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“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”
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Summary: On Christmas Eve night, Santa opens his door to find a baby girl in a basket. He and Mrs. Claus name her Sandra. One year, when she was traveling with Santa, Sandra discovered that baby animals, like little children, want something for Christmas, too. This is a Christmas book that goes beyond traditional stories and incorporates themes of adoption, faith, friendship, and a love of animals.
Type of Reading: family reading, bedtime story, middle grade reader
Recommended Age: read together: 0 to 4; read yourself: 6 to 10
Interest Level: 7 to 10
Age of Child: not shared yet
Little Kid Reaction: This book hasn't been shared yet. Although described as a book for toddlers and preschoolers, this is a chapter book with very few pictures and LOTS of words.
Big Kid Reaction: This is a wonderful story. We bought it because our preschooler loves animal stories and the adoption theme. We're disappointed in not sharing it this year. But after our experience with several other wordy books (including several non-chapter books) we have held off on reading it.
Pros: This is a wonderful expansion on traditional Santa-based stories, and includes narrative kids will recognize. It is great for adoptive families or any family that wants to emphasize that we all have special talents.
Cons: The stated target audience is too young to sit for a book like this.
Borrow or Buy: Buy. We are happy to have this book in our collection and expect it to be a favorite someday soon.
Educational Themes: This story opens doors to talk about family and friendship, honesty, faith and love, judging people, and being special.
Literary Categories: Fiction - holiday, adoption
Date(s) Reviewed: December 2004
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