FERNSNICKLE'S CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT

Depner’s fourth installment of her Fernsnickle Hooves children’s book series sends her protagonist on a holiday adventure.

As part of a high school memoir assignment, 16-year-old Fernsnickle reflects on the most transformative year of her life, when she was 10: her first Christmas in Connecticut. As soon as she arrived at Snowenbloke Farmhouse from Miami, she was immersed in the quaint, nostalgic charm of a rural New England holiday, complete with snow and sleigh bells. However, no Fernsnickle tale would be complete without a dash of complexity. Elated to support her dear friend Mrs. Peabody’s upcoming marriage, Fernsnickle watched in shock as the re-emergence of her pal’s former love nearly derailed the nuptials. Greater still was her dismay when her best friend, Alison, fell for Fernsnickle’s own crush, Toby, who appeared to reciprocate Alison’s love. Determined to be a strong, confident young woman, Fernsnickle worked to put aside her feelings for Toby, and her angst toward Alison, to support Mrs. Peabody on her special day. Along the way, she discovered her skill at clothing design, a gift that played a precious role in her life to come. Though her first time at Snowenbloke Farmhouse shows her that relationships are not always easy, happy endings abound for most characters, as do lessons. Fernsnickle learns about the value of forgiveness and sees that life and love are full of wonderful surprises. Depner effectively ushers readers through a consistently paced, heartwarming tale, enveloping them in the cozy charm of a snowy New England holiday. With each falling snowflake, adolescent readers will delight in the machinations of a playful hero with plenty of heart. She’s shown to be smart and caring, with a flair for the dramatic—a positive role model for modern youth as she prioritizes her friends, family, and future over negativity and strife. Best of all, Fernsnickle also pursues her passion, showing readers that they, too, can be fun, sassy, and successful, all at the same time.

A sweet Christmas coming-of-age tale.