Review - The Story of the Three Wise Kings

The Story of the Three Wise Kings
by Tomie dePaola
Date: 1983
Publisher: Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Tomie dePaola’s beloved 1983 classic returns to print just in time for the holiday season!

Three wise men of the East, having seen a new star symbolizing the birth of a great king, follow the star to Bethlehem where they present gifts to the newborn Jesus. This beautiful rendition of the well-known tale is sure to delight young readers.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This was just okay for me. While it's a little less disturbing than some of the other Nativity stories I've read, I still don't think that version from Matthew is really appropriate subject matter for a children's picture book.

That said, this is an interesting rendition of the story, told from the point of view of the kings. There are some unintentionally amusing images (such as when the kings all meet up and Balthazar's pointing at the star while breaking the fourth wall, or when newborn Jesus—with a full head of golden hair—is standing on his mother's knee to watch the kings depart). The ending is likewise so abrupt that it's almost funny.

The illustrations are colourful and pleasing to look at, and readers who really like the religious stories about Christmas will probably like the book. As a more secular reader, though, I didn't love it; I'm still uncomfortable with the way all these baby-killing themes are excused. If the book weren't about Christmas, would parents still think a story about a dude who wants to kill babies is appropriate for their toddlers?

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - The Birds of Bethlehem

The Birds of Bethlehem
by Tomie dePaola
Date: 2012
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 34
Format: e-book
Source: library

A perfect first Christmas book

This inventive and fresh Nativity story is told from a bird's-eye view. On the morning of the first Christmas, the birds of Bethlehem gather in the fields--not only to eat but to share the exciting news. People from all over have descended on Bethlehem and an angel has appeared in the night sky. Something extraordinary is coming! The birds agree that they must find this wondrous thing, and off they fly to the stable where a child has been born.

In simple language and dazzling pictures, beloved author-illustrator Tomie dePaola shares the awe and anticipation of the first Christmas. His cast of brightly colored, curious birds will appeal to young children, making this a perfect introduction to the story of Christmas.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Well, that was a big "meh".

This is just a bunch of birds, rendered in colourful illustrations, talking about the buzz around Bethlehem. At the end, they go to check out what all the fuss is about.

Unless you're really into the Biblical story of Christmas, this probably won't offer you much. It's rather boring. The art is okay, but the story is just a bunch of gossiping birds.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5

Review - Llama Llama Holiday Drama

Llama Llama Holiday Drama (Llama Llama)
by Anna Dewdney
Date: 2010
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Llama Llama holidays. Jingle music. Lights ablaze.

How long till that special date?

Llama Llama has to wait.

If there's one thing Llama Llama doesn't like, it's waiting. He and Mama Llama rush around, shopping for presents, baking cookies, decorating the tree . . . but how long is it until Christmas? Will it ever come? Finally, Llama Llama just can't wait any more! It takes a cuddle from Mama Llama to remind him that "Gifts are nice, but there's another: The true gift is, we have each other."

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I thought I'd already read a Llama Llama holiday book, but I guess it wasn't this one. (Honestly, the Llama Llama catalogue is a pretty extensive one.)

In this book, Llama Llama and Mama are busy getting ready for Christmas. There's so much to do! Shopping, baking, decorating... It all culminates in a tummy ache and a little llama who's had more than enough. It's up to Mama to remind him that Christmas is about love and being there for each other.

The pictures are cute (especially the one of Llama Llama when he keels over from too much holiday cheer), and the overall message is good. I did find the rhythm of the rhyming text uncharacteristically clunky in spots. I also don't like the way the book keeps using the word "holiday" when it means "Christmas". A dreidel is mentioned once, but make no mistake: This is a book about Christmas, despite that word not being used even once. The elves, the countdown to the 25th, the present shopping, decorating a tree... This is Christmas, not some generic winter holiday, or even a combination of holidays. So... that was annoying.

Other than that, though, this is a book that Llama Llama fans will want for their collection. It's full of the fun of the Christmas season, and parents will be able to relate to the overloaded kid at the centre of it all.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.43 out of 5

Review - The Legend of Old Befana: An Italian Christmas Story

The Legend of Old Befana: An Italian Christmas Story (Legends)
by Tomie dePaola
Date: 1980
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

In this beloved classic picture book, Tomie dePaola retells and illustrates an Italian Christmas folk tale, breathing warmth and humanity into the character of the lonely Old Befana and her endless search for the Christ Child.

Every morning and every afternoon, Old Befana sweeps with her broom. “Cranky old lady,” the children say. “She is always sweeping!” Sweep, sweep, sweep.

But when a brilliant star glows in the eastern sky one night, and Old Befana encounters the glorious procession of three kings on their way to Bethlehem, her little world will never be the same.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I first learned about La Befana when I did a presentation on her for school in grade six. That was a long time ago, and I'd forgotten much of what I'd learned back then. So the story in this book was fairly unfamiliar.

In Italy, there's a cranky old woman who does nothing but sweep all day and snark at the neighbours. One night, a bright star appears in the sky, a star so bright that she can't sleep. The next day, while she's sweeping, a grand procession comes through her town. She learns they are on their way to see the Baby King in Bethlehem and bring Him gifts. She lets the procession go on its way, but then thinks about it some more and decides to join it. So she bakes gifts for the Baby King: cakes and cookies and candies. Then she sets out. But she's seized by the urge to sweep, and by the time she's done, the procession is long gone. She never does find the Baby King; instead, she flies through the night and leaves her treats for little children.

The story is cute—and a nice change from the ubiquitous Christmas story we see so much of at this time of year—and dePaola's colourful illustrations are appealing to look at. I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I might. I'd recommend it to those looking for slightly different Christmas picture books about less well-known holiday traditions.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Review - Three Little Monkeys at Christmas

Three Little Monkeys at Christmas (Three Little Monkeys)
by Quentin Blake
illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark
Date: 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

A wickedly funny new festive adventure from a stellar picture-book collaboration!

Hilda Snibbs takes her three mischievous little monkeys to stay with her Uncle Gilbert for Christmas. Among many amazing things, Uncle Gilbert’s prized possession is an ancient golden teapot, so the little monkeys must be very good. But what is supposed to be a traditional holiday is soon filled with chaos! Hilda begins to regret bringing the three little monkeys with her – until, one night, their antics come in very handy . . .

Quentin Blake’s delightfully funny story is brought to life by Emma Chichester Clark’s beautiful mixed-media illustrations in this irresistible follow-up to Three Little Monkeys and Three Little Monkeys Ride Again.

(synopsis from Amazon; see it on Goodreads)

This is an incredibly silly story about a woman named Hilda Stibbs who, for some reason, has three little monkeys named Tim, Sam, and Lulu. I'm not sure if they're supposed to be a metaphor for children or if they're supposed to be taken literally. In any case, Hilda takes the monkeys to stay with her uncle for Christmas. Each day, Hilda and Uncle Gilbert go out to run errands, leaving the monkeys alone on their own... with predictable results. And yet, inexplicably, the two adults go out day after day, never seeming to learn their lesson. Eventually, though, the monkeys' rambunctious proclivities end up saving the day... at the expense of Uncle Gilbert's apartment.

The adults are so ridiculously oblivious that it's kind of funny. The silly story is paired with interesting mixed-media illustrations that combine drawings with photographs of real-life objects. The overall effect is interesting, and there's plenty to look at in the pictures.

Kids will probably enjoy the monkeys' antics (and maybe even relate to them a little, especially when they get bored and destructive). Overall, this is a fun little picture book, one that's a bit different than the usual holiday fare. I can see this appealing to fans of Curious George, too.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Review - Naughty or Nice?

Naughty or Nice?
by Erin Rose Wage
illustrated by Alex Willmore
Date: 2021
Publisher: Phoenix International Publications, Inc.
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 20
Format: e-book
Source: library

Little Nora Elf is full of fun and mischief when she tags along with Santa Claus! Find out how she turns Christmas Eve traditions upside down in this yuletide tale of opposites! This sweet (and silly!) Santa story spreads holiday cheer and helps your little elf build language and thinking skills by showcasing opposites.

(synopsis from Amazon; see it on Goodreads)

I guess this was trying to show opposites, but it's kind of an annoying story about Santa Claus bringing a naughty elf with him who just wreaks havoc while he's trying to do all his duties on Christmas Eve.

The story is told in rhyme, but the poetry plays fast and loose with the metre. I'm not a fan.

I guess I just don't understand why Santa would bring along an elf who spreads soot everywhere, makes a ton of noise, and gorges herself into a food coma with cookies that weren't even meant for her. Yeah, she's naughty. But why is Santa putting up with it?

I don't get it.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: 2/5
Writing: 2/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.14 out of 5

Review - A Chick 'n' Pug Christmas

A Chick 'n' Pug Christmas (Chick 'n' Pug)
by Jennifer Sattler
Date: 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Pug is ready for the holidays in his extra cute-and extra itchy-Santa suit. Chick wants one just like it . . . until Pug explains how Santa delivers presents to kids everywhere all in one night, and Chick can't believe his ears. Clearly, Santa Claus is a superhero! And Chick wants to be his fearless sidekick. Spreading holiday cheer is no easy feat, but Chick is ready and willing, even if Pug, of course, would rather nap.

Brimming with the same humor and charm fans have come to know from their favorite dynamic duo, readers will delight in this new adventure as Chick and Pug celebrate the holiday season.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I think this is one of those books that will appeal mostly to fans of the characters.

This is my first encounter with Chick 'n' Pug, and I was underwhelmed. It's a lazy pug and a manic bird, and the story is a tired retread of explaining and emulating Santa Claus. The illustrations are okay, but nothing memorable.

Your mileage may vary, of course. There's nothing objectively wrong with this. I just found it boring and forgettable.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.67 out of 5

Review - Jan Brett's The Nutcracker

Jan Brett's The Nutcracker
by Jan Brett
Date: 2021
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Jan Brett's striking illustrations and the Christmas classic The Nutcracker are a match made in picture book heaven.

When Marie and her brother Fritz receive a special Christmas nutcracker from their uncle, Marie immediately feels something magical. He looks like a real boy, she mused. A real boy with a secret, who came from far away.

This feeling is only the beginning of the epic adventure she goes on with the Nutcracker--into the cabinet, through the battle with the mice, and finally to the magical land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Jan Brett makes this classic her own by setting it in snowy Russia and adding whimsical touches to the favorite elements of the traditional ballet. Enjoying this book will be an instant Christmas tradition for families who love the ballet and those new to the story.

As perfect a gift as Jan Brett's classics The Mitten and The Night Before Christmas.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This was... too much.

I've enjoyed some other picture books by Jan Brett, especially The Mitten. Taking on The Nutcracker in picture-book form was an ambitious task. I'm not sure it worked.

In trying to condense the story into 32 pages, much is skimmed over, seemingly in favour of getting to the parts of the story that would look good as full-page illustrated spreads. When Marie doesn't want to say goodnight to the guests, we're told it's because she's been taking care of the Nutcracker that her brother, Fritz, had broken. This seems like an important aspect to Marie's devotion to the toy, so it feels odd that it would be skipped over.

The rest of the book is kind of like a fever dream. The overall emotion I'm feeling after reading this book is overwhelm. Don't get me wrong: I enjoy picture books where there's lots to look at in the illustrations. But in this case, it's just too much. Brett's signature style of using smaller illustrations in the side panels to show some parallel aspects of the story is used here, but the technique makes the book feel cluttered because there's already so much going on in the main illustrations. I'm also not a fan of the way the characters are drawn. The facial expressions don't seem consistent and lead to a look that almost seems like two different artists were at work; sometimes the faces almost seem cartoonish, while others are more realistic.

The story rambles, and if you're not familiar with the original story or ballet, you might not have any sort of clue what's going on here. Basically, a child shrinks, battles a mouse king, then goes on a journey through a winter landscape populated by anthropomorphized animals. Was it all a dream? In the case of this book, I'm almost tempted to say it was a drug trip.

Fans of Brett's catalogue of work will no doubt want to add this one to their collections. But those looking for a strong picture book based on The Nutcracker, or those who want an easy-to-follow story for holiday reading, might want to look elsewhere.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 2/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.5 out of 5

Review - The Toys' Christmas

The Toys' Christmas
by Claire Clément
illustrated by Geneviève Godbout
Date: 2012
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

This cozy, cuddly Christmas story tells how Santa makes sure he leaves the perfect gift for each child—with a little help from their favorite toys!

It is Christmas Eve and Noah’s toy elephant, Fanfan, has gone missing! Little does he know that Fanfan has crept out of the house to join other soft toys on their annual Christmas journey: to see Santa Claus!

Just in case letters don’t reach Santa, toys all around the world make this trip so they can tell Santa what their child wants most of all. (After all, who knows a child better than their best-loved toy?)

Will Fanfan return in time for Christmas morning? And will Noah get the present that he so longs for?

Perfect to curl up with at bedtime, this sweet and magical tale is illustrated by Genevieve Godbout, the artist behind Apple Cake.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

The illustrations in this book are very cute, but there almost seems to be a mismatch between pictures and text. I suspect it may be due to the translation.

This is a story about a bunch of toys that go off to see Santa to tell him what their respective children would like for Christmas. These stories always seem kind of quaint, and I often wonder how modern kids—who ask for things like brand-name gadgets and toys—see the simple gifts of dolls, books, and wooden swords that Santa is depicted as making.

The text states that this journey of the toys happens every year, but this seems to be the first year that Noah is missing his toy. You'd think that all the favourite toys disappearing on Christmas Eve every year would be noticed, but the story just kind of ignores that point.

The book was originally published in 2012 as La longue marche des doudous, and there's something about this particular translation that just doesn't cut it for me. I don't know; maybe the original French is just as bad. But I found the text to be so lifeless, especially compared to the soft, whimsical illustrations. (I've read a few books illustrated by Godbout now, and I really enjoy her style.)

Maybe, read aloud, this book would have a few more sparks of life. I don't doubt that kids will like looking at the pictures, and the overall premise is very cute. I just wish that the text had been on the same level as the illustrations.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.33 out of 5

Review - Holiday Spirit

Holiday Spirit
by Tyler J Gray
Date: 2021
Publisher: Archive of Our Own
Reading level: A
Book type: short story
Pages: 7703 words
Format: e-book
Source: Archive of Our Own

Christmas morning kids open their presents, only to scream in horror. Someone has ruined Christmas. Who? Why? Where is Santa Claus?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a bit of a confused (and confusing) story about a horrid Christmas morning, a centuries-old grudge, and the magic of belief. It... doesn't work.

I'll give the author an A for effort, but there are just so many problems with this. It's a story about believing in Santa Claus, and yet there are graphic descriptions of violent and some rather scary monsters. (Don't even get me started on the spiders.) I'm not sure who the audience is supposed to be; it seems like a story that should be for children, but it's completely inappropriate for them due to the graphic content.

The writing is also technically pretty bad. Most of the punctuation is wrong. Getting through it all was a bit of a slog.

I think the author was trying to make a statement here about the Christmas spirit and commercialism and believing in something good and pure... but the whole storyline that involved beating animals with sticks and somebody losing their hands didn't seem all that Christmas-like to me.

I did, however, love one bit at the beginning, though it probably wasn't intended to be so badass. Upon being beset by spiders on Christmas morning, the parents have the following exchange:

“What are we going to do!” mom yells.

Dad thinks for a few seconds, rubbing his chin and blowing a dangling hair out of his eyes.

“Bomb the house?”

Well, that escalated quickly. (They were talking about a bug bomb, but I still like to imagine they were talking about dynamite or something. With some spiders, that's the only reasonable course of action.)

Overall, this needs work. The heavy-handed messaging, violence, and poor editing combine to make this a bit of a chore to read. But I'm still chuckling over the mental image of this couple blowing up their house over a few spiders, so I did get some enjoyment out of it.

Plot: 3/5
Characters: 2/5
Pace: 3/5
Writing & Editing: 1/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall Rating: 2.14 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - Miracle on 34th Street

Miracle on 34th Street
by Valentine Davies & Susanna Leonard Hill
illustrated by James Newman Gray
Date: 2018
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

For a little girl named Susan, Christmas could be any other day. She doesn't believe in Santa Claus or magic or miracles of any kind. Then one day she meets Kriss Kringle. As she doubtfully tells him the gifts she most wishes for, deep down Susan finds herself hoping that just maybe, he is the real thing. Based on the original holiday classic, Miracle on 34th Street is a heartwarming story about generosity, imagination, and the spirit of Christmas.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Well, that was disappointing.

Miracle on 34th Street is one of my favourite Christmas stories. I'm familiar with it through its two popular film versions (with the more recent one being my favourite). This picture book is based on the original novella and has been adapted into a picture-book format. Does it work? In a word: no.

There's far too much that's glossed over, leading to a choppy plot and flat characterization. Here, Susan is a cardboard little girl, without the lively skepticism that both Natalie Wood and Mara Wilson brought to the role. The narrative suffers from some questionable style choices, and some of the plot points don't make much sense when they're ripped out of context by the shortened format. (For example, Mr. Sawyer's actions against Kris don't make much sense, given that the old man was bringing customers into the store.)

The illustrations don't help bring the characters to life, either. While they're adequate, there's a flatness to everyone that makes the whole book look like it was cast with lifeless dolls.

This is one of those rare cases where the movie is better than the book. I would not recommend this particular picture book. Go check out one of the film versions instead, either the 1947 version with Natalie Wood and Edmund Gwenn or the 1994 version with Mara Wilson and Richard Attenborough. This story really does require more than 32 pages to do it justice.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 2/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5

Review - Santa Clauses: Short Poems from the North Pole

Santa Clauses: Short Poems from the North Pole
by Bob Raczka
illustrated by Chuck Groenink
Date: 2014
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
Reading level: C
Book type: illustrated poetry collection
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

December 1st
White envelopes float
from my overfilled mailbox—
December's first storm.

You know that Santa can fly a sleigh, squeeze down chimneys, and circle the globe in a night. But did you know that another of his talents is writing haiku?

These twenty-five short poems—composed by Santa himself—give you a peek into life at the North Pole as the December days tick down to Christmas. See the hustle and bustle of the elves' workshop, feel the serenity of moonlight on fresh snow, and find out how Santa and Mrs. Claus keep busy as Santa's big night draws near.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is an interesting concept. Here are a bunch of haikus, supposedly written by Santa after he fell in love with the poetry form.

I was a little bit underwhelmed. The premise of one haiku a day until Christmas is fine. The poems themselves are okay. The illustrations are perhaps the strongest part, evoking the sights and sensations of the far north. But I didn't love this.

Fans of poetry might enjoy this more than I did. It's not bad... but I don't feel like reading it again.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing & Editing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.17 out of 5 ladybugs

Review - How to Hide a Lion at Christmas

How to Hide a Lion at Christmas (How to Hide a Lion #4)
by Helen Stephens
Date: 2018
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

A charming holiday picture book about a girl, her pet lion, and a Christmas adventure.

Iris and her lion go everywhere together. But when Christmas comes and the family is going away, Mum says the lion must stay behind. After all, you can't take a lion on a train. Luckily the lion has other ideas. He sets off on a festive, snowy adventure to find Iris--and almost bumps into Santa Claus!

Helen Stephens's How to Hide a Lion at Christmas will warm young readers' hearts with its colorful illustrations and funny text depicting a sweet friendship.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a bit of a strange book, but it's still entertaining. A little girl named Iris wants to take her lion when her family goes to visit a relative at Christmas. But her parents say she can't. The lion stows away on the train to be with his friend... but he falls asleep and misses his stop. He must find a way back to Iris. Along the way, he encounters Santa Claus.

I haven't read any of the other books about Iris and her lion. At first, I wasn't sure whether this was supposed to be literal. But the fact that Iris has a lion toy suggests to me that the lion is imaginary, which makes the story even more charming.

Kids will probably enjoy the funny storyline about the lion getting lost, finding his way back, and meeting Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. It's an entertaining story for those who are looking for more strong holiday picture books.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

Review - Santa Claus vs the Easter Bunny

Santa Claus vs the Easter Bunny
by Fred Blunt
Date: 2019
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

The holidays just got serious. (And silly.)

Santa has it so easy: a workforce of elves to make the presents, a team of reindeer to deliver them, and even a high-tech factory!

The Easter Bunny has to make and wrap all the chocolate eggs and deliver them all by himself.

Now Bunny has had enough.

But will his plan for a Christmas disaster turn into a Christmas delight?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

The Easter Bunny has it rough. He has to do everything himself! After watching Santa coast by with his team of elves and reindeer, Bunny gets a little unhinged and decides to sabotage Santa's big night. But will his plan work? Or will it backfire in an unexpected way?

This is actually more amusing than I thought it might be. The rabbit goes hilariously over the edge after years of being taken for granted. The illustrations are pretty funny, showing Bunny lose it. But the overall message is sweet, making this unique take on a holiday book a nice choice for Christmas reading.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

Review - Peanut Butter & Santa Claus

Peanut Butter & Santa Claus (A Zombie Culinary Tale)
by Joe McGee
illustrated by Charles Santoso
Date: 2019
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

When Santa gets snowed in at the North Pole, it’s up to three heroes from Quirkville to save the day—but they’re in for an ooey-gooey surprise!

Reginald (the zombie), Zarfon (the alien), and Abigail Zink (the human) are all preparing for Christmas in Quirkville when the terrible news breaks: CHRISTMAS IS CANCELED! Santa is snowed in at the North Pole. The three friends hatch a plan to save the day. They load into Zarfon’s spaceship—along with lots of peanut butter for a surprise Christmas delivery to his home planet later on—and head straight for the North Pole. When they arrive, they find that Santa and his elves are trapped, not by snow, but by a marshmallow cream explosion. With a little bit of creativity, a little bit of Christmas spirit, and one big KA-POW!, the pals from Quirkville save Christmas and inadvertently create a delicious treat!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is stupid, juvenile, and potentially scary for young readers.

In a town called Quirkville, there are all sorts of weird citizens: zombies, aliens, and kids who spend too much time on the internet. When Christmas is cancelled, three of them take a trip to the North Pole, only to find that the marshmallow factory is malfunctioning and spewing sticky goo everywhere. The three kids use the alien's supply of peanut butter to make peanut butter and marshmallow sandwiches to give to all the kids around the world, and Christmas is saved.

Okay, first of all, if Christmas is cancelled because Santa's stuck at the North Pole, your priorities might be a bit skewed. Do you call up the grandparents and tell them not to come for turkey dinner? Do you ignore all the other presents under the tree from your own family and friends? Come on. I'm not a fan of Thanksgiving picture books that promote disgusting displays of gluttony, and I'm not a fan of Christmas books that imply that getting stuff from Santa is the most important part of the holiday. What about the people who don't believe in Santa Claus? Does their Christmas get cancelled, too?

Second, the whole peanut butter aspect could be pretty scary for children with severe peanut allergies. Not only are Santa's workshops not nut-free, but he's shown leaving potentially deadly snacks in people's living rooms. (He'd better be leaving some EpiPens, too.)

This book appears to be part of a series about Quirkville and its zombies. Maybe the other books are more entertaining. But this one isn't great. It has a questionable message and depicts Santa's flippant disregard for those with severe food allergies.

Skip this one.

Premise: 1/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall: 2 out of 5

Review - Baseball Bats for Christmas

Baseball Bats for Christmas
by Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak
illustrated by Vladyana Krykorka
Date: 1990
Publisher: Annick Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 24
Format: e-book
Source: library

Never having seen trees, the children in Repulse Bay decide that the funny things delivered to them one year for Christmas must actually be for making baseball bats.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This book has apparently been in print for 30 years now. As a Christmas story, it seems a bit weak and perhaps sanitized (the people of Repulse Bay fawning over their priest is uncomfortable, given our current knowledge of the damage done by the Church with their residential schools). But it does offer a glimpse into life in the 1950s for Inuit children.

Arvaarluk and his friends eagerly await Christmas, where they celebrate by giving each other their favourite possessions. Arvaarluk is given a rubber ball, and the children all play a makeshift sort of baseball... at least, when they can find a stick for a bat. But trees don't grow in the Arctic! One year, six trees are delivered to Repulse Bay, and the kids decide that their intended purpose is baseball bats.

The appealing illustrations are colourful, shattering the notion that the Arctic is painted only in shades of white. The book is a little heavy on the text, so younger readers might want to have someone read it with them (or to them).

Overall, this is a charming book that offers a glimpse into Inuit life in 1955.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.33 out of 5

Review - A Very Quacky Christmas

A Very Quacky Christmas
by Frances Watts
illustrated by Ann James
Date: 2020
Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Fans of Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree and Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas will love this funny and moving holiday story about giving and sharing--and believing in Christmas miracles.

"We wish you a quacky Christmas!" Samantha Duck is getting ready for Christmas. "I'm going to give presents to animals all over the world!" But tortoise pal Sebastian is not so sure: "Christmas is not for animals!" With the help of her farmyard friends, who all give something to help make and deliver the presents, this determined duck sets out to prove that Christmas is for EVERYONE--and to make sure animals all around the world have a very quacky Christmas.

Families will enjoy snuggling up to read this warm and friend-filled Christmas tale of giving and sharing. It's a joyous reminder that with a bit of faith and the love of those around you, anything is possible. . . .

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Samantha the duck is getting ready for Christmas. Her friend Sebastian, a tortoise, doesn't think Christmas is for animals. But that doesn't dampen Samantha's spirits at all. Enlisting the help of the other animals on the farm, she makes presents for other animals around the world... and eventually convinces the stubborn tortoise that the spirit of giving is something that can be for everyone.

The message is sweet and the story itself is cute (if far fetched). The illustrations are simple but appealing, and Samantha's plucky refrain is sure to get readers into the Christmas spirit.

I'd recommend this to readers looking for Christmas picture books that focus on the act of giving rather than on the gifts themselves.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 5/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

Review - Ming's Christmas Wishes

Ming's Christmas Wishes
by Susan L. Gong
illustrated by Masehiro Tateishi
Date: 2020
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 48
Format: e-book
Source: library

Inspired by family stories.

Ming wishes for three things at Christmas. First, to sing in the school Christmas choir. Second, to have a Christmas tree like the one in the department store window. And third, to feel she belongs somewhere.

As a daughter of immigrants in 1930s California, Ming is often treated differently than other children at school. She’s pointedly not invited to sing in the Christmas choir. At home, when Ming lobbies her parents for a Christmas tree, her mother scolds her for trying to be American. Ming doesn’t seem to fit in anywhere: she’s not quite American enough at school, not quite Chinese enough at home.

Seeing his daughter’s unhappiness, Pop takes her into the mountains to visit a wise old friend. Always happy for an adventure with her kind father, Ming hopes to persuade Pop to bring home a mountain pine to be their Christmas tree. But he has something else in mind, something that will help Ming draw strength from nature, from their Chinese heritage, and from deep and enduring family ties.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This Christmas picture book features lovely illustrations and a nice theme... but it suffers from a lack of context.

From the very beginning, we see Ming struggling to find acceptance both at school and at home. Young readers might wonder why Ming isn't allowed to sing with the other students simply because she's Chinese. The book obviously takes place in another time (and the blurb states that it's the 1930s) but the only clues in the story are the illustrations and a few mentions of historical events (the Gold Rush, the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco, etc.). Ming, having been born and raised in the US, just wants to be like the other kids. She especially wants a Christmas tree for their house. But her mother refuses to allow it.

Most of the story is taken up with Ming and her father visiting a couple of old friends, recalling their history, and visiting an old shrine in a grove of sequoias. Ming eventually gets a Christmas tree of sorts (while her mother looks on miserably). The ending is rather abrupt, even though it fits in with the rest of the story.

An author's note would've been much appreciated. If this is inspired by family stories, I would've liked reading about those. That might have also helped anchor the story in a particular time and place. As it is, readers are left to puzzle over why Ming's teacher is such a racist, not allowing a little girl to sing Christmas carols.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - The Polar Express

The Polar Express
by Chris Van Allsburg
Date: 1985
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Late on Christmas Eve, after the town has gone to sleep, a boy boards a mysterious train that waits for him: the Polar Express bound for the North Pole. When he arrives there, Santa offers him any gift he desires. The boy modestly asks for one bell from the reindeer's harness. It turns out to be a very special gift, for only believers in Santa can hear it ring.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I'm pretty sure I read this years ago, as parts of it seemed fairly familiar. I'm not sure if I would've appreciated Chris Van Allsburg's illustrations and gentle story as much back then, though.

This is a Christmas classic, and for good reason. It's the perfect read-aloud story for Christmas Eve (and, given the amount of text, it will probably work best as a book that an adult reads to a child). The plot is memorable, seeking to recapture the magic of Santa Claus for those children just on the cusp of disbelieving.

The illustrations are simple but lovely, in Van Allsburg's signature style (albeit quite colourful compared to some of the other titles by him that I've read). The way the illustrations capture the light is particularly striking. The expressions on the children's faces are evocative and really bring the characters to life.

The Polar Express should probably be in every reader's Christmas library. If you're only familiar with the movie, be sure to check out the book it was based on.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Review - Llama Llama Holiday Helper

Llama Llama Holiday Helper
based on the books by Anna Dewdney
illustrated by J. J. Harrison
Date: 2020
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Licenses
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Celebrate the holidays with Llama Llama and all his friends in this beautifully illustrated picture book, based on the hit animated Netflix series!

Look out, world--Llama Llama is a TV star! The beloved character, made famous by Anna Dewdney's best-selling picture books, is the star of his own original series, now airing on Netflix.

In this beautiful picture book, Llama Llama and Mama Llama are just about done with getting ready for the holidays. So Llama decides to help out his friends -- hanging wreaths, decorating trees, and baking cookies. Join Llama, Gilroy, Nelly, Euclid, and Luna as they celebrate their favorite time of year.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I love the original Llama Llama picture books by Anna Dewdney. I've checked out the animated Netflix series and wasn't that impressed; the show is nowhere near as charming as the rhyming storybooks. So I wasn't sure I would enjoy this holiday picture book that's based on the TV series.

The story is decent and the illustrations are adequate. That's really about all I can say. It's very simplistic and aimed at young readers.

If your kids love the show, they'll probably like this book. But I would still recommend the original picture books over these tie-ins; even the shorter board books have an element of charm that this type of glossy, Hollywood picture book lacks.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.67 out of 5