AND THEN COMES CHRISTMAS
by Tom Brenner ; illustrated by Jana Christy
A Caucasian family with two young children prepares for Christmas in this captivating look at the anticipation and activities during the countdown to the holiday.
The second entry in a series, following And Then Comes Halloween (2009), this story follows the same textual structure, using a “when” / “then” format. Each new stage of holiday preparation begins with a sentence setting up the new scene. For example, “WHEN elves and reindeer appear in stores, and small trains race through toy villages, and piles of presents nestle in cotton drifts….” A corresponding action is then taken by the children in the family; in this case, they “THEN hop from foot to foot, waiting to sit on Santa’s knee.” The text is filled with rich vocabulary and sensory details, evocatively describing the sights, sounds and smells of the season. The joyous illustrations in jewel-bright tones appear to be watercolors, but they are actually digitally produced. They create a misty, dreamy atmosphere with blurred edges, glowing illumination and an overall impressionistic tone that will appeal to both children and adults. The final page shows the contented, loving family having a cozy Christmas morning breakfast together as they “bask in the magic of Christmas.”
WHEN families find an endearing Christmas story (such as this one), THEN they will enjoy reading it over and over.
(Picture book. 3-7)