Member Reviews

Since I am a grandmother, I love reading good books to my grandchildren. This is an exceptional picture book showing all the different grannies, destinations, and holiday traditions. I'm in love with the story and the pictures.
Thank you, Netgalley for a review copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Book Review: To Mimi's House We Go Kindle Edition by Susan Meissner (Author) & Mette Engell (Illustrator)

Rating: 4 Stars

As the holiday season approaches, I found myself captivated by To Mimi's House We Go, a delightful children's book by Susan Meissner, featuring enchanting illustrations by Mette Engell. This charming story takes readers on a whimsical adventure inspired by the classic holiday tune "Over the River and Through the Woods." It beautifully explores how modern families embark on their journeys to visit their beloved grandmothers—be they Mimis, Omas, Gigis, or Nanas.

The poem captures the spirit of Christmas by portraying various families as they travel across different landscapes, from bustling cities to serene countrysides, all in anticipation of joyful holiday celebrations. Each page is filled with the warmth of family love, delicious food, and shared memories, creating a tapestry that showcases the rich diversity of traditions during this special season. The rhyming text flows effortlessly, reminiscent of traditional carols, making it a delightful read-aloud experience for little ones.

What really struck me about this book is its celebration of grandmothers and the unique ways families come together, regardless of their backgrounds or settings. The illustrations are absolutely stunning—vibrant and full of life—which only adds to the excitement for the upcoming holiday. They transport you right into the heart of Christmas, sparking joy and anticipation.

I believe this book would be perfect for introducing a young child to the idea of their first holiday family trip, whether it’s a quick drive down the road or a longer journey across states. It encapsulates the essence of family bonding during Christmas and serves as a gentle reminder that no matter how we travel or what traditions we uphold, the love we share remains a constant thread.

In conclusion, To Mimi's House We Go is a beautifully crafted story that both informs and entertains. It’s a sweet testament to family, love, and the magic of Christmas that will surely resonate with children aged 4 to 8—and even the grandmothers who will share it with them! I highly recommend adding this lovely book to your holiday reading list.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Was this review helpful?

We really enjoyed this sweet story! The illustrations are beautiful, and I loved the way the author showed readers how different going to "Mimi's" house might look. There was so much diversity in families but also in the traditions that each family held at Mimi's each year. Very cute!

Was this review helpful?

A cute holiday story about traveling to Mimi's house. The illustrations are simple and bright. The prose is rhyming and rhythmic. Great addition to the holiday collection in your library.

Was this review helpful?

Luv this children's book about different kids going to grandmom's house for Christmas. I read it to my grandsons and they loved it. Will get the hardcover book when it's released next month.

Was this review helpful?

This is a sweet, beautifully illustrated book about many different families going to visit their Mimi for Christmas. The families all live in very different places, they use many different methods of travel to get there, but there is always Mimi and her love waiting for them! I'll definitely be getting this sweet book for the Mimi in my life (my mom)!

Was this review helpful?

We found this book to be very slow-burning, I think a faster pace would make reading it a bit more engaging for kids.
The illustrations are beautiful and it gives a very cosy feeling.

Was this review helpful?

Child Approved!

Being a Mimi myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this story of traveling at Christmas time, with other families, to Mimi houses around the globe. My 3-1/2 year old grand adored looking at the varied locations, scenery and cultures highlighted by detailed and colorful illustrations. In sunshine or snow, riding horses or in a hot air balloon, To Mimi’s House We Go will delight its readers again and again with the magic of Christmas.

I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

Was this review helpful?

A lot of families get together for Christmas. Grandmothers have all types of names. I chose to read this book because the grandmother we would travel to see was called Mimi.

This is a sweet Children’s book written in the style of the holiday song “Over the River and Through the Woods.” You will want to add this to your library of holiday books for your favorite child. It is a quick read and will quickly become a favorite they will want read to them many times.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tommy Nelson and NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

As a parent of a child with a Mimi this book hit home! I loved the diversity and descriptions of different family types. There is something for every family to relate to. Definitely a must read this winter season!

Was this review helpful?

The illustrations are really nice, the rhyming is OK but sometimes forced, and it was cute. I've seen some other reviews call it inclusive, and while it did have various skin tones depicted, that's where the 'inclusivity' ended. This is still a very specific family type - happy, able-bodied, heteronormative, Christian, nuclear family.


Thank you to NetGalley & Tommy Nelson Publishing for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I'm a Mimi to eight grandchildren so the title immediately grabbed my attention. To Mimi's House We Go is delightful. The illustrations are wonderful with a gorgeous depth of color. There's so much to look at for non-readers and the simple prose is readable for early readers. It's easy to imagine the conversations that might be sparked when comparing our traditions to those depicted on the page. I look forward to adding it to my Christmas book collection  - yes, I pre-ordered it!

Was this review helpful?

A beautiful book about all different families traveling to see their grandmothers for Christmas. The message is great, and the beautiful pictures have intricate scenes that kids would love. The story rhymes and has a nice cadence. I really enjoyed this book!

Was this review helpful?

To Mimi's House We Go is such a sweet and precious children's book! The poems are adorable and catchy, and the illustrations...wow! Gorgeous! Mette Engel did a stunningly beautiful job. The book shows families of all different backgrounds in all different places. (My favorite place was the one with the pool and the palm trees, of course.) There are all different modes of transportation mentioned too, including cable cars, airplanes, trains, and even horses! This will be fun and interesting to the children, exploring all of the different ways to get to Mimi's house, as well as many different names that children call their Mimis.

This would make a wonderful gift from Mimi to a child, or a gift for a grandmother. Reading this book will certainly become a beloved family tradition that kids and Mimis alike will eagerly anticipate each Christmas.

Thank you to Tommy Nelson for the complimentary Advanced Reader's Copy through #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

An adorable book with intriguing illustrations showing different holiday traditions all throughout the world. It could be confusing for children that each "to Mimi's House we go" is a different Mimi, but I did like the way the author summed up the beauty of family at the end of the book. The rhyming didn't feel overworked and the rhythm of the prose made it one that will be a favorite to read over and over again.

This would make a delightful gift for grandkids to give to their grandparents to read together on Christmas Eve!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me an electronic copy to review. I was not required to post a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own.

Was this review helpful?

L-o-v-e the illustrations and the message. I think many readers will find something to relate to in the families, traditions and scenes depicted here. It will be a go-to in our house for sure!

Was this review helpful?

Lovely book about traveling to Mimi’s house for Christmas. A wonderful story that brings back so many wonderful memories for me and also is a great book for my son. Though I didn’t need to travel far as a child to my grandmother’s house, it always seemed like a wonderful journey. The story reminds me of the cinnamon rolls backing at my grandmother’s house and the comfort of just being with the family and especially my grandmother.

Was this review helpful?

Great little story about all the Mimi’s all around the world.
I loved it so much and happy holidays-Alice Bailey age 6

Was this review helpful?

This is an adorable children’s book! Mimis (Nonnies, grandmas, Grammies, Nanas, and Nonas… whatever you call yours!) come in all varieties. This book explores what it looks like to visit Mimi’s house for Christmas - whether a house boat or an in-law apartment or a house; be it in a beach climate or a winter climate; whether your Mimi rides bikes or horses or hot air balloons. We really enjoyed reading this and taking in the fun illustrations of such diverse families and their grandparents as a twist on the “to grandmothers house we go” Christmas Song.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tommy Nelson for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this book. The pictures are adorable, the multicultural families, different modes of transportation, as well as where "Mimi" lives and with who, is beautifully done. Many thanks to NetGalley and Ms Meissner for the Adobe download ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is one that will be bought to have "in person".

Was this review helpful?