Age Range: 5 and up
Paperback: 44 pages
Publisher: Inkwater Press (October 15, 2012)
Language: English
Genre: Picture Book
Source: From publisher for review
My Rating: 4 of 5 stars
About the Book:
Based on a true story, Little Joe's Christmas, by James F. Conroy, tells the heartwarming tale of a little boy's faith and courage to keep the Christmas spirit alive. Faced with the cancellation of Christmas festivities at school, Little Joe asks his friend, the author, for help. Little Joe brings a special message, delivered through a Christmas card, from Santa Claus to his classroom. Through his belief in Santa and desire to save Christmas, Little Joe becomes a hero. Unaware of another development until the end, Little Joe helps his friend restore some faith in himself. With a positive message for every child, and a loveable conclusion for adults, Little Joe's Christmas will reinvigorate the Christmas spirit in all of us.
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My Thoughts:
When Joe's school decides to cancel Christmas in favor of a Winter Solstice celebration, he decides to do something about it. He obtains evidence that Santa Claus is real and presents it to his class. The school eventually decides that having a happy school is more important than being politically correct, and they bring back Christmas.
I actually liked the story much more than I initially thought I would. I celebrate Christmas, but I know that not everyone does, so that made me hesitant about the story. However, it was done with optimism and joy, and didn't degrade anyone else's beliefs. It was simply a beautiful story about a young boy that wanted to keep Christmas.
The one thing that could have been improved was the writing. The story was sweet, but the writing could have used another edit or two, just to cut out some unnecessary wordage.
When I received this book from the publisher, I was immediately drawn to the illustrations. They have an old fashioned quality to them that I love. Even though I'm sure they were done with pen and ink, they almost look like intaglio prints. They are unique and different. I really like the artwork in this book.
I was a little worried about other people's belief in this book as well when I read the summary. As long as everyone is happy and isn't sidelined because of their beliefs it sounds like a very good story. It feels like a Christmas movie I would watch if it was one.
ReplyDeleteExactly! That was my biggest concern, but it turned out just right.
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