Search Underway for French Tourist After Boat Capsizes in Surat Thani

Travel

SURAT THANI — An extensive search operation is underway for an elderly French tourist who went missing after a tourist boat capsized in Ratchaprapha Dam, Surat Thani Province.The incident occurred Saturday noon, November 23, when two groups of foreign tourists departed from Ban Chiao Lan Municipal Pier in two long-tail boats, heading to their accommodations on houseboats in the reservoir.
The vessel that capsized was heading toward Ran Nang Prai raft house, opposite the scenic Three Brothers Mountain, locally known as “Thailand’s Guilin” in the Ratchaprapha Reservoir or Cheow Lan Dam in Khao Phang Subdistrict, Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani Province.
Local authorities establish a search center at Ban Chiao Lan pier, Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani Province, on Nov. 24, 2024.
The capsized boat was carrying 12 people in total: ten French tourists (four men and six women), one tour guide, and the boat driver identified as Mr. Somchart. While the group was viewing the Three Brothers Mountain, the boat encountered strong winds and thunderstorms, causing it to capsize. Advertisement
The boat driver and guide managed to rescue nine passengers. One tourist, identified as Mr. Jean, was rushed to Surat Thani Hospital after inhaling water into his lungs, while Mr. Rene remains missing.
Emergency vehicles line up at Ban Chiao Lan pier, Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani Province, after a boat capsized at Ratchaprapha Dam on Nov. 23, 2024.
On Sunday, November 24, local authorities established a dedicated search center at Ban Chiao Lan pier. The operation is being jointly coordinated by Ban Ta Khun District Chief, Ban Chiao Lan Municipal Mayor Chaowalit Chuaysong, and the Head of Khao Sok National Park. Search teams, including park officials, municipal rescue workers, and members of the Kusolsattha Foundation, are utilizing underwater drones to scan the area where the boat sank.
This is the second serious incident at Ratchaprapha Dam this year. In February, a 24-year-old British tourist died after falling from a kayak in the same waters. In that case, the search team included Ivan Karadzic, a Danish diving instructor who had previously participated in the famous 2018 Wild Boars football team cave rescue. The British tourist’s body was recovered three days after he went missing.
The current search operation continues as teams work against time to locate the missing French tourist.
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Related article:
The Cave” Diver Helps Recover a British Body in Surat Resevoir

Tourism in service to the community

Travel

When Zita Cobb was 10, her hometown almost disappeared. Not just her hometown, but all of the communities on Fogo Island, the island off Newfoundland where Cobb was born in 1958. The crisis was triggered by the collapse of the nearshore cod fishery, a resource that had sustained her ancestral community since the 17th century. In response, the Newfoundland government proposed to resettle the population to other parts of the province — or somewhere.
“I remember my parents whispering in the night, and my mother saying, ‘What’s going to happen to us? Where are we going to end up?’ And my dad saying, ‘I don’t know.’ It’s terrifying for a child,” Cobb remembered during a recent interview.
“They had no running water, no electricity. They had little health care and no roads. And suddenly — there was no fish,” Cobb said. “There was a real risk of starvation.”
But the communities of Fogo Island formed a cooperative and asked the government’s support to build a small shipyard so they could build boats that would allow them to fish farther offshore. And it worked. The people of Fogo Island were not resettled. And they did not starve.
In 2013, Cobb drew on that same innovative community spirit in establishing the luxury Fogo Island Inn, which has since earned “three keys” from the Michelin Guide. Cobb says that the inn is an expression of the island’s culture — in everything from the way guests are greeted right off the ferry to the ingredients used in the inn’s dining room to the locally made furnishings in the inn’s 29 rooms.
She hopes other places might draw inspiration from her work to create an economic model in which tourism is of service to the community — not the other way around. To that end, she has developed a new network that aims to “activate the assets of local places.”

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Game-changing trends every business leader needs to know for 2025

Business News

As we approach 2025, the corporate learning and development (L&D) landscape is undergoing a paradigm shift. Companies, particularly those ranked in the Fortune 500 Top 50 and high-growth sectors, are prioritising evolving L&D strategies that not only promote individual growth but also align with broader business objectives.At the recent “Moving Forward” event held by BTS Thailand, over 100 human resources and L&D leaders gathered to explore innovative strategies for starting 2025 with renewed momentum. Here are the key trends I shared and their strategic implications for business leaders:
1. Personalised learning paths to empower your workforce: The traditional approach to learning, often based on classroom workshops, is increasingly outdated. Many organisations still rely on a one-size-fits-all model, which limits the ability for employees to practise and apply new skills in meaningful ways.
Employees now seek personalised learning journeys that align with their individual career goals and aspirations. Rather than focusing solely on organisational objectives, the emphasis is shifting towards empowering employees to navigate their personal growth and bridge skill gaps. Companies that prioritise personalised learning increase employee engagement, loyalty and satisfaction, leading to lower turnover rates.
Next Moves for 2025: Invest in tailored learning paths that match both employee ambitions and organisational goals to foster a more motivated and future-ready workforce.
2. Structured mentorship programmes to build your leadership pipeline: With late-Gen X leaders nearing retirement, mentorship programmes have become more critical than ever. These programmes facilitate knowledge transfer while nurturing the next generation of leaders through structured mentor-mentee relationships. By training both mentors and mentees, organisations ensure the seamless sharing of knowledge and prepare emerging leaders to step confidently into leadership roles.
Next Moves for 2025: Implement formal mentorship training programmes to establish a strong leadership pipeline, ensuring future leadership continuity.
3. Digital literacy and AI training to equip teams for technological advancement: AI and digital tools are revolutionising business operations, and it’s essential for companies to prioritise digital literacy across their workforce. Training should not only focus on improving basic tech skills but also on harnessing AI for decision-making, productivity and data-driven strategies. Organisations are now carrying out assessments to gauge current digital proficiency and target areas for growth.
Next Moves for 2025: Incorporate digital literacy and AI training at every level of the organisation to improve productivity and position your company as a tech leader.
4. Soft skills revitalisation to strengthen core business interactions: As the demand for technical expertise grows, soft skills like communication, collaboration and emotional intelligence (EQ) are equally critical for business success. These skills enable better teamwork, resilience under pressure, and meaningful interaction in a fast-paced environment. In particular:

Communication: The era of long emails and drawn-out meetings is fading. Organisations are reimagining communication strategies to resonate with Gen Z and younger employees, favouring concise and impactful interactions.
Collaboration and teamwork: Amid the push for high performance, fostering teamwork ensures that speed and quality are maintained without silos hindering progress.
Emotional intelligence (EQ): Heightened stress and pressure have diminished EQ. Revitalising EQ training helps employees manage stress better and maintain composure in challenging situations.

Next Moves for 2025: Leaders should actively model and cultivate these skills within their teams by integrating soft skills training into daily practices, encouraging open communication, and reinforcing collaboration and emotional intelligence through real-time feedback and mentorship. This proactive approach will help build cohesive, agile and innovative teams.
5. Inclusive leadership training — Embrace diversity for better outcomes: There is no such thing and there should be no such thing as one-size-fits-all leadership development training. Leaders are trained to work effectively across generational and stylistic divides, fostering inclusivity and unity. The ability to lead with empathy and adaptability is vital in a diverse workforce, enabling leaders to harness varied experiences and perspectives.
Next Moves for 2025: Prioritise training that enhances empathy and adaptability, enabling leaders to confidently guide their teams. Develop a leadership approach that addresses the unique needs of each team member by fostering active listening, encouraging open dialogue, and appreciating diverse perspectives. By embracing this inclusive approach, you’ll drive innovation, enhance team cohesion and elevate your organisation’s reputation as an employer of choice.
6. Continuous feedback culture — Promote real-time improvement: Annual or semi-annual performance reviews are becoming obsolete. High-performance organisations now favour real-time feedback loops, akin to coaches on the sidelines during a game. This immediate approach boosts motivation, aligns actions with organisational goals, and promotes rapid course correction.
Next Moves for 2025: Assess whether your current feedback systems encourage ongoing dialogue and adaptability in a fast-paced business environment. Shift focus to real-time feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and flexibility to ensure your teams remain aligned and agile in achieving business goals.
GLOBAL CORPORATE PRIORITIES
Beyond Learning & Development, leading global companies are aligning their entire strategies around the following focus areas:
Agility: Maintaining agility to swiftly respond to market needs and customer demands remains a top priority. Organisations are re-examining their understanding and application of agile methodologies.
Employee engagement: Sustained engagement hinges on transparent feedback and recognition. Structured, ongoing dialogue helps employees feel valued and prevents surprises during evaluations.
Diversity and inclusion: True diversity encompasses more than visible traits. Companies are fostering environments where varied personalities and ideas are appreciated and integrated, amplifying collective strengths.
Technology integration: Data-driven decision-making is becoming a norm, with technology and analytics informing problem-solving at every level.
Upskilling and development: Upskilling is paramount as job roles evolve. Clear benchmarks guide employees on their current skills and pathways to growth, ensuring roles like marketing and sales adapt to technological changes.
At BTS Thailand, we help organisations stay ahead of these trends through our 456 Smart Learning model, which ensures that learning directly ties to measurable business outcomes. This approach empowers leaders to turn L&D investments into strategic wins, driving both growth and performance.
As we move forward into 2025, it’s clear that while some trends may feel familiar, the context has shifted. Methods and approaches are evolving to meet the future needs of work. Organisations that embrace innovation, align learning with strategic objectives, and prioritise holistic growth will lead the way in the next era of business success.

Arinya Talerngsri, Local Partner & Managing Director at BTS Thailand (formerly SEAC), part of the BTS Group, a leading global strategy implementation firm, is passionate about revolutionising education and creating opportunities for Thais and people worldwide. Executives and organisations looking to collaborate or learn more about leadership development, talent development, succession planning and organisational transformation can contact her directly at [email protected] or visit her LinkedIn profile

‘Understanding foreign business partners crucial for efficient cross-border trade’

Business News

International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) – Bangladesh, the world business organization, hosted a day-long workshop on Trade Finance Legal Challenges and International Sanctions Regime & Requirements jointly with Moody’s and ICC United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dhaka on Saturday, 23 November 2024, at Renaissance Hotel, Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka.With the increase in international trade of Bangladesh, efficient cross-border trade will have notable implications for the country’s LDC graduation process. Therefore, understanding the foreign business partners is crucial.
Mahbubur Rahman, President, ICC Bangladesh made the remarks attending as a chief guest of a concluding session and certificate giving ceremony of a day-long workshop on “Trade Finance Legal Challenges and International Sanctions Regime & Requirements”, according to a media release. 
Mr. Mohamed Daoud, Director and Industry Practice Lead for Moody’s Financial Crime Compliance across the Middle East and India and Mr. Vincent O’Brien, Director, ICC UAE were present at the concluding session moderated by the ICC Bangladesh Secretary General Ataur Rahman.
Addressing the participants, ICCB President Mahbubur Rahman said the financing of international trade transactions plays a crucial role in facilitating global commerce.
However, it operates within a complex legal framework shaped by regulatory requirements, including sanctions, presenting significant challenges for financial institutions and businesses dealing with international trade.
ICCB President also said therefore, financial institutions and businesses must navigate a labyrinth of sanctions imposed by various jurisdictions.
These sanctions can target specific countries, entities, or individuals, and often differ between regions, leading to complexities in ensuring compliance, he said.
Emphasizing on the role of lending organizations, Mahbubur Rahman said Banks are obligated to conduct thorough due diligence to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. This involves verifying the identities of clients and understanding the nature of their business activities, which can be resource-intensive and legally complex.
ICCB President also highlighted the recent trades in the global economic and political arena.
He said the evolving geopolitical landscape that introduced new sanctions has increased the compliance burden on banks and businesses engaged in international trade.
To navigate these challenges, financial institutions and businesses should establish comprehensive policies, follow regulatory requirements and educate employees on the latest developments in sanctions laws and compliance obligations, said Mr Rahman.
With the increase in international trade of Bangladesh, efficient cross-border trade will have notable implications for the country’s LDC graduation process. Therefore, understanding the foreign business partners is crucial, he said. 
International Trade Finance landscape is also facing increasing risks due to geopolitical tensions and complex regulations, such as the new US & Allied sanctions regimes targeting specific jurisdictions. To effectively manage these risks and reduce the risk inherent to Trade-Based Money Laundering (TBML), a connected risk and compliance approach to cross-border trading and finance is essential, according to the release. 
Some 106 participants from different government agencies including the Financial Institutions Division under the Ministry of Finance, banks, financial institutions and international agencies took part in the day-long event.
There were four sessions on different topics including modern trade finance, risk management, international sanctions, and TBML.
A similar workshop was also held in Chattogram on Sunday November 24, the release adds. 

QC, Oxford Business Group cooperate on ‘The Report: Qatar 2025’

Business News

Image Credits: Facebook@Qatar Chamber | Cropped by GBN The Qatar Chamber (QC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oxford Business Group (OBG) to cooperate with the release of the ‘Report: Qatar 2025’, which highlights Qatar’s economic landscape. The ‘Report: Qatar 2025 focuses on key topics such as economic diversification, expanding gas production, improving…

Crisis in Malaga as locals worried tourists will flee after brutal five-year ban

Travel

Malaga is a Spanish tourism hotspot beloved by Brits, but now there are fears of a mass exodus of holidaymakers due to a potential new ban.The historic city centre of Malaga is bracing for a significant transformation that could see the end of a five-year prohibition on new bars and restaurants.The city council has unveiled a €72,600 (£60,000) project to assess noise levels across the centre and the Teatinos neighbourhood.Both areas were designated Acoustically Saturated Zones (SAZ) in 2019, halting the opening of new bars and restaurants in these tourist-heavy locations.Restaurant owners in these bustling districts have been lobbying for the lifting of these restrictions, arguing they have stunted business growth in two of Malaga’s liveliest areas.Malaga is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, boasting around 14 million visitors last year, but this has come with a cost.Over the summer, the city saw overtourism protests and anti-tourism campaigns, and this proposed ban would be the latest measure in cracking down on unwanted guests.A six-month study, set to commence after December 4, will determine whether noise levels have improved since the restrictions were put in place. The findings will directly affect whether the council maintains or alters the current ban.An external firm will be hired to carry out noise monitoring tests across the impacted streets.The technical study will employ at least two acoustic specialists to install five permanent noise monitoring units throughout the zones, along with various other measuring equipment including five-metre-high tripods and a weather station.The results of this assessment, which could significantly influence Malaga’s future as a tourist hotspot, are anticipated by mid-2025.

Fort Smith, Van Buren downtowns going big for Small Business Saturday

Business News

FORT SMITH — Cooler temperatures should make the atmosphere ideal for hot drinks and a celebration of local businesses Saturday in downtown Fort Smith.
The Fort Smith Downtown Business Association is partnering with Main Street Fort Smith for this year’s Small Business Saturday events. Small Business Saturday is held each year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
In neighboring Van Buren, shoppers will get an early start with “Shop Small — Plaid Friday” on its historic Main Street.
On Garrison Avenue in Fort Smith, nonprofit development groups, business owners and community leaders invite shoppers to take advantage of everything from free beverages to choruses of Christmas songs to discounts on Small Business Saturday.
“It’s going to be a great way to have a family-friendly, fun event in our community to encourage (people) to shop locally,” said Amanda Hager, executive director of Main Street Fort Smith.
This is the first year that Main Street Fort Smith is helping bring the new Cocoa Crawl and tree lighting to Small Business Saturday downtown, Hager noted.
The goals of Main Street Fort Smith include support for business development, arts and culture, and special events, according to the nonprofit group’s website.
“We’re really just trying to make it as easy and accessible as possible to businesses and community members to engage with each other, and of course the hope is that you find something great as a Christmas or holiday gift,” Hager said.
COOPERATIVE EFFORT
The Fort Smith Downtown Business Association is partnering with Main Street Fort Smith for the evening’s events.
The association aims to boost economic development and cultural vitality downtown, according to its website.
Fort Smith’s planned events downtown for Small Business Saturday include:
2-5 p.m.: Cocoa Crawl with free hot cocoa, warm apple cider at participating businesses
5-6 p.m.: Northside and Southside High School choirs perform at Cisterna Park, 1001 Garrison Ave.
6 p.m.: Tree lighting at Cisterna Park
The first 100 people at Main Street Fort Smith’s office at 411 Garrison Ave. will receive a commemorative ceramic mug, Hager said, and all participating businesses will have disposable cups available for hot cocoa and warm cider.
“We’re really excited about it,” Hager said. “I think it’s just a perfect way to kick off the holidays. There are lots of other holiday things happening downtown.
“I think everybody’s just ready for the holidays,” she added.
Most of downtown Fort Smith falls within the community’s Entertainment District, allowing those age 21 and up to stroll from place to place while enjoying an adult beverage.
VAN BUREN STARTS EARLY
“Shop Small — Plaid Friday” from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday on Main Street gets Van Buren started early in putting the spotlight on local small businesses.
The diverse and creative spirits of local and independent businesses are the focus of Plaid Friday, according to organizers. The idea is for residents to wear plaid and shop locally on Van Buren’s historic Main Street.
Then, Small Business Saturday events will go from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., focused on Old Town Van Buren. The all-volunteer, nonprofit Old Town Merchants Association supports the local Small Business Saturday each year, said Joy Holman, vice president and events coordinator.
“We have over 30 merchants downtown that are open and participate,” she said.
Participating businesses include Whimsical Designs by Marcie, Main Street Threads Boutique, Main Street Mercantile, Serendipity Kids Boutique and Chapters on Main Bookstore & Coffee Shop.
Shoppers will find exclusive discounts and unique finds, including handmade crafts, boutique fashion and works by local artisans, organizers noted.
GROWING MOVEMENT
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, American Express founded Small Business Saturday in 2010 to boost local shops during the busiest shopping season of the year.
Since 2010, according to the SBA, shoppers have spent an estimated $201 billion at small businesses during Small Business Saturday, which follows the traditional Black Friday shopping for bigger retailers.
Last year alone, U.S. shoppers who focused on small businesses on this particular day spent about $17 billion, the SBA reported.

Tammy Mowaczynski of Muldrow takes her time selecting treats Friday at Garrison Goodies, 317 Garrison Ave., Fort Smith. Downtown merchants are gearing up for several events during Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30. (River Valley Democrat-Gazette/Penny Weaver)

Exploring Eco-Tourism: How sustainable travel practices are shaping the future

Travel

The Qatar Travel Mart offers a key platform for industry stakeholders to connect, share insights, and drive the growth of the tourism sector.

In a world characterised by globalisation and increased connectivity, the importance of travel and tourism cannot be overstated.

Events like the Qatar Travel Mart in Doha serve as vital platforms that bring together industry stakeholders, forge meaningful connections, and stimulate growth in the tourism sector. As we evaluate the significance of such exhibitions, it becomes evident that they play a crucial role in defining the future of travel both regionally and globally.

The Qatar Travel Mart is destined to become an established hub for showcasing not only Qatar’s diverse offerings but also the best destinations from around the world.

Participants will engage in valuable discussions about the latest trends across various tourism sectors, including Sports, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), Business, Cultural, Leisure, Luxury, Medical, and Halal Tourism.

This breadth of focus is not only beneficial for attendees but also promotes a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of travel today.

One of the standout objectives of the Qatar Travel Mart is to position Qatar as the gateway to the Arabian Gulf. With its strategic geographical location, rich cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality infrastructure, Qatar has the potential to become a central travel and tourism hub.

Events like this provide a definitive platform to showcase these attributes, enabling international buyers and visitors to discover what makes Qatar unique and inviting. 

Moreover, the gathering of diverse entities including Destination Management Companies (DMCs), hotels, tour and cruise operators, travel agencies, travel technology firms, and tourism boards creates a holistic ecosystem for collaboration.

Such collaboration can lead to innovative partnerships and new strategies that enhance the visitor experience. By coming together in this way, stakeholders can share knowledge, best practices, and ideas that propel the industry forward.

Sustainable travel practices

A significant advantage of events like the Qatar Travel Mart is the opportunity for networking. Face-to-face interactions foster stronger relationships and often lead to fruitful collaborations. Building trust and rapport is paramount in the travel industry, and having a dedicated forum for these interactions can help create lasting connections that benefit all parties involved.

Additionally, discussions on relevant trends and innovations in travel can pave the way for enhancing the way we approach tourism. For example, with the rise of eco-tourism and sustainable travel practices, the event will offer a platform for attendees to explore how to adapt their offerings to meet these growing consumer demands.

As travelers become more conscious of their environmental impact, the industry must respond with viable solutions and experiences that prioritise sustainability without compromising quality or luxury.

Furthermore, showcasing Qatar’s extensive offerings from its rich cultural sites to modern attractions will help foster interest in the destination. This is especially significant as Qatar prepares to host major events, including the FIFA World Cup. The travel mart can serve as a springboard for promoting the country on an international stage, where visitors can experience firsthand the warm hospitality that Qataris are known for.

In conclusion, the Qatar Travel Mart presents an invaluable opportunity for industry stakeholders to connect, share insights, and contribute to the development of a flourishing tourism industry.

By bringing together a diverse array of participants and focusing on the latest trends, this event will not only elevate Qatar’s position in the global tourism landscape but will also ensure that the region is well-prepared to welcome and impress travelers from around the world.

As we embrace this vibrant future, I firmly believe that Qatar has the potential to become a leading travel destination, captivating visitors with its unique blend of tradition, luxury, and innovation.

This article is an opinion piece by Maryam AlJassim and does not necessarily reflect the views of Doha News, its editorial board, or staff.

Maryam AlJassim is a marketing professional dedicated to strategising the marketing and communications sector to new heights while preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage and community pride that propel Qatar.

Here are some books that are perfect for the holidays

Arts & Culture, Books

It’s that time of year to temporarily eliminate commentary to make room for an additional book recommendation for the holiday season. Happy reading!Books to borrowThe following book is available at many public libraries.“The Chanukah Guest” by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Giora Carmi, Holiday House, 32 pagesRead aloud: age 2 – 3 and older.Read yourself: age 7 – 8.Bubba Brayne was 97 years old. She lived in a little house on the edge of the forest, and every year at Hanukkah all her friends would make their way to her house to eat her delicious latkes. This year she made twice as many latkes as usual, because this year the rabbi was coming.While Bubba Brayne cooked, the delicious smells of her latkes wafted through the forest. Old Bear, in the middle of his winter sleep, was awakened by the smells and followed the wonderful scent right to Bubba Brayne’s house. Bubba Brayne didn’t see or hear very well at her age, and thinking the knock at her door was the rabbi, welcomed Old Bear into her home.After lighting the menorah and a game of dreidel, the two feasted on latkes until they were all gone. Old Bear left, and Bubba Brayne began washing the dishes when she heard another knock at the door. It was the rabbi — the real rabbi — along with everyone from the village!A wonderfully entertaining story with delightful illustrations, this book is a great choice for Hanukkah, the holidays or anytime.Librarian’s choiceLibrary: Mifflin Community Library, 6 Philadelphia Ave., ShillingtonLibrary director: Natasha DonaldsonYouth services: Andrea HunterChoices this week: “But Not the Hippopotamus” by Sandra Boynton; “My Friend, Rabbit” by Eric Rohmann; “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton JusterBooks to buyThe following books are available at favorite bookstores.“Santa’s First Christmas” by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Sydney Smith, Viking, 2024, 40 pages, $18.99 hardcoverRead aloud: age 3 – 7.Read yourself: age 6 – 7.Long ago, Santa did not privately celebrate Christmas. He had two missions in life — to make toys all year long at the North Pole, and on Christmas Eve to deliver those gifts. When he woke up on Christmas morning, he began making toys again.A bear who lived near the North Pole suggested to the elves that they should all work together and do something special for Santa. The elves agreed, and they got to work. From breakfast in bed, picking out a tree and decorating it, baking cookies and making a sumptuous meal to share, gifts for Santa and more, Santa was delighted with every bit of the celebration. In fact, it was such a merry Christmas, he decided they should do that every year.Charming illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to this delightful story of kindness, making “Santa’s First Christmas” certain to become a Christmas classic.“The Other Side of Perfect” by Melanie Florence and Richard Scrimger, is a gem of a novel. (Scholastic)“The Other Side of Perfect” by Melanie Florence and Richard Scrimger, Scholastic, 2024, 256 pages, $18.99 hardcoverRead aloud: age 8 – 12.Read yourself: age 8 – 12.Cody’s father had beaten him more times than Cody could remember, but this time was the worst. When Cody came to, and his father was missing from their filthy apartment, Cody knew he had to get away from the threat for good. And so, Cody ran away, making it as far as the wealthy neighborhood where he slumped to the ground, unable to go any farther.Footsteps startled Cody awake and he was surprised to see a girl from his middle school — Autumn — a rich cool kid from a wealthy Indigenous family. Autumn was shocked to come across him and even more shocked by his badly battered face.Not knowing what else to do, Autumn offered to take Cody to her house and shelter him in her father’s art studio. What would come to transpire were a series of unexpected things neither Cody nor Autumn could have imagined possible.A powerful story of identity, compassion and what it means to belong, “The Other Side of Perfect” is a real gem of a novel.“No, Nancy, No! A Dog Chase in New York,” written and illustrated by Alice Tait, is an entertaining, mad-cap adventure. (Walker Books)“No, Nancy, No! A Dog Chase in New York” written and illustrated by Alice Tait, Walker Books, 2024, 24 pages, $18.99 hardcoverRead aloud: age 4 – 8.Read yourself: age 6 – 8.Nancy and her little dog, Roger, have arrived in New York City to see the biggest show in town — “Dogs! The Musical!” — and as they stand in front of the theater, they see the sparkly poodle, Candy, the star of the show. Nancy wants to pet Candy, but when she holds Candy’s leash, Candy bolts away.It’s up to Nancy and Roger to chase her down through the streets of New York, but they aren’t the only ones racing after Candy; dogs throughout the city join them as well.Get ready for a Lift-the-Flap madcap adventure with the spunky Nancy and her dog, Roger, in this entertaining book, “No, Nancy, No! A Dog Chase in New York.”Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children’s literature. She can be reached at [email protected].