The Popcorn Wreath



by Shirlee Hurst Shields

Illustrated by Melita Lee

The warm memories of childhood Christmases long ago, spent with the family we love and remember, tend to return to us over and over again. Each remembering brings some new flavor, or aroma or sight — some indelible memory — that kindles or re-lights those warm feelings of the season. Each time the memory is made fresh, some new detail, or little delight springs back fully blown. Author, Shirlee Shields, and Illustrator, Melita Lee, have created just such a memory for us in The Popcorn Wreath. As Shirlee looks back at the sweet Christmas memories associated with the making of popcorn balls with her Grandmother and Mother, the story finds its poignancy in a childhood that is recalled by one no longer young. A perfect book for families to read together, or for any member of the family to read alone and come to understand the simple joys of this special season. This magnificent lesson about the real meaning of Christmas began with a simple kernel of corn…

More of the work of the cover artist and illustrator, Melita Lee, can be seen HERE.

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Product Details:

  • Retail Price: $8.99
  • 8.5″ x 8.5″ (21.59 x 21.59 cm)
  • Black & White on White paper
  • 32 pages
  • ISBN-13: 978-0615884233 Zion BookWorks
  • ISBN-10: 0615884237
  • BISAC: Biography & Autobiography / Cultural Heritage
  • Memoir / Christmas

Click PopcornWreathPREVIEW for a preview of the book’s first few pages.


Reviews and Comments:

Reviewed by Danielle Edwards for the Association for Mormon Letters, 2013

The Popcorn Wreath is a short, fast read of one woman’s childhood memories of Christmas with family and friends and when she realized the true meaning of Christmas. It begins with a memory in Grandma’s Kitchen in December of 1935. Grandma, Grandpa, and two grandchildren decide to make popcorn balls or ‘Circles of Love’, as they called them. These ‘Circles of Love’ are a tradition, made either the first week of December or after the first snow. I really enjoyed reading the book, and the innocence of a child’s memories of treasured Christmases. It made me think of Christmases past, of the memories I cherish. One quote I really liked in the book was the mother’s motto: “if you are busy helping and sharing with others, you won’t have time to dwell on your own problems and sorrows.” I agree with this. I would recommend this book to all those who like Christmas stories, and would like to add another one to your collection. This book is a bit like the Christmas stories “The Christmas Orange” or “Teach the Children” where the characters have a realization of what the true meaning of Christmas is. So if you like those, you will enjoy this book.”

“Brought tears to my eyes with the uplifting message that gave a new meaning to the spirit of Christmas.” — Marlyn Crawford. SLC, UT

“The illustrations are perfect to help tell the charming story told with feeling and clarity reaching the heartstrings of young and old.” — Debbi Smoot, Arlington, VA

“I will share this with all my grandchildren and their families.  A beautiful uplifting Christmas message for young and old.” — Suzanne Sorensen SLC, UT

“What a delightful Christmas story.  It will become our annual favorite to be read each Christmas.” — Allison Dalton,  Boise, ID

“THE POPCORN WREATH arrived this evening and I just sat right down and read it. It is absolutely DELIGHTFUL! Wow, the sensorial images were so real. I could see,  feel, taste and hear everything. I will never look at popcorn the same. Truly a warm and inspirational experience.” — Pam Thorum, Salt Lake City


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