Smudge and the Book of Mistakes: A Christmas Story

by Gloria Whelan, Stephen Costanza (Illustrator)

The monastery of St. Ambrose is situated on the Irish island of Morcarrick. Here, monks old and young live quiet lives spent in prayer and service. One day the Abbot decides that Brother Bede, their finest illuminator of manuscripts, will illustrate the Christmas story. It will be magnificent, praised throughout the world (as will St. Ambrose). Unfortunately, young Brother Cuthbert has been chosen to assist Brother Bede in this project. Cuthbert is impatient, lacks discipline, and even worse--is known for making mistakes. His nickname is "Smudge." How can someone so ill-suited assist in the creation of the greatest book of all? Award-winning author Gloria Whelan shows that sometimes, when given the right task, someone's greatest weakness can prove to be his greatest strength.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Art, Childrens, Holiday, Christian, Friendship

48 pages, Hardcover

First published August 8, 2012

About the author

Gloria Whelan is the best-selling author of many novels for young readers, including Homeless Bird, winner of the National Book Award; Fruitlands: Louisa May Alcott Made Perfect; Angel on the Square and its companion, The Impossible Journey; Once on This Island, winner of the Great Lakes Book Award; Farewell to the Island; and Return to the Island. She lives with her husband, Joseph, in the woods of northern Michigan.

Reviews

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshing Christmas story about a young monk who contributes creatively to his monastery's illuminated manuscript. Because it wasn't entirely Christmassy, I found it offers something different to the genre. Seasons pass, and Smudge (Brother Cuthbert) learns perseverance. It is not aggressively religious, nor does it fully relate the Christmas story, but I think it will supply some interest to young imaginations around the holiday, especially as they hear the story read aloud. The illustrations were mostly okay, but the portions with the manuscripts were really lovely. They draw heavily on primary source material, though Constanza is capable of drawing a realistic cat, unlike most medieval illuminators. (sorry, not sorry)

This would be a great choice for children who are learning to write (or perhaps struggling to do so), and it would be a lovely companion for learning more about illuminated manuscripts and the Book of Kells. (The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane and Marguerite Makes a Book make a fantastic trio with this one!)

[Alexandria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is magnificent! The passage of time is very fluid and not at all choppy. I loved the artistic work that was done, along with the love poured into the book to create it. I hope that one day, having this book in my classroom library won't be such a big deal, but right now I'm afraid that the backlash of parents will not make this an easy book to keep on my classroom library shelves due to the religious nature of the book. I am very hopeful as a young teacher that I can spin my own story of why this is a great book for my classroom and students that it won't matter there is a Christian tone to it.

[Cocoa by candlelight · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The abbot marvelled at how a handful of letters could be placed first one way and then another to form words and the words used to make thoughts. Without words, thoughts would disappear and the whole world would have to begin each day with no lesson learned."

Not only is this a cute little story about the joy of handwriting, but also an invitation to make mistakes and use them as fuel to light the fire of creativity. I would say the main idea here is to find your passion and work every day to perfect and sustain it.

"Always try to make an opportunity of your mistake, Smudge, and not a regret."

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is all about the fact that practice makes perfect! The child hasn't practised anything because he really wants to do this activity whereas he gave up on everything else. It is a gentle story with fun characters that are very human:). It also illustrates that mistakes can be made into good things. This story wonderfully conveys monasteries and how manuscripts were made.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful Christmas book about a young monk who didn't like to do anything again if he failed at it the first time. When he is told he will be lettering the Christmas story for the abbot, he must take his efforts very seriously. Lovely illustrations.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story about perseverance and "practice makes perfect". Longer than most picture books, my daughter enjoyed this holiday tale (plus she learned how books were made pre-printing press). A lovely Christmas story, for kids with the patience for a longer read.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming tale of a boy who gives up too easily before he is sent to live with monks. Through a misunderstanding he is assigned to letter an important book, and develops his skill, creating a beautiful book.
Liked this better than I anticipated, it's quite charming.

[Sonja H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about the importance of practice and working with perceived mistakes

[Monica Quirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cute.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique story we’d never heard of with a nice lesson

[Michelle Reetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although some might find the book a bit text-heavy, the story itself, set in an Irish monastery, is quite engaging while also serving as a reminder of the value of persistence and mistakes. The story revolves around Brother Cuthbert, a young monk who has accidentally been assigned to assist Brother Gregory in drawing the letters for a manuscript illustrating the Christmas story. Cuthbert is so messy, impatient, and undisciplined that he has earned the nickname of Smudge. But Brother Gregory sees his potential, and works with him to find focus and to practice making his letters perfectly. He also shows him that even the most ordinary things can be beautiful and deserve celebration as well as showing him how to create something extraordinary from a mistake. Patient readers will smile at the colorful illustrations and Smudge's certainty that he has been assigned to clean Gregory's rooms rather than perform any creative work. I'm betting that more than a few readers will recognize the potential that lies within each one of us as they finish this book.

[Ilib4kids · Rating 5 out of 5]

E WHELAN

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
This book has a lot of writing. But the story is beautiful. So if you have time for a longer Story, this one is pretty good

[Bethe · Rating 2 out of 5]

adequate story about the printing and illumination of books but way too long for a read aloud, even with 5th grade!

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

So many morals.