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The Christmas ABC by Florence Johnson

The Christmas ABC, written by Florence Johnson and illustrated by Eloise Wilkin (A Little Golden Book Classic, $3.99; Ages 2 and up), is reviewed by Rita Zobayan.

The Christmas ABC by Florence Johnson
The Christmas ABC by Florence Johnson with illustrations by Eloise Wilkin, A Little Golden Book Classic, 2013.

 

Christmas is a time of family gatherings and memories, and the Little Golden Book Classic The Christmas ABC captures that spirit perfectly. Filled with nostalgia, it is a sweet book that harkens to the simple and innocent feel of Christmases past.

A is for Angels looking down from above, Guardians of Heaven that sing of God’s love.

K is for Kitten, so warm and so cozy when Santa comes in, so jolly and rosy.

N is for Neighbors who come over to say, “Merry Christmas to all, what a joyous day!”

Y is for Yuletide, the time for good cheer, When Santa and presents and stockings appear.

The illustrations complement the text with images that are sentimental and cheery. My youngest daughter especially enjoyed picking out the extra details, such as the cookie shapes (tree, reindeer, wreath, and Santa) that adorn the P for plum pudding page. Whether you have a preschooler who’s learning the alphabet or you enjoy a trip down Christmas lane, The Christmas ABC is sure to be a pleaser from A-Z!

 

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The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit by Emma Thompson

Peter Rabbit’s Back for Christmas Thanks to Emma Thompson

cover art of The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit
The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit by Emma Thompson with illustrations by Eleanor Taylor, Frederick Warne, 2013.

The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit, by Emma Thompson with illustrations by Eleanor Taylor (Frederick Warne & Co., $20, Ages 3-5) arrives just in time for Christmas and is reviewed by MaryAnne Locher.

Mr. and Mrs McGregor, Peter Rabbit, and Benjamin Bunny appear again in this story inspired by the original tales of Beatrix Potter, but this time a new character, William, appears.

After spoiling their mothers’ attempts at holiday baking, both Benjamin and Peter are sent on errands. They run into their friend, William, a turkey who is foolish enough to believe the special food and treatment he receives from the McGregors is due to his importance. Peter, having lost his father to one of Mrs. McGregor’s pies, and being the good friend he is, decides he must warn William that he is being fattened up for the McGregor’s Christmas dinner. William blanches at the thought, but the three friends, come up with a brilliant idea that leaves the old couple eating nothing but boiled potatoes and winter cabbage on Christmas day. The Rabbit family enjoys a delicious Christmas feast and Mrs. Rabbit even bakes a special barley-cake for William, whose feathers are still too puffed up to fit in the burrow.

I almost forgot I wasn’t reading Miss Potter’s words or enjoying her illustrations, this book was so exquisitely done. Eleanor Taylor’s sprinkling of woodland animals and barnyard critters in all the right places with just the right colors, provides not only beautiful pictures, but an opportunity for story building. This book is certain to ensure a Merry Christmas for all who read it!

If you’re an Emma Thompson fan, click here to read our previous review of her first Peter Rabbit picture book, The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit.

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