Pass the Turkey: The Small Dog’s Christmas
Pass the Turkey: The Small Dog’s Christmas is a delightful book full of Christmas cheer. Ani, the small dog, is reflecting on Christmas’ past, present and future through a combination of letters to Santa and poems. The perplexities of ‘fake’ Santas, the ‘theft’ of a favourite sofa, and gifts of tennis balls and a chicken flavoured biscuit, all require Ani’s consideration. Her naughty secrets are also revealed such as the time she ate all the left over turkey and salmon and fell through the ice in the pond [it was shallow]. The indignities of baths and having to wear reindeer antlers are also shared.
Join Ani and her two legs, Sue Vincent, for a glorious romp through advent and Christmas Day.
A few of my favourite verses:
“I’ve tried to help with household chores,
I’ve laundered all my balls,
I’ve chased the pigeons form the shed
And spiders from the walls.” from Request
“She’s like a puppy when it snows
We just go out to play…
And if she wraps up warm enough
We might stay out all day.” from Wishing for the White Stuff
“The windows are all closed at night
The keyhole seems to small
To wriggle through with turkey
And a brand new tennis ball.” from Chimneys.
You can purchase Pass the Turkey: The Small Dog’s Christmas here:
About Sue Vincent
Sue Vincent is a Yorkshire born writer currently living in the south of England, largely due to an unfortunate incident with a map, a pin and a blindfold. Raised in a spiritually eclectic family she has always had an unorthodox view on life, particularly the inner life, which is often reflected in her writing, poetry and paintings.
She maintains a popular blog, https://scvincent.com and is currently owned by Ani, the inimitable Small Dog, who also writes.
Sue lived in France for several years, sharing a Bohemian lifestyle and writing songs before returning to England where the youngest of her two sons was born. She began writing and teaching online several years ago, and was invited to collaborate with Dr G. Michael Vasey on their book, “The Mystical Hexagram: The Seven Inner Stars of Power”.
Since then she has published a number of books, beginning with “Swords of Destiny”, a magical tale set in the ancient landscape of Yorkshire. Her retelling of the Egyptian myths, “The Osiriad”, came shortly afterwards along with her collaboration with Stuart France. Together they have written the Triad of Albion, the Doomsday trilogy and the first books in the Lands of Exiles series.
These books tell a true adventure in a fictional manner. They are at once a journey into the ancient and sacred landscape of Albion and the story of a growing and rather oddball friendship.
The Triad of Albion was followed by the Doomsday trilogy and France and Vincent are now working on the three books in the Lands of Exile series, where the adventures of Don and Wen stray down the paths of fiction.
They have also published a number of graphic works together exploring folklore and legend, as well as writing independently. https://franceandvincent.com/
Sue, along with Steve Tanham and Stuart France, is a Director of the Silent Eye School of Consciousness, an international modern Mystery School that seeks to allow its students to find the inherent magic in living and being. https://thesilenteye.co.uk
About Robbie Cheadle
Robbie Cheadle has published nine books for children and one poetry book. She has branched into writing for adults and young adults and, in order to clearly separate her children’s books from her adult books, is writing for older readers under the name Roberta Eaton Cheadle.
Robbie Cheadle’s Sir Chocolate children’s picture books are written in sweet, short rhymes which are easy for young children to follow and are illustrated with pictures of delicious cakes and cake decorations. Each book also includes simple recipes or biscuit art directions which children can make under adult supervision. Her books for older children also incorporate recipes that are relevant to the storylines.
Roberta Eaton Cheadle’s supernatural stories combine fabulous paranormal elements with fascinating historical facts.
Children’s picture books – available as a square book and an A5 book (co-authored with Michael Cheadle):
Sir Chocolate and the strawberry cream story and cookbook
Sir Chocolate and the baby cookie monster story and cookbook
Sir Chocolate and the sugar dough bees story and cookbook
Sir Chocolate and the Condensed Milk River story and cookbook
Sir Chocolate and the Sugar Crystal Caves story and cookbook
Sir Chocolate and the Fondant Five story and cookbook
Sir Chocolate and the Ice Cream Rainbow Fairies story and cookbook
Middle school books:
Silly Willy Goes to Cape Town (includes five fun party cake ideas)
While the Bombs Fell (co-authored with Elsie Hancy Eaton)
Poetry book:
Open a new door (co-authored with Kim Blades)
Supernatural fantasy YA novel:
Through the Nethergate
Horror Anthologies (edited by Dan Alatorre):
Spellbound
Nightmareland
Dark Visions
Paranormal Anthologies (edited by Kaye Lynne Booth):
Spirits of the West
Whispers of the Past
Murder mystery Anthology (edited by Stephen Bentley)
Death Among Us
Find Robbie Cheadle
Blog: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
Blog: robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com
Twitter: BakeandWrite
Instagram: Robbie Cheadle – Instagram
Facebook: Sir Chocolate Books
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Writing to be Read 
Reblogged this on Robbie's inspiration and commented:
I am over at Writing to be Read with my last Treasuring Poetry post for 2020. I am sharing and extract of my favourite Christmas poem and a review of Pass the Turkey: The Small Dog’s Christmas by Sue Vincent. This will also be my last post for 2020 although I will still be visiting you all on and off over the next week while I spend some quality time with my family. Thanks for hosting me, Kaye Lynne Booth.
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Reblogged this on Sue Vincent's Daily Echo and commented:
A lovely review from Robbie…
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Thank you for sharing, Sue. Such a wonderful book.
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It was fun to put together 🙂
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Thank you very much, Robbi,,,this has made my day 🙂
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I love Ani stories and poems, Sue. I hope that you had a nice Christmas and that you are feeling a bit less fatigued now. Hugs.
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Thanks Robbie, a lovely Christmas… but rather tired today!
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A great review Robbie,I can personally vouch for Pass the Turkey, A small dog’s Christmas. It’s a beautiful book 💜💜
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Hi Willow, thanks for visiting and commenting. It is a beautiful book.
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Yes indeed 💜
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Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
A Christmas poem by Sue Vincent and other books by Robbie Cheadle and Sue Vincent.
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Thank you for sharing, it is appreciated.
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Thanks for a great post. I love Ani’s poems! And all best wishes for 2021.
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Thank you, Felicity, I love them too. All the best for 2021 to you too.
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I especially liked this line from that poem: “He HADN’T stopped Christmas from coming! IT CAME!”
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Hi Frank, That is also my favourite line. It came this year too, even though it was different.
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Two very appropriate choices for poems to represent the true spirit of Christmas!
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Thank you, Liz. I love Dr Seuss and I love Ani’s Advent calendar and Sue’s Ani poems.
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You’re welcome, Robbie.
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Merry Christmas, dear Robbie & happy creative 2021! I wish you bright cake achievements & more inspiration for new books!🎄✨🎉🧨🍧🍨🎂
Best wishes,
Maria
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Hi Maria, thank you for visiting me here. I am so pleased your enjoyed this poems. I hope you had a lovely Christmas.
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Our Christmas is about to come on the 7th of January, nevertheless the 25th it was a great feast indeed! Cin-cin! 🥂
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Reblogged this on Ed;s Site..
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Thank you for sharing, Ed. Appreciated as always.
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Super review, Robbie.
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Thank you, John. Ani is a terrific poet. Hugs.
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A grand post all the way around! Love the Grinch extract, one of my favorite parts of the entire show as well. Sue and Ani… they always put a smile on my heart. A greater team, there may never be! ❤
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Thank you, Annette. I agree that Sue and Ani are a wonderful and talented pair. I’m glad you enjoyed this extract from How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
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A wonderful post for the holidays and who knew Ani was such a poet. I read How the Grinch Stole Christmas to the kids every year until they grew out of it (!). They just did a new stage version on one of our TV stations and it was awful. They sexualized the Grinch and I turned it off!
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Hi Noelle, sadly, my boys have also outgrown this great book, but I have a little niece to read it too. That new version sounds horrible. Sue writes wonderful poetry.
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A wonderful comtogether of two great writers. Thank you for the review. Ani’s thoughts and experiences living with humans, and around their festive celebrations are unbelievable funny too. 😉 I think some parts of her are from Shakespeare. 😉 Happy Boxing Day! Michael
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Happy Boxing Day, Michael. Most who I know, don’t know about Boxing Day, so I always get a lot of weird looks the day after Christmas. It was nice to find someone else saying it other than me. 🙂
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Thank you, Kayelynne! I am knowing about this day, because here in Bavaria there was a misinterpretation. They officially aired on radio, Boxing Day is the day costumers can retoure bought products. Lol
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That is interesting, Michael. South Africa also has a custom of returning gifts on Boxing Day.
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Hello Robbie! Hope you had a nice celebration, you and your enjoyed. Really? Seems a good tradition, less for the sellers. 😉 Honestly, here in Bavaria it only was a misinformation. But maybe it will be established some times
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We had two great days with family, Michael. I know we are very fortunate to have had such a wonderful celebration during this Covid time. My extended family are all in bubbles and are not seeing anyone outside of the family. I am grateful for the children’s sake.
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Great to hear, Robbie! I am sorry for the lockdown, you have to cope with. Its great the children are well, and i am sure you will find possibilities to keep them funny.
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In the U.S. many return gifts on the day after Christmas. Boxing Day was originally a day off for servants when they receive coins from their employers, originally the land owners as it is European in origin, in appreciating of their service.
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I suppose we get bonuses now, although not in years when the company performs poorly.
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I think there is a lot of confusion here as to what it is, too. As I said, many have never heard of it. It was great to run across someone else who knows about it.
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Hi Michael, thanks for visiting and commenting. I agree that Ani is definitely part Shakespeare. I love her poetry. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas despite all the restrictions.
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Thank you very much, Robbi! I truely had. Here in the “rurality” Lol all restrictions are law, but far away. Best wishes, Michael
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It was like that here too, Michael, when all this started. People are ignoring the regulations now and there aren’t enough police to enforce them properly.
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Thanks for reminding me about the Grinch, Robbie. Ani and Sue also know all about the spirit of Christmas! (K)
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Hi Kerfe, I agree that Ani and Sue know all about the meaning of Christmas. The Grinch is a favourite of mine.
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two wonderful poems; I am a fan of the Grinch as well…
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Thank you, Jim. You can’t go wrong with the Grinch and Ani and Sue.
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how true…
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Robbie, thank you for sharing this wonderful Christmas post to finish off 2020. The Christmas poetry examples are wonderful. I absolutely love The Grinch story, and I love Dr. Suess and his ryhmes. Maybe that’s why so much of my own poetry ryhmes, even though I’ve been told that serious poetry does not. I like playing with words and sounds, and I like to ryhme, but I am very serious about it. 🙂
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Hi Kaye, I am glad you enjoyed this post. I also like rhyming poetry and I think it is much more challenging to write than other styles of poetry. I’m looking forward to a great 2021.
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I grew up with fond memories of watching ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’, and the new animated one is really good. Thank you for sharing that, Robbie. Sue, I loved the excerpt about Ani the dog, and the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you, Kaye, for sharing on your wonderful blog! I wish each and everyone one of you a Happy New Year!
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Thank you for visiting and commenting, Mark.
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Hi Mark, I’m glad to know you are a fellow Grinch lover. That is such a super story. Happy New Year to you too.
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Lovely poem and great review, Robbie. Merriest of Christmases!
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Hi Jacqui, thank you, it was a good one despite everything going on. Happy New Year to you and yours.
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Lovely review for Ani and Sue’s book Robbie…That little black dog is making her mark on our hearts…hugsx
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Ani really has become part of the blogging team, Sally, and she writes wonderful poetry.
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She does Robbie…I doubt that Sue has to do much at all…lol ♥
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Lovely. Congratulations to Sue. I love Ani and as usual, you’ve chosen great poems, Robbie. ♥
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Thank you, Olga, we all love Ani and Sue. I’m glad you enjoyed the poems.
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