Reading a Mary Engelbreit picture book is like wrapping yourself in a flannel blanket fresh from the dryer and snuggling into the down-filled cushions of Pottery Barn’s Charleston sofa with a cup of hot cocoa and marshmallows on a bitterly cold day.
It’s certainly the feeling I got when reading the award-winning author’s newest release: A Merry Little Christmas: Celebrate from A to Z. The heartwarming tale follows little Gregory Mouse as he navigates his way through an alphabet of Christmas favorites.
My six-year-old immediately skipped to the “T” page since her name begins with the 20th letter of the alphabet (and because everything is about her) and squealed with delight when she saw that Gregory’s “T” stood for tinsel, tree and TOYS!
Of course, the “T” page is only one of dozens of stops readers will make in their journey to recount Gregory’s simple seasonal joys. Engelbreit makes merry with kid-friendly rhymes about Christmas carols, skating, sleigh rides, and gingerbread houses. She even includes a few surprises on the notoriously challenging “Q”, “X” and “Z” pages.
I can’t rave enough about A Merry Little Christmas. It is the ideal holiday read. Whether you are sharing it with a class of first graders or you are looking for a seasonal story to share with your favorite little one at bedtime or in front of a roaring fire, this HarperCollins classic won’t disappoint. Even if you don’t agree with some of Engelbreit’s choices for the letter “U” or “F”, there’s no debating that her illustrations are beyond amazing. The richly detailed pictures exude warmth and joy.
If you are looking to spread a little holiday cheer this season, then I would highly recommend purchasing A Merry Little Christmas. The book was a huge hit with my daughter and her entire class. The timeless story is an irresistible sweet Christmas treat that won’t add inches to your waistline.
A Merry Little Christmas: Celebrate from A to Z is available at major book stores and online at HarperCollins.com.
Related Articles:
Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique
Super Halloween Read: Scaredy-Cat, Splat!