Showing posts with label Christmas picture book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas picture book review. Show all posts

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Christmas Picture Book Review: Little Angel's Christmas Son by Kerstin Hau

One little angel wonders what type of angel they are, so they try out different things until they discover their true purpose on Christmas Eve.

Little Angel's Christmas Song by Kerstin Hau is a beautifully told, stunningly illustrated story of an angel seeking their purpose. The little angel knows that every angel is created with a special purpose, but theirs seems to elude them. They try and try, but nothing seems to work right, until the sounds of bells ring in the air on Christmas Eve.

After reading two humorous children's titles in a row, stepping back to approach a touching, heartwarming story like Little Angel's Christmas Song was such a treasure. The folk-inspired artwork by Sela Marlin Soganci is just as lovely and wonderful as the story by Hau.

Young readers ages 4 to 8 will enjoy following along this little angel's journey to find its special and meaningful purpose.

Rating: :) :) :) :) :)

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ NorthSouth Books
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 9, 2025
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 073584576X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0735845763

I downloaded a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Monday, August 18, 2025

Christmas Picture Book Review: The Birds of Christmas by Olivia Armstrong

 


Lovers of Christmas and folktales will enjoy The Birds of Christmas by Olivia Armstrong.

On a chilly night in Bethlehem, the Raven spreads the exciting news to his feathered friends that a child has been born. They fly to a humble stable, where they give gifts to the newborn babe. The little Robin fears he has nothing to give, but quickly discovers even the tinniest bird can make a difference.

The Birds of Christmas is a beautifully told folktale that reminds us we all have special talents and gifts. With the Raven's recurring call to wake up, he spreads the joy of a new baby being born to them. Then the birds busily get to work before meeting the child and his mother, Mary. 

Young readers will be treated to reading a legend of how robins got their red breast in a tale that unfolds against the stunning artwork from Mira Miroslavova. Golds and blues blend together in delightful artistry, bringing forth an eye-catching story that will have readers turning page after page. 

A unique and meaningful way to celebrate the Nativity can be found in The Birds of Christmas. Coming August 19 from Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, you can pre-order the book now. 

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 12, 2025
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0802856470
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0802856470
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12 ounces
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Christmas Picture Book Review: Fun Facts and Rhymes for Kids' Curious Minds: Christmas by Joanne Paules

If you're looking for a short book that blends interesting Christmas facts with fun rhymes, then you will want to grab a copy of Fun Facts and Rhymes for Kids' Curious Minds: Christmas by Joanne Paules.

This adorable book is perfect for those youngsters looking to learn more about the origins, traditions, and symbols of the holiday. Alongside these fun facts are enjoyable rhymes that kids will enjoy reading aloud. With colorful artwork, your little ones will enjoy flipping the digital or paperback pages.

My one wish is that an editor had taken a better look at this before it was published because there are grammar and typographical errors inside and on the cover. It's still an adorable and fun book. I just feel when we are educating and entertaining young people, we need to produce as perfect a product as possible. The book is doing well in sales ranking, so it doesn't seem to be an issue for most.

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D3M1GS3X
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 1, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 50892 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 26 pages

I bought a digital copy of this book for my Kindle. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Monday, December 23, 2024

Christmas Picture Book Review: The Adventures of Granola Squatch & the Mysterious Present by Landa & Thomas Penisten

What do you get when you cross a hippie Bigfoot with a Christmas mystery? One great read!

In The Adventures of Granola Squatch & the Mysterious Present by Landa & Thomas Penisten, Granola Squatch and his animal friends find they have each received an amazing present from an unknown gifter as they make their way to the Christmas Eve party. As they gather together, the sound of jingle bells makes them think they might not be alone, setting the stage for an awesome holiday for everyone.

I had never heard of the Granola Squatch books before, and now I want to read the others. What a cool idea for a series: a hippie Bigfoot having holiday adventures. Author and illustrator Thomas Penisten collaborates with his wife Landa to create this fun and unique series of books. His has a fabulous style that will draw young readers into the world inhabited by their zany characters.

I can't wait for more Granola Squatch!

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DL8L5KW1
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gamma Burst Books (November 11, 2024)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 11, 2024
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 11916 KB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled

I purchased a copy of this book for my Kindle. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Christmas Picture Book Review: 12 Sleeps 'til Christmas by Mikayla Ruvalcaba

If you're looking for an adorable rhyming Christmas countdown book, then 12 Sleeps 'til Christmas by Mikayla Ruvalcaba is one to grab.

Young readers will enjoy following along as a child completes their list full of things to do as they wait for Christmas to come. Youngsters will feel the excitement hopping off the pages filled with colorful artwork by I. Bunet as the child helps Dad check the lights, writes their Christmas list for Santa, bakes, trims the tree, and more while discovering that the best gifts can't be bought.

There is so much to love about this rhyming, romping adventure. Love the format, the colors, and even the font selection. I hope this author and illustrator have a chance to collaborate again soon. It's magic!


  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DJ69PY7G
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ruvalcaba Publishing (November 10, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 10, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 18450 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 39 pages

I purchased a copy of this book for my Kindle. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Friday, December 20, 2024

Christmas Picture Book Review: A Little Labradoodle Christmas by April M. Cox and Kairi Fullerton

Can Kairi and her labradoodles turn Casper's grumpy behavior around for Christmas?

Grandmother Cox and granddaughter Fullerton collaborate on this rhyming story of a grumpy cat who thinks Christmas is a "Bah humbug!" Kairi and her labradoodles do their best, trying all sorts of ways to make Casper happy so he can embrace the spirit of the season.

A Little Labradoodle Christmas by April M. Cox and Kairi Fullerton is a sweet, funny, and delightful story of the season. As Kairi and her pups try to figure out a way to make Casper happy, that pesky cat is determined to dislike Christmas and everything about it. With colorful and eye-catching illustrations by Remesh Ram, A Little Labradoodle Christmas is bound to become a modern-day classic story of the season.

Rating: :) :) :) :) :)

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little Labradoodle Publishing, LLC (November 12, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 36 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 173755707X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1737557074
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 7 years, from customers

I downloaded a digital copy from NetGalley. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Monday, December 2, 2024

Christmas Picture Book Review: Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir by Mike Martin




Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir
by Mike Martin is the story of one Christmas-loving princess who is eager to restore the Christmas spirit to her kingdom. With the help of her rabbit friend, Hoppy, and a magician, she just might save the spirit of the season.

Princess Sophie loves everything about Christmas, and when she discovers that special Christmas feeling is missing in her kingdom of Melodica, she decides she must find a way to fix it. She asks her parents, the king and queen, but they don’t know what to do. Though she finds Hoppy’s hopping a bit distracting, she is happy that the hopping gives her ideas. So, she searches out the kingdom’s magician for some help. What she learns about the power of the Christmas elixir allows her to bring happiness to the people of Melodica all year long.

Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir is a fun and sweet story through and through, with a special message for readers woven right in. Loved this story from beginning to end: the meaningful message, the colorful illustrations by Shey Kalee, and the fabulous ending. My only niggle is that an editor needs to go through it and tidy up a few places where the grammar isn’t quite right and a punctuation mark or word is missing. Now, most people won’t notice that, and readers will love the story just the same because it is totally delightful. This would make a cute short movie.

Looking forward to reading more children’s books by Martin, whose work for adults I am already familiar with. 


Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mezzo Publications (October 16, 2024)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 25 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1068852925
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1068852923

I received a digital copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Christmas Picture Book Review: Hooray, It's Three Kings Day! by Annette M. Clayton

A book that celebrates family traditions and the meaning of a special holiday is what you will find in Hooray, It's Three Kings Day! by Annette M. Clayton.

Sofia is excited because it is Christmas Day, which means Abuela leaves Puerto Rico to celebrate the Christmas season with Sofia and her family. Sofia hops onto Abuela's lap to learn the story of the Three Kings and Three King's Day--El Día de Reyes. Filled with activities, special food, and an unexpected gift from Abuela, Sofia is eager to share all about Three King's Day when she grows up.

With charming and colorful illustrations by artist Jone Leal, Clayton brings the history and traditions of Three Kings Day to young readers. As Sofia learns more about her Abuela's santos, she enjoys all the special things about the Christmas season: spending time with relatives, wintertime outdoor activities, eating special desserts, and Three Kings Day traditions. Clayton provides resources for the reader, like an explanation of Three Kings Day, a helpful glossary, and a fun recipe. A touching Author's Note shares a personal experience.

Hooray, It's Three Kings Day! is an adorable picture book that will enchant young readers.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Familius (November 12, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 164170957X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1641709576
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 5 - 7 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten - 2

I downloaded a digital copy of this book from NetGalley. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Christmas Picture Book Review: Jesus Calling Advent & Christmas Prayers by Sarah Young

If you are searching for a way to share Advent with your little one, then Jesus Calling Advent & Christmas Prayers by Sarah Young is the perfect choice. Geared for children ages 0 to 4, this simple retelling brings you and your child on a journey through the book of Isaiah, into the Gospels of Luke and John, and ends with the wonderful gift found in 2 Corinthians.

Along the way, artist Katya Longhi brings the story to life with her stunning artwork in soft and warm colors. Pastel yellow circles throughout the pages offer 25 short prayers to encourage daily prayer time and to help you and your child celebrate the birth of God's greatest gift to the world.

Everything about Jesus Calling Advent & Christmas Prayers is wonderful, beautiful, and touching. Young, who passed away earlier this year, was a well-known name in Christian publishing. Reading this book for little ones, it's easy to see why.

Highly recommended!

Rating: :) :) :) :) :)

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tommy Nelson (August 15, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Board book ‏ : ‎ 20 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1400244021
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1400244027

I downloaded a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Monday, December 4, 2023

Christmas Picture Book Review: Scrapper's Christmas Story by Maria J. Andrade

A heartwarming tale of the season is what you'll find in Scrapper's Christmas Story by Maria J. Andrade.

An angel tells the story of Scrapper, the smallest dog in a pack of street dogs, without a home. Kind Mr. Rosario feeds them, but all of them run away when he comes too close. But on a snowy Christmas Eve, Scrapper steps in to help someone, which might just lead to all his dreams coming true.

If you like sweet holiday stories, Scrapper's Christmas Story is definitely one to add to your list. I can't give away too many details without revealing the plot, but Andrade's story is one that embodies the spirit of the season. While not a faith-based book, there are what some would call faith-based elements within the story.

I would have appreciated an editor's final touch on the text to fix a few punctuation and grammar errors, and the formatting for the e-book is not quite right when read on my Kindle or with the Kindle app on my laptop. Those didn't, however, take away from the story for me.

Besides the unfolding tale, the beautiful artwork by artist Julie L. Weaver makes this a book worth exploring. Snowy scenes throughout the city, featuring its many apartment buildings, the pet shop, the church, and even the alleyways, are brought to life through Weaver's illustrations.

If you know a child who likes dog stories, touching Christmas stories, or even stories with happy endings, then Scrapper's Christmas Story should be on your list to buy.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clara Publishing (November 18, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 36 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1734290005
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1734290004

I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Christmas Picture Book Review: Raven's Gift: A Feathered Flight of Faith by Claire Annette Noland

A unique and delightful story of the first Christmas is what young readers will find in Raven's Gift: A Feathered Flight of Faith by Claire Annette Noland.

Every night is ordinary as Raven looks out over the fields from his nest. Until one special night when light and angels fill the sky announcing the Savior's birth. Raven rushes off to tell the other birds, but is soon disappointed to find they all have a gift for the Christ Child while he fears he has nothing to give.

What a sweet story. Using a variety of birds found in the Bible, Noland shares a story of one bird celebrating the first Christmas with his feathered friends. Raven's Gift reminds us of the importance of using the talents we possess and sharing our gifts with the world.

Artist Desirée Cordón's stunning artwork brings this story to life alongside Noland's engaging text. I found her use of blues, pinks, and purples so enchanting.

If you are looking for a new way to share the story of the first Christmas with your little one, Raven's Gift is the perfect choice.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bless This Press (December 1, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 34 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 195637809X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1956378092

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Christmas Children's Picture Book Review: Elves for a Day by Deb Hockenberry

The Hungle Bungle Jungle crew is back in this seasonal adventure titled, Elves for a Day.

Chimpanzee and Monkey are eagerly awaiting their chance to see Santa. When Santa tells them his elves are sick and he needs their help, they are thrilled to go. Can they make sure Santa will be ready to deliver toys on Christmas Eve?

Elves for a Day by Deb Hockenberry is a sweet and zany tale of the Christmas season. Filled with fun and delightful illustrations by Madelaine Letsche, your three- to six-year-old will enjoy turning page after colorful page as they follow the Hungle Bungle Jungle crew on their latest adventure. This is a seasonal story you won't want to miss!

Rating: :) :) :) :) :)

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Entertaining Kids Books (October 9, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 42 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1737264102
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1737264101

I received a free digital copy from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Friday, June 16, 2023

Christmas Picture Book Review: A Christmas Secret by Candace Hall

 


Get your kids in the holiday spirit by sharing with them A Christmas Secret by Candace Hall.

Santa's reindeer discover a lost black kitten named O'Malley while they are helping Santa deliver presents on Christmas Eve. Unable to find his home, they hide O'Malley on the sleigh and keep his presence a secret from Santa. Once they arrive back at the North Pole, many of the residents help take care of the tired, hungry little kitten. What would Santa say if he knew?

This is an unbelievably adorable story. You have Santa's reindeer acting like a kid hiding something he discovered on the way home from school. They know they're not supposed to bring O'Malley home, but what are they going to do? It's cold out. Besides, isn't Christmas the season of peace, love, and joy? While I wish the interior illustrations were in color, they are still cute. The small size of the book makes it easy for little hands to hold too.

Your children will be enchanted by A Christmas Secret by Candace Hall.

  • Publisher: Tate Publishing
  • ISBN-10:1617773530
  • ISBN-13: 978-1617773532
This review first appeared at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. I received a copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book in exchange for my honest opinions. I received no monetary compensation of any kind to provide my review.

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Christmas Picture Book Review: Kevin's Christmas by Liesbet Slegers

 


Toddlers will love sitting down with you to read Kevin's Christmas by Liesbet Slegers.

It's Christmas time. Kevin and his family get ready. They put up a tree, set the nativity at the base of their tree, send out greeting cards, and buy food for the Christmas meal. How exciting!

I love Slegers' books. She really knows how to get in touch with a child's heart and mind. In this adorable new release in her Kevin and Katie series, young Kevin gets involved in Christmas preparations for the first time. The story speaks to toddlers using words they will be familiar with and has Kevin acting in ways similar to this age group. Young readers will feel his excitement and joy in sharing this holiday with his family.

The artwork Slegers creates for this one is wonderful. It's simple, yet uses great colors that will captivate young readers. I also like the multicultural aspect of the book. When Cousin Sally arrives we see she is African American. It's a subtle message, but one that makes you appreciates family diversity, and can help show kids that differences are great.

This is a sweet story that would make a perfect gift.

  • Publisher: Clavis Publishing
  • ISBN-10: 1605371041
  • ISBN-13: 978-1605371047
  • SRP:  $12.95
I received a FREE copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions. I did not receive monetary compensation of any kind for this review.


Monday, June 5, 2023

Christmas Picture Book Review: Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls by Veronica Vasylenko

 


Two beloved wintertime songs have been added to pictures thanks to Tiger Tales Books and talented artist Veronica Vasylenko.

The mouse family is celebrating taking a wintertime sleigh ride as they pack up the adults and the children in their "one-horse open sleigh." Over the hills they go, bells jingling on the horse's tail, playing their instruments, and arriving at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

In this beautifully illustrated padded board book, Jingle Bells the song comes alive in a new way. The glitter varnish on the cover and inside pages gives it a wintery glow that will captivate young readers ages 2- 5.


The mouse family returns in Deck the Halls, where they are getting ready for Christmas by decorating the tree, sitting around the Yule log, baking treats, and entertaining friends. Like Jingle Bells, Vasylenko has captured the joys of the season with her little mouse family. With lights and door jambs decorated with holly leaves, and holly berries adorning the walls, there is so much for young readers to enjoy.

These books are quick reads that will be fun to read aloud and sing aloud. They would make great story time books. I like that they remained consistent between the two books, formatting them the same, using the same font on each, and using the glitter varnish on each padded board book. These are definitely books you and your kids can enjoy all season long!

  • Publisher: Tiger Tales
  • ISBN-10:1589258215
  • ISBN-13: 978-1589258211
  • SRP:  $8.95
  • Publisher: Tiger Tales
  • ISBN-10:1589258681
  • ISBN-13: 978-1589258686
  • SRP:  $8.95
I received FREE copies of these book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions. I received no monetary compensation of any kind to provide this review.

Monday, May 22, 2023

Christmas Picture Book Review: Humbug A Christmas Carol by Lee Baker

 


A tale of Christmas joy working its magic in a small town that has long since grown cold is what you'll find in Humbug A Christmas Carol.

Mimi arrives in the small frozen town of Winterton where the neighbors don't speak to each other and the people have all gone cold inside. Christmas hasn't come in so long, no one remembers it. But Mimi and her Humbug are determined to spread warmth and to bring the reindeer and Santa back to town.

Lee Baker has created a unique magical tale of the season that will delight every member of your family. Mimi has been passed along from orphanage to orphanage, the latest being the one run by Mrs. Sleet in Winterton. While the people here seem strange, Mimi is not going to be deterred from trying to make new friends. Mimi is a wonderful character that will charm young readers, as she reaches out to the cold-hearted people of the town.

With Stephen Sobisky, the CEO of Sandman Studios, working as the Creative Director, and Kienan Lafferty, an artist at Sandman Studios, providing the illustrations, you can imagine the artwork in Humbug A Christmas Carol is stunning. It's truly like out of a movie. There's even a Foreword from Ebenezer Scrooge.

Humbug A Christmas Carol is destined to become a classic seasonal tale that readers enjoy time and again. I highly recommend it.

  • Publisher: Brigham Distributing
  • ISBN-10:0615338399
  • ISBN-13: 978-0615338392
  • SRP:  $15.95
I received a FREE copy of this book from the author's publicist in exchange for my honest opinions. I received no monetary compensation of any kind for this review.




Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Christmas Picture Book Review: Ricky's Christmas Tree by Guido Van Genechten

 


 

The art and prose of Guido van Genechten returns in this classic Christmas story of one bunny's pursuit for a Christmas tree.

It's almost Christmas, but Ricky's family doesn't have a tree yet because his parents have been so busy. Dad begrudingly takes Ricky on his tree quest, as long as they make it quick. While Ricky takes in all the winter beauty and fun around him, his father pushes him to fine the tree and get back home. When the Christmas tree falls off the sled, Ricky's enthusiasm for winter play becomes infectious, and soon Dad and Mom are caught up in the joys of the season.

This is a beautiful story made even lovelier by van Genechten's adorable artwork. I love his books because they capture the heart of a child so well. As I was reading , I wondered if this is how my kids see me--constantly working, not appreciating the little things that make life worth living.

Ricky's Christmas Tree is probably going to end up being my favorite van Genechten book. He's truly done a wonderful job with this one. It would make the perfect gift any time of the year.

  • Publisher: Clavis Publishing
  • ISBN-10:1605371068
  • ISBN-13: 978-1605371061
  • SRP:  $16.95
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation of any kind for this review.


Monday, May 1, 2023

Christmas Picture Book Review: Santa Ate My Gingerbread House by Mark I. Sutherland

santa

A delightful seasonal title comes to you from author Mark I. Sutherland.

Tommy loves everything about Christmas: Santa, baby Jesus, presents and decorating. But what he loves most is gingerbread houses. That's why Tommy is so upset when Santa eats the awesome gingerbread house he made. Tommy decides he would rather be naughty from now on, so he spends the next year doing all sorts of horrible things. Only, it doesn't turn out quite like he expected.

Sutherland has a way of getting right to the heart of a child. He captures the excitement of waiting for Christmas to come perfectly. Reading it made me feel like a kid again. I must say, if one of my kids did any of things Tommy did during his year on the naughty list, I would blow my stack. And I think that's why it works. Because Tommy does outrageous things that kids wouldn't always do. That's what makes it funny.

The beautiful artwork by Julie Hammond catches the eye and captures the heart. Even the more vibrant Christmas colors have been softened to provide a sweet feeling. The drawing of Tommy sticking his tongue out at the family dog when he's angry is my favorite. Her illustrations are the perfect blend of silly and sweet.

My one challenge with the book is how it ends. Santa Ate My Gingerbread House is up to that point, a light, funny children's story. At the end, it takes a serious turn by delivering a deeply religious message. Nothing prepared me for that. Nothing indicated that's the direction the book would go. Though baby Jesus is mentioned at the beginning, that is the only indication faith plays any role in the book until the very end. Sutherland did a fine job of delivering that spiritual message for a child to understand and appreciate, but it catches the reader off guard. As a Christian, I liked the message, but I would like to see more inferences to faith throughout the book.

That said, I truly enjoyed Santa Ate My Gingerbread House. I bet your child will, too.

  • Paperback: 40 pages
  • Publisher: Dunrobin Kids (November 23, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0988461307
  • ISBN-13: 978-0988461307
  • SRP: $9.99 (Also available in electronic formats)
I received an e-copy of this book from the illustrator. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.


Journey through Christmases Past - Christmas 1813

  Welcome to our newest feature, Journey through Christmases Past . This series is a nostalgic celebration of the holidays we all remember.....