The Lost Christmas Gift

by Andrew Beckham

Seventy years after his father left to be a mapmaker for the war in Europe, Emerson Johansson received a package that had been lost in the mail for decades. The parcel contained a most extraordinary an exquisite book Johansson's father lovingly made by hand, detailing an unforgettable adventure they shared together just months before his departure. With maps, drawings, watercolors and photographs, this artifact and family heirloom recounts a mountainous winter landscape alive with the dangers and magic of an alpine blizzard. Destined to become a Christmas classic, The Lost Christmas Gift is a faithful reproduction of the magnificent hand-crafted present Johnasson's father sent him, and a poignant reminder that the best gifts transcend time and distance, renewing our gratitude for the resilience of memory, the bonds of family, and the kindness of strangers.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 5, 2012

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked
- the idea
- the setting (Rabbit Ears Pass)
- the use of photographs
- the overlay pages

Why then 3 stars instead of 4? The story didn't work for me. The reality and fantasy didn't blend. The fantasy, the touch of magic and mystery, was overdone. I can think of several ways that the same idea could have been used that would have made it a 'feel good' story, but that's not going to happen, hence 3.3 stars it is.

[Warren Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A package arrives at Christmas time, sent by a father to his son, sent by the father while he was away in Europe during the war, lost for decades. The son, now a man, with his own children, opens the "lost parcel meant for [him] as a boy" (7). The father had found the time to make a "small book recounting [their] trip... [their] adventure" at Christmas the year before. The father made the book to "remind [his son] of [their] together," with the hope the gift will "help [the boy] feel a little closer to [his father] this Christmas when [the father is] so far away} (8).

The tale that follows is a simple one of a journey to find a tree, that becomes a dangerous one when the father and son are lost in the snow. Told simply and with beautiful illustrations, the story becomes one of a miracle and redemption.

A sweet Christmas tale of faith and belief and love, that, as the dear friend who gave the book to me says, is "a beautiful book that gets at the wonder and mystery so much a part of this place, this life."

Highly recommended. If you liked The Polar Express, and the Griffin and Sabine stories, to name just two books that this one reminded me of, you will love this book.

[Mary Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly extraordinary book. With maps, watercolours, photographs and drawings...this is a very special book. It speaks of memory, miracles, family ties and the kindness of strangers. I read it over and over each year and it always transports me to another place; another time; another consciousness. Simply exquisite.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming Christmas story in the mode of the Griffin and Sabine books. You read the text within the text to put together the story of a long-lost Christmas present.

Reread 2013: Really just love the art in this book so much! A wonderful story!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some spectacular illustrations, great for Christmas display. The story I think was okay...could have been much more detailed given that this was supposed to be a book for adults.

[William]

A good family Christmas read, particularly for those familiar with the Steamboat Springs area.

[Ron Krall]

Of course I'm biased since this book is set in Steamboat Springs, but it is both a touching and beautiful story and a beautiful work of art.

[Denise Taggart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous story with many literary layers.

[Zack Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, succinct, and beautiful. If you've read and enjoyed books like Griffin and Sabine, you'll enjoy this.