CHRISTMAS SPIRIT READING CHALLENGE: VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS LEVEL.

Having read (and reviewed) 4 books (THE CHARM BRACELET, A LAWMAN'S CHRISTMAS, THROUGH A GLASS, DARKLY, SHAKESPEARE'S CHRISTMAS) for this year's ...... 

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I've completed the Mistletoe level and now its onto my reviews of the 3 children's books read for the Visions Of Sugar Plums level, the first two of which I'm sure many of you will know, the last one, perhaps not.

• HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS by DR SEUSS.

The ghastly Grinch refuses to be moved by the Christmas spirit in this must-have paperback version of Dr Seuss's classic tale.

When he spies the citizens of Who-ville enjoying their Christmas preparations, the Grinch comes down from his cave and makes a dastardly attempt to take all the joy out of the occasion by actually stealing Christmas.

..... Amazon book description.

FIRST SENTENCE VERSE: Every Who

Down in Who-ville

Liked Christmas a lot ...

But the Grinch,

Who lived just north of Who-ville,

Did NOT!

MEMORABLE MOMENT: Then he stuffed all the food up the chimney with glee.

"And NOW!" grinned the Grinch. "I will stuff up the tree!"

MY THOUGHTS: Though I only came across these books as an adult when I read them to our niece and nephew (now 22 and 19) I'm a big fan of Dr Seuss BUT, highly readable as this one may be, I have to admit it isn't one of my favourites.

Written in rhyme as are all his books, How the Grinch Stole Christmas can be read on many levels. Seemingly a simple story, ultimately this is a deeply yet subtle moral story with a powerful message to tell.

Not just a book for Christmas, with its anti commercialism message the book could apply just as well to Easter.

  

• THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by CLEMENT C. MOORE with illustrations by LIS TOFT.

'Twas the night before Christmas,

when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring,

not even a mouse ..... 

So begins this famous poem, written by Clement C. Moore over a hundred and fifty years years ago and still the best-loved of all Christmas rhymes.

...... Outer back cover.

FIRST SENTENCE VERSE: 'Twas the night before Christmas,

when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring,

not even a mouse ..... 

MEMORABLE MOMENT: But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

MY THOUGHTS: Loved by generations of the young and not so young, I read this to our Great-nephew (almost 2) for the first time this year. Enjoyed by us both, it was a joy to watch his face light up as I read this timeless Christmas classic with its wonderfully eye-catching illustrations by the obviously talented Lis Toft.

• ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS  illustrated by DAVID OXTOBY with story by DAVID SANDISON.

Tom, like all the other children in the world, sent Santa a letter with his Christmas wants: roller skates and a paint box. But this year everything began to go wrong. First of all Santa was held up by customs. Then his sleigh was given a parking ticket. And to cap it all, Santa's ninth reindeer, the famous red-nosed Rudolph, disappeared.

Tom had forgotten to write his address on his letter. Usually Rudolph sorted out that kind of problem, but tonight he was missing. Would Santa be able to find Tom's chimney before Christmas day dawned.

...... Inner front cover.

FIRST SENTENCE VERSE: Snow lay deep and crisp and even 

(Just like in the song?)

As Tom came trudging up the path

Which led to Santa's home.

On tiptoe, he stretched out a hand

To drop his letter in:

"Dear Santa, I'd like roller skates

And a paintbox made of tin."

MEMORABLE MOMENT: This year the elves built something new. 

To speed up Santa's rounds: 

A supersonic supersleigh

To beat the speed of sound.
They'd worked so hard to finish it
In time for Christmas Eve,
But though it sparkled and it shone,
The ground it would not leave.

MY THOUGHTS: Though not as well known (and certainly not as charming) as The Night Before Christmas, to me, Once Upon A Time is every bit as good and even more funny.

A much more up to date story of Santa's exploits on Christmas Eve, this is probably more suited to slightly older readers and, I suspect, may well appeal more to boys.

Also read to our Great-nephew, he seemed to be more enthralled by the words of A Night Before Christmas whilst appearing to enjoy the illustrations of this one more.

KEEP THEM OR NOT?: Re-read many times, all three book will remain on the shelves.