Christmas Is Coming

by Anne Bowen, Tomek Bogacki (Illustrator)

As Anna eagerly awaits the arrival of Christmas, she describes to her new baby brother all of the wonderful ways in which her family prepares for this special holiday, including choosing a tree and decorating with lights.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Lucy (The Countess of) Monte Cristo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book earlier in the year because I am building upon my collection of children's books. I wanted more books dealing with holidays and this book happened to catch my eye, so I purchased it. Since Christmas is just two days away, I've decided to finally read it with my niece.

So, here's our thoughts:
I personally thought this was a charming book; I really liked the illustrations. I also appreciated how the big sister (the main character) put emphasis on how the presents weren't the most important part of Christmas. In this book the M.C. talked a lot about doing for others (sending letters, making handmade gifts, singing Christmas carols, etc). Christmas Is Coming was all about getting into that Christmas spirit. I enjoyed this book, but I don't think my niece did. One gripe of hers was that the main character kept referring to her baby brother as her "new baby brother". She was very annoyed that he wasn't given a name. I just don't think she was all that impressed with this read.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I am glad to have it in my personal library.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this delightful book by Anne Bowen, of course, Christmas plays a starring role in the story.

Equally central, to me, is how Anna, the narrator, is a big sister.

Funny thing about that: I've read a lot of picture books by now but none about what it's like to be a big sister. And I'm sure I would have noticed other examples, since I grew up as a big sister in a family with just two children.

IT'S SO SWEET, TO ME, HOW THIS BIG SISTER IS TEACHING HER BABY BROTHER

How much can he really understand? Yet every single thing that Anna tells him... narrates the book. Such a clever, double kind of narrative!

And yes, that ending is way sweet.

Thanks, Anne Bowen, for a skilfully constructed narrative... conveyed in a natural way, never calling attention to either the language or your cleverness. (Definitely a mark of skill in an author, imo.)

Thanks, also, illustrator Tomek Bogacki. I think the simplicity of your style in this book was sooooooo appropriate for a book about a big sister introducing her brother into the family's life. Marvelous!

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little girl tells her baby brother how to tell Christmas is coming and what to do help the waiting.

This picture book shows a family preparing for Christmas as well as a loving brother-sister relationship.

[James Zaksek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute story with a nice touch at the end. I enjoyed reading this one because of the amount of activities the family does leading up to Christmas. The library's choice of books for the holidays this year is pretty fantastic!

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have a zillion christmas books but I always love to get new ones from the library. Love the sibling element of this one.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute book. The little girl explains all about the Christmas season. The illustrations are soft and cartoon-ish. I liked the end of the book how the little girl said this Christmas was going to be the best because of her new little brother.

My daughter enjoyed the book too and when the little brother wasn't visible she'd keep asking "Where'd her baby brother go?". I thought it was sweet and good that she was paying attention to the story and the pictures.

A cute read at Christmastime.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was just the usual kind of Christmas picture book. The ending takes it above and beyond other Christmas stories, in my opinion, because the little girls tells her brother how this year Christmas will be extra special since HE is there now! Very cute and touching, and it emphasizes that Christmas is about more than presents and decorations.

[Olivia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a story about a little girl explaining to her new little brother all about Christmas. It's a cute story and good for kids who are about to have a new addition to the holiday season. I would've rated it higher, but I find the illustrations really creepy, they look like dolls or characters from Coraline. I wish the illustrations were different.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable story--a big sister explains all the joys of christmas with her little brother. Book actually captures the mood of the days before the holiday and the excitement that a child feels during this time.

[Dewey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story and a pretty easy read. It would be a nice start for a Christmas storytime, and it can open up a fun conversation about what the kids do with their families to get ready for Christmas.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite part was the description of cold: body shivery, toes tingly, ears numbly. It was the "ears numbly" that charmed me.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun!