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A Dog Named Christmas #0.5
Christmas With Tucker
In this heartwarming novel, Greg Kincaid, the bestselling author of A Dog Named Christmas , revisits the early life of one of that book's protagonists and brings us a holiday tale of redemption, hope and forgiveness.
It's 1962, and as Christmas approaches so does one of the worst snow and ice storms in Kansas history. Without utilities and emergency services, it is a dangerous time for the residents of Cherokee County. For the McCray family, it is even worse. Big Bo McCray is the county road maintainer, and it is his duty to keep the roads clear -- but all tasks seem more difficult to Bo and his wife Cora due to the recent death of their only son, John.
Losses begin to pile up for the family like the snow on their rural roads. John's wife and two daughters move off the McCray family farm and return to Minnesota, leaving the youngest member of the family, twelve-year-old George, behind with his grandparents. Young George has been hit hard by his father's death and hangs on to the farm, the only thing left to connect him to his father. As George retreats into his grief, Bo and Cora's focus shifts to their struggling grandson. Then, when an alcoholic neighbor does a stint in the county jail, someone must care for his dog, Tucker, an Irish Setter. Tucker comes to the McCrays with his own pain yet learns to trust George as boy and dog form a bond that helps George begin to deal with his grief and helps him take the first steps into manhood.
It's 1962, and as Christmas approaches so does one of the worst snow and ice storms in Kansas history. Without utilities and emergency services, it is a dangerous time for the residents of Cherokee County. For the McCray family, it is even worse. Big Bo McCray is the county road maintainer, and it is his duty to keep the roads clear -- but all tasks seem more difficult to Bo and his wife Cora due to the recent death of their only son, John.
Losses begin to pile up for the family like the snow on their rural roads. John's wife and two daughters move off the McCray family farm and return to Minnesota, leaving the youngest member of the family, twelve-year-old George, behind with his grandparents. Young George has been hit hard by his father's death and hangs on to the farm, the only thing left to connect him to his father. As George retreats into his grief, Bo and Cora's focus shifts to their struggling grandson. Then, when an alcoholic neighbor does a stint in the county jail, someone must care for his dog, Tucker, an Irish Setter. Tucker comes to the McCrays with his own pain yet learns to trust George as boy and dog form a bond that helps George begin to deal with his grief and helps him take the first steps into manhood.
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First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews
February 9, 2025
A heartwarming and tender coming of age tale with a strong Midwestern feel.
June 28, 2025
The winter of 1962, Kansas is hit with one of the worst blizzards the state has ever seen. During this cruel winter twelve-year-old George must endure more than most kids his age should be asked to handle. The death of his father and the upkeep of the family farm which will be his legacy.
When George's mother and sisters move to Minnesota George has only his grandparents and the friendship of Tucker, an Irish Setter to help him through one of the most difficult times in his life.
Can George find the strength needed to see his way through and set him on the right path toward becoming a man?
A wonderful coming of age story. Recommended for anyone who loves uplifting coming of age stories and anyone who loves dogs.
When George's mother and sisters move to Minnesota George has only his grandparents and the friendship of Tucker, an Irish Setter to help him through one of the most difficult times in his life.
Can George find the strength needed to see his way through and set him on the right path toward becoming a man?
A wonderful coming of age story. Recommended for anyone who loves uplifting coming of age stories and anyone who loves dogs.
December 19, 2021
OH MY GOSH!!!!! I'm at a loss for words, Christmas with Tucker by Greg Kincaid absolutely broke my heart. All I can say is have a box of tissues close by because you will need them!! I have never read Greg Kincaid before, but this certainly won't be my last. Christmas with Tucker had me crying while reading the prologue. This story will stay with me forever. There was not a dry eye in sight, my heart was completely broken for George McCray.
Christmas with Tucker is told in the point of view of George McCray when he was twelve years old, living with his grandparents on their farm in Kansas. George lost his father due to a tractor accident. George's mom and sisters left to live in Minnesota while dealing with the loss of their husband and father, while George stayed back in Kansas to live with his grandparents. George meets his neighbor's dog, Tucker who is a red Irish setter. George thought that his neighbor Thorne was a terrible person because he always left his dog chained up outside. But when the holiday season comes around George learns that Throne isn't so bad after all.
During the winter of 1962, Kansas was hit with one of the worst blizzards in its history. During this cruel storm George is called upon to help the county of Cherokee County. George must upkeep the family farm to help out his grandparents and keep his father's legacy. George has to learn how to milk the cows while getting up early at 4:30am while balancing school on his shoulders, and learning how to handle the maintainer, which plows the roads of Cherokee County Kansas. George knows his grandfather is getting older by the day and George wants to help out as much as possible.
Can George find the strength to walk the road that leads to healing?
With his neighbor's dog by his side George most certainly can!
Christmas with Tucker is told in the point of view of George McCray when he was twelve years old, living with his grandparents on their farm in Kansas. George lost his father due to a tractor accident. George's mom and sisters left to live in Minnesota while dealing with the loss of their husband and father, while George stayed back in Kansas to live with his grandparents. George meets his neighbor's dog, Tucker who is a red Irish setter. George thought that his neighbor Thorne was a terrible person because he always left his dog chained up outside. But when the holiday season comes around George learns that Throne isn't so bad after all.
During the winter of 1962, Kansas was hit with one of the worst blizzards in its history. During this cruel storm George is called upon to help the county of Cherokee County. George must upkeep the family farm to help out his grandparents and keep his father's legacy. George has to learn how to milk the cows while getting up early at 4:30am while balancing school on his shoulders, and learning how to handle the maintainer, which plows the roads of Cherokee County Kansas. George knows his grandfather is getting older by the day and George wants to help out as much as possible.
Can George find the strength to walk the road that leads to healing?
With his neighbor's dog by his side George most certainly can!
December 31, 2021
Kaip galima dovanų paprašyti savo senojo gyvenimo?
🖋️ ..net ir skaudžios patirtys gali sukurti gėrio stebuklą.
🖋️ ...išnarstyti rūpesčius po kaulelį, o tada, jei viskas sklandžiai pavyksta, ir vėl susiklijuoti savo sudužusią širdį.
🖋️ Kol nesubręstame ir neišsiugdome gebėjimo iš šalies pažvelgti į savo bėdas, mes visi elgiamės ganėtinai savanaudiškai ir paviršutiniškai. Todėl ta paauglystė ir yra tokia sudėtinga.
🖋️ Kai užrašai ant popieriaus, atrodo, kad rimtai įsipareigoji...
🖋️ Apėmė jausmas, tarsi kažkas įkišo ranką man į gerklę, sugriebė už širdies ir iš visų jėgų timptelėjo.
🖋️ ...kai reikalai nesisekdavo, jie visada susiimdavo ir pabandydavo iš naujo.
🖋️ Jaunystėje priimti pasirinkimai gali nulemti visą likusį gyvenimą. Nėra blogai būti atsargiam.
🖋️ Netektys vis kaupiasi ir veikia mūsų gyvenimus kaip domino kaladėlių griūtis.
🖋️ ...skuboti sprendimai retai kada būna teisingi.
🖋️ ..net ir skaudžios patirtys gali sukurti gėrio stebuklą.
🖋️ ...išnarstyti rūpesčius po kaulelį, o tada, jei viskas sklandžiai pavyksta, ir vėl susiklijuoti savo sudužusią širdį.
🖋️ Kol nesubręstame ir neišsiugdome gebėjimo iš šalies pažvelgti į savo bėdas, mes visi elgiamės ganėtinai savanaudiškai ir paviršutiniškai. Todėl ta paauglystė ir yra tokia sudėtinga.
🖋️ Kai užrašai ant popieriaus, atrodo, kad rimtai įsipareigoji...
🖋️ Apėmė jausmas, tarsi kažkas įkišo ranką man į gerklę, sugriebė už širdies ir iš visų jėgų timptelėjo.
🖋️ ...kai reikalai nesisekdavo, jie visada susiimdavo ir pabandydavo iš naujo.
🖋️ Jaunystėje priimti pasirinkimai gali nulemti visą likusį gyvenimą. Nėra blogai būti atsargiam.
🖋️ Netektys vis kaupiasi ir veikia mūsų gyvenimus kaip domino kaladėlių griūtis.
🖋️ ...skuboti sprendimai retai kada būna teisingi.
October 19, 2020
Woohoo, with the novella down - I have finished this series!
Christmas with Tucker was a very cute and short read. I feel like I just zoomed through this entire series and I'm not upset about it. Shoot, give me dogs, Christmas, and snow.. and I'm hooked. Now if only this was a movie or something in real life - I could get behind it all.
In the end, this book was cute, fluffy, and a bit predictable. Yet, this entire family found joy and happiness with dogs and that's what I loved the most.
Christmas with Tucker was a very cute and short read. I feel like I just zoomed through this entire series and I'm not upset about it. Shoot, give me dogs, Christmas, and snow.. and I'm hooked. Now if only this was a movie or something in real life - I could get behind it all.
In the end, this book was cute, fluffy, and a bit predictable. Yet, this entire family found joy and happiness with dogs and that's what I loved the most.
December 18, 2023
2023 Reread
Loved it just as much as the first time!
Oh, this story! I had read and loved “A Dog Named Christmas,” and when I found out there was another one by the same author about the same people, I was excited!
There is so much heart to this story. George McCray remembers back to the Christmas time when he was twelve years old living on the farm with his grandparents. He as at a turning point in his life, and things were rough. I felt for the boy and his mom and grandparents. I felt for Tucker, and for the others.
The setting was so real that I felt like I had to read this story wrapped in a warm blanket because of all the ice and snow (it was in the 60s outside). But, while this story is sad, it is also good. It has hope. It has healing. And no, the dog doesn’t die. Well, he does when he’s old, but that’s not really part of the story.
This is a Christmas story I know I’ll be reading again and recommending to others.
Loved it just as much as the first time!
Oh, this story! I had read and loved “A Dog Named Christmas,” and when I found out there was another one by the same author about the same people, I was excited!
There is so much heart to this story. George McCray remembers back to the Christmas time when he was twelve years old living on the farm with his grandparents. He as at a turning point in his life, and things were rough. I felt for the boy and his mom and grandparents. I felt for Tucker, and for the others.
The setting was so real that I felt like I had to read this story wrapped in a warm blanket because of all the ice and snow (it was in the 60s outside). But, while this story is sad, it is also good. It has hope. It has healing. And no, the dog doesn’t die. Well, he does when he’s old, but that’s not really part of the story.
This is a Christmas story I know I’ll be reading again and recommending to others.
April 11, 2019
A coming of age story of George McCray living with his grandparents after his father died in a farm accident. His mother and sisters had moved to Minnesota to start a new life.
George loved the farm and all the jobs his grandfather had taught him. The most important job in the winter was clearing the country road of snow and ice. For a twelve year old boy he did well.
He wanted a dog and was able to take care of the neighbors Irish Setter, and in time the dog belonged
to him.
George saved Christmas, by grading all the country roads.
George loved the farm and all the jobs his grandfather had taught him. The most important job in the winter was clearing the country road of snow and ice. For a twelve year old boy he did well.
He wanted a dog and was able to take care of the neighbors Irish Setter, and in time the dog belonged
to him.
George saved Christmas, by grading all the country roads.
December 12, 2023
I like to read a Christmas themed book this time of year and in the spirit of Christmas generosity, I'm going to rate this 5 stars.
This reads more like a memoir than fiction but it's an enjoyable read however it comes across. It is a coming-of-age tale that is appropriate for all ages. Set on a Kansas dairy farm in 1962 (with mentions of Minnesota), most of the scenes were relatable to me, a Minnesota dairy farmer. I also found the information accurate and I know full-well the feeling of urgency young George felt during the "pond scene". At times humorous, and other times, heart-wrenching, the story held my attention and delivered a satisfying (but not too sad) ending. I did go back and re-read the intro as it was more clear and meaningful after completing the novel. I will be on the lookout for "A Dog Named Christmas, the other story in this series.
This reads more like a memoir than fiction but it's an enjoyable read however it comes across. It is a coming-of-age tale that is appropriate for all ages. Set on a Kansas dairy farm in 1962 (with mentions of Minnesota), most of the scenes were relatable to me, a Minnesota dairy farmer. I also found the information accurate and I know full-well the feeling of urgency young George felt during the "pond scene". At times humorous, and other times, heart-wrenching, the story held my attention and delivered a satisfying (but not too sad) ending. I did go back and re-read the intro as it was more clear and meaningful after completing the novel. I will be on the lookout for "A Dog Named Christmas, the other story in this series.
January 5, 2012
Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" Christmas with Tucker is billed on the cover as a prequel to A Dog Named Christmas. While most of the events of the book take place long before A Dog Named Christmas, I still consider it to be the second in this untitled series. It begins with George McCray, the father and narrator of A Dog Named Christmas, reminiscing about Christmas 1962 which was a year that changed his life as a young boy. George is again the first-person narrator of this feel-good story about the importance of family, a boy's coming of age, and a boy's love for his dog. It is an inspiring tale about never giving up because you simply don't know what life might have in store for you.
At thirteen, young George finds himself at a crossroads in life. He's at that awkward stage between boyhood and manhood which is confusing enough as it is, but George has the added stress of dealing with the death of his father less than six months earlier. When his dad was killed in a farming accident, all the rules that George thought governed his life were broken, and now he feels helplessly adrift. George is also conflicted about leaving his grandparent's dairy farm, the only home he's ever known and one that he loves, to move with his mom to Minnesota to be near her family after the holidays. In addition to all this, George becomes quite attached to their neighbor's dog whom his grandfather brings home to care for temporarily when their neighbor gets into some trouble. George does a lot of growing up in the couple of months over that Christmas holiday. When a huge snowstorm hit, George really stepped up to the plate, working shifts to help his grandfather run the road maintainer (basically a snow plow), as well as taking on extra chores around the farm. When the power goes out he has to chop holes in the ice on the pond, so the cows can drink and milk them by hand too. It was definitely a man's job, but George really showed himself to be responsible. He was a very strong and smart kid. He so desperately wanted Tucker to be his dog and didn't think his neighbor Frank Thorne was a good dog owner, so he was quite tempted to take Frank up on an offer that would not have been good for Frank. Although George started out making the wrong choice in this situation, he took the time to think things over and in the end, made the right one. That wasn't the only time he had to make a mature decision, but each time, he did it with some careful thought which I found very admirable even though it was still from a kid's perspective.
Christmas with Tucker has a varied supporting cast, the most important of whom are George's grandparents, Bo and Cora. I remember George being a good father in A Dog Named Christmas, and he obviously learned from the best. His grandparents are very wise and loving, allowing George to learn from his own mistakes and guiding him with a gentle hand. At first glance, Frank Thorne doesn't seem like a very nice person, and at the beginning, he probably wasn't. As George learns and grows he begins to see a different side of Frank that he didn't initially. I really love the close-knit feel of this rural community and how they all pull together to help each other out when the big winter storm hits. They are completely reliant on the maintainer, because it's the only vehicle that can get through the snowed in roads. It was wonderful how they all happily shared whatever extras they might have with others until the roads could be cleared, and then when the ice storm hits not long before Christmas even the maintainer can't get through. In the end, it was George's persistence and his grandfather's ingenuity combined with the community's spirit that helped to “save” Christmas.
In Christmas with Tucker, Greg Kincaid has created yet another heartwarming Christmas story that was a good follow-up to A Dog Named Christmas as well as a great way to wrap up my holiday season's reading. The only reason I didn't give it the full five stars is that the first half or so of the book was a little slow for me. After the storms hit, things began to pick up a little and there were some exciting things happening to hold my attention better. Greg Kincaid is an author who is really in tune with animal natures. The prologue of the story written from Tucker's perspective was ingenious. Mr. Kincaid is also great with creating satisfying stories that are uplifting and poignant. I can see these two volumes becoming comfort reads at Christmastime or anytime. There is absolutely no objectionable content either, so Christmas with Tucker would be a great book to share with the family as a Christmas reading tradition.
"4.5 stars" Christmas with Tucker is billed on the cover as a prequel to A Dog Named Christmas. While most of the events of the book take place long before A Dog Named Christmas, I still consider it to be the second in this untitled series. It begins with George McCray, the father and narrator of A Dog Named Christmas, reminiscing about Christmas 1962 which was a year that changed his life as a young boy. George is again the first-person narrator of this feel-good story about the importance of family, a boy's coming of age, and a boy's love for his dog. It is an inspiring tale about never giving up because you simply don't know what life might have in store for you.
At thirteen, young George finds himself at a crossroads in life. He's at that awkward stage between boyhood and manhood which is confusing enough as it is, but George has the added stress of dealing with the death of his father less than six months earlier. When his dad was killed in a farming accident, all the rules that George thought governed his life were broken, and now he feels helplessly adrift. George is also conflicted about leaving his grandparent's dairy farm, the only home he's ever known and one that he loves, to move with his mom to Minnesota to be near her family after the holidays. In addition to all this, George becomes quite attached to their neighbor's dog whom his grandfather brings home to care for temporarily when their neighbor gets into some trouble. George does a lot of growing up in the couple of months over that Christmas holiday. When a huge snowstorm hit, George really stepped up to the plate, working shifts to help his grandfather run the road maintainer (basically a snow plow), as well as taking on extra chores around the farm. When the power goes out he has to chop holes in the ice on the pond, so the cows can drink and milk them by hand too. It was definitely a man's job, but George really showed himself to be responsible. He was a very strong and smart kid. He so desperately wanted Tucker to be his dog and didn't think his neighbor Frank Thorne was a good dog owner, so he was quite tempted to take Frank up on an offer that would not have been good for Frank. Although George started out making the wrong choice in this situation, he took the time to think things over and in the end, made the right one. That wasn't the only time he had to make a mature decision, but each time, he did it with some careful thought which I found very admirable even though it was still from a kid's perspective.
Christmas with Tucker has a varied supporting cast, the most important of whom are George's grandparents, Bo and Cora. I remember George being a good father in A Dog Named Christmas, and he obviously learned from the best. His grandparents are very wise and loving, allowing George to learn from his own mistakes and guiding him with a gentle hand. At first glance, Frank Thorne doesn't seem like a very nice person, and at the beginning, he probably wasn't. As George learns and grows he begins to see a different side of Frank that he didn't initially. I really love the close-knit feel of this rural community and how they all pull together to help each other out when the big winter storm hits. They are completely reliant on the maintainer, because it's the only vehicle that can get through the snowed in roads. It was wonderful how they all happily shared whatever extras they might have with others until the roads could be cleared, and then when the ice storm hits not long before Christmas even the maintainer can't get through. In the end, it was George's persistence and his grandfather's ingenuity combined with the community's spirit that helped to “save” Christmas.
In Christmas with Tucker, Greg Kincaid has created yet another heartwarming Christmas story that was a good follow-up to A Dog Named Christmas as well as a great way to wrap up my holiday season's reading. The only reason I didn't give it the full five stars is that the first half or so of the book was a little slow for me. After the storms hit, things began to pick up a little and there were some exciting things happening to hold my attention better. Greg Kincaid is an author who is really in tune with animal natures. The prologue of the story written from Tucker's perspective was ingenious. Mr. Kincaid is also great with creating satisfying stories that are uplifting and poignant. I can see these two volumes becoming comfort reads at Christmastime or anytime. There is absolutely no objectionable content either, so Christmas with Tucker would be a great book to share with the family as a Christmas reading tradition.
October 13, 2023
This was a sweet story of a boy and his dog and how the companionship and loyalty of a great dog got him through a rough time in his family. After a mean, old, drunken neighbor gets arrested and sent to jail, Grandpa Beau brings home the neighbor’s frightened, lonely, and neglected dog. George names the dog Tucker. Tucker soon becomes the family’s beloved dog, especially for George. George is also a lonely and grieving 13yr old who has recently lost his father to a farm accident, his widowed mother, who went back to live with her family in Minnesota as well as his older sisters who are now off to college.
Well into the second half of the story, there is a scary, intense, kindle gripping, scene that had me riveted to the story. George learns a very important life lesson that Christmas, that rushing to judgement on someone, especially because of their current situation, rarely works in anyone’s favor. I also loved the caring community of the small town that George and his grandparents lived in. The ending was a full-on tearjerker for me. This short story was a quick read and I finished it in two sittings. Will definitely be adding this series as one of my fave series.
Well into the second half of the story, there is a scary, intense, kindle gripping, scene that had me riveted to the story. George learns a very important life lesson that Christmas, that rushing to judgement on someone, especially because of their current situation, rarely works in anyone’s favor. I also loved the caring community of the small town that George and his grandparents lived in. The ending was a full-on tearjerker for me. This short story was a quick read and I finished it in two sittings. Will definitely be adding this series as one of my fave series.
December 7, 2013
This series of Christmas books are excellent. Not your regular super sappy stories that usually come along with the season. The characters are living in the real world with real situations good and bad.
Mark Bramhall's narrative is beautifully smooth and the inflection of his voice match's the tone of the book perfectly. Highly recommend.
Mark Bramhall's narrative is beautifully smooth and the inflection of his voice match's the tone of the book perfectly. Highly recommend.
November 30, 2021
Damn, this was a lot more "Old Yeller" than I expected. Actually, I didn't know what to expect. I'd never heard of the book or its author. During the holidays I'll pick up any trash I find in an effort to infuse my decrepit ol' soul with some of that youthful naïveté and positivity, which I so dearly lack nowadays. But this wasn't trash. Judging by the cover (which, as the saying as goes, is the best way to judge anything), Christmas with Tucker looked like it was going to be twee a.f. and un-stomach-ably saccharine. But it wasn't. This coming-of-age tale lies somewhere between Jean Shepherd's A Christmas Story and Tobias Wolff's This Boy's Life, and that's a good place to be.
December 10, 2016
Another enjoyable read. I liked the relationship that George shared with his grandparents. It was nice looking back at George's childhood and his time growing up on the farm. Tucker was an amazing dog. The love and loyalty that he and George shared was heartwarming. A nice continuation to the book "A Dog Named Christmas". Looking forward to reading the third book.
December 31, 2017
This book is everything I like in a book. I enjoy books that are heartwarming and dogs about books and stories that are part of real life. It represents love, family, community and caring for others. Any book that makes me shed a few tears is book worth reading.
February 26, 2023
I loved this simple telling featuring real life challenges facing a boy. The characters built by the author connected George to me. His relationship with his family and Tucker were very heart warming. It was the perfect story for this reader at a perfect time.
November 15, 2010
When George loses his father, the upcoming Christmas looks grim. He's staying with his grandparents on their dairy farm until Christmas and then he has to leave to go live with his mom in St. Louis. In the meantime, his grandfather has brought home a neighbor's neglected Irish Setter who doesn't even have a name. George wanted a puppy, so he's not thrilled with the dog he names Tucker, at least not at first. But, it doesn't take long for Tucker to win George's wounded heart. When the owner returns and wants Tucker back, George doesn't know what to do. All he knows is that somehow, someway, he wants Tucker to be his dog forever.
Then a huge ice storm hits right before Christmas. George takes some chances to save the stock and nearly dies for his efforts.
Call me a sucker for heartwarming, gently written stories about grief and recovery, about strength and courage, but this was a huge winner for me. It's got an easy style, one that draws the reader in as they watch George work through his pain and grow as a young man. It was very sweet without being too sappy and I enjoyed it quite a lot.
This was made to be a Hallmark holiday movie. I sure hope it gets made into one. I'd watch it.
Then a huge ice storm hits right before Christmas. George takes some chances to save the stock and nearly dies for his efforts.
Call me a sucker for heartwarming, gently written stories about grief and recovery, about strength and courage, but this was a huge winner for me. It's got an easy style, one that draws the reader in as they watch George work through his pain and grow as a young man. It was very sweet without being too sappy and I enjoyed it quite a lot.
This was made to be a Hallmark holiday movie. I sure hope it gets made into one. I'd watch it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2023
Christmas with Tucker by Greg Kincaid
Published January 1, 2010 by Convergent Books
180 pages, Hardcover
It is the winter of 1962, and Kansas is hit with one of the worst blizzards in its history. It is during this cruel season that twelve-year-old George is called upon to endure more than even most grown men could withstand—the death of his father and the upkeep of the family farm that is his legacy.
When his mother and sisters leave for Minnesota, George has only his grandparents and the companionship of Tucker, an Irish setter, to help him persevere through these most difficult challenges. Can he find the strength to walk the road that leads to healing, finding his true self and ultimately becoming a man?
A coming-of-age story for readers of all ages, Christmas with Tucker is a classic Christmas story about a young man’s love for his dog, his family, and his farm.
My thoughts-
A thoroughly enjoyable tale underscoring the meaning and value of family and community. It is especially meaningful in that it pays a well-deserved tribute to the hardworking farm folks of the heartland of this great country. Special thanks to my GR friend, Beth, for bringing this book to my attention.
Published January 1, 2010 by Convergent Books
180 pages, Hardcover
It is the winter of 1962, and Kansas is hit with one of the worst blizzards in its history. It is during this cruel season that twelve-year-old George is called upon to endure more than even most grown men could withstand—the death of his father and the upkeep of the family farm that is his legacy.
When his mother and sisters leave for Minnesota, George has only his grandparents and the companionship of Tucker, an Irish setter, to help him persevere through these most difficult challenges. Can he find the strength to walk the road that leads to healing, finding his true self and ultimately becoming a man?
A coming-of-age story for readers of all ages, Christmas with Tucker is a classic Christmas story about a young man’s love for his dog, his family, and his farm.
My thoughts-
A thoroughly enjoyable tale underscoring the meaning and value of family and community. It is especially meaningful in that it pays a well-deserved tribute to the hardworking farm folks of the heartland of this great country. Special thanks to my GR friend, Beth, for bringing this book to my attention.
September 26, 2013
I downloaded this book to read over lunch. I figured it would fill a few lunch hours and give me a start on some holiday reading. I've never actually made it a point to read holiday books and if a series has a book set over the holidays, I just read it when I come to it, even if it is July. This year I figured I'd try to read holiday books during the holiday season (yesterday just felt like winter).
But I digress - I started reading this and couldn't put it down. I read it while I waited for code to run. I read it while waiting for data to refresh. I just read it whenever I could fit in a few minutes (you know, those moments you might take on Facebook when you need a mental break - everyone does that, right?). I downloaded it to my phone so I could read it on the bus.
And oh my goodness, I cried.
On the bus.
There I was reading about this family and community and Christmas and the dog and everything and I couldn't help it. But I couldn't put it down either! So glad I found this while looking through the holiday offerings on Overdrive.
But I digress - I started reading this and couldn't put it down. I read it while I waited for code to run. I read it while waiting for data to refresh. I just read it whenever I could fit in a few minutes (you know, those moments you might take on Facebook when you need a mental break - everyone does that, right?). I downloaded it to my phone so I could read it on the bus.
And oh my goodness, I cried.
On the bus.
There I was reading about this family and community and Christmas and the dog and everything and I couldn't help it. But I couldn't put it down either! So glad I found this while looking through the holiday offerings on Overdrive.
December 20, 2015
Absolutely wonderful, a boy, his dog and Kansas 1962. A wonderful book, if you can listen to it on audio even better. And definitely read the follow up
. Perfect reads for the season, yes I definitely got glassy eyed a few times. But, the spirit of Christmas is unmistakable in these books. The "A Dog Named Christmas" was made into a movie, I've got it on order at my library.
My recommendation for the season, one of the better books series I've read this year.
. Perfect reads for the season, yes I definitely got glassy eyed a few times. But, the spirit of Christmas is unmistakable in these books. The "A Dog Named Christmas" was made into a movie, I've got it on order at my library.My recommendation for the season, one of the better books series I've read this year.
December 31, 2021
This was such a sweet Christmas story. I love the bond between George and Tucker!
February 9, 2023
Well, this tugs at your heartstrings. But in a mostly good way!!
November 30, 2019
This book took place in 1962 and you get the background of George and the farm he grew up on. In 2019 with a teenage son, I feel he should read this book just to know how hard some kids worked and how early they had to get up. Tucker of course is the star and he's such a good dog. This was published after "A Dog Named Christmas" so you don't need to read this one first, 2 wholly different stories. These books read fast, as I have finished two in two days. Trying to get myself in the Christmas Spirit:)
September 28, 2012
I really got into the story and loved this Christmas book about a coming of age boy who is grieving for the loss of his father and finds out the meaning of family, friends, community and mostly that life can be good again, even if it is different. I loved the wisdom of his grandparents and wish that every child had people like this in their lives. Some parts were sugar-coated, but you expect that with a heart-warming Christmas book.
December 7, 2022
This is a coming-of-age story where Tucker the Dog helped heal a young boy's broken heart after his father died in a farm accident. It's a novella, so a short, feel-good read with lots of snow and Christmas feeling. It always feels so good to find books featuring dogs that aren't tragic.
This is a prequel story to A Dog Named Christmas in that it features Todd's father when he was just a young boy. I read A Dog Named Christmas last year, but I think I may go ahead and reread it and continue on with the series because I love these dogs so much.
This is a prequel story to A Dog Named Christmas in that it features Todd's father when he was just a young boy. I read A Dog Named Christmas last year, but I think I may go ahead and reread it and continue on with the series because I love these dogs so much.
December 1, 2023
This was an absolute beautiful story. Listened to it via audiobook as I drove from work every day. I absolutely bawled my eyes out like a little child. It is an emotional story of loss and family. An emotional story about a boy and his dog and going through hardship. Reading this I couldn't help but feel like I was there. I could feel the cold of the winter as I read, I could feel the emotions and vision the world completely as if I were there. Truly an amazing story about Christmas and Christmas Spirit. It's all about family, not the gifts you receive. Truly amazing. I'd read this again.
October 2, 2023
Great story but I’m a sucker for dogs. This is a prequel to A Dog Named Christmas but could be read as a stand alone story. This is a story taking place on the early 60s on a Kansas farm. A young boy, George, who recently lost his father lives with his grandparents and learns farm life. He makes friends with a beautiful red Irish Setter whom he names Tucker. With love from his grandparents, his mother and Tucker, George comes to peace with his loss and is able to continue with his family farm.
January 15, 2025
Loved! This book was so meaningful to me bc it reminded me of times around the table with my family after losing my brother. ♥️ It deals with themes of courage & moving on after loss, finding your purpose in helping others. A great book! 🫶🏻 added bonus: a loveable dog
April 5, 2023
Lovely!
December 15, 2024
3.5 prequel to A Dog Named Christmas....a sweet book that will pull on your heartstrings.
December 18, 2024
Super cozy, easy read. Great for this time of year. A little simple but I loved it. Only change I'd make is end it earlier, I didn't need some of the extended resolution at the end.
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