Christmas In The Country

by Cynthia Rylant, Diane Goode (Illustrator)

On the 20th anniversary of their first collaboration, Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant and Caldecott Honor artist Diane Goode reunite for a story about the joy and warmth of Christmastime.

Cynthia Rylant returns to her Appalachian roots in this story of a young girl who lives with her grandparents in the country. As in her very first book, WHEN I WAS YOUNG IN THE MOUNTAINS (for which illustrator Diane Goode received a Caldecott Honor), Rylant evokes the warmth of the joyful Christmas season and celebrates the greatest gift of all--the love of family. Diane Goode's cheerful watercolors capture the festivities of the season, from Christmas trees loaded with homemade ornaments to the snow-covered countryside. A warm, evocative portrait of a loving family and a favorite season.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Fiction, Family, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2002

About the author

Cynthia Rylant is an American author, poet, and librarian whose deeply felt books for children and young adults have made her one of the most beloved voices in contemporary literature. Writing across picture books, novels, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry, she has published more than one hundred works, many of them rooted in memory, family, solitude, and the emotional landscapes of ordinary life. Her fiction often draws from her upbringing in West Virginia and reflects the textures of Appalachian life with unusual tenderness and clarity.
Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.
Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.
Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps I'm just becoming more discriminating now that I've read so many Christmas picture books... But, this one didn't wow me. It's very cute, and a nice story--the element of the girl being raised by her grandparents is also a good change from the usual--and a few passages (like the girl seeing her whole life reflected in the Christmas ornament box) are lovely. Diane Goode's artwork is quirky and warm. A pleasant read, overall.

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celebrates the sweet simplicity of winter and the Christmas season. I could see rereading this on future Christmases. 🎄

[Kellyn Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite Christmas books ever! :D

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly a nice, simple book that remembers family Christmas traditions of the past. The illustrations go well with the text. The disappointing thing is where it says the preacher "just reminded us what Christmas was about and sent us home" - that's it. We are never told what Christmas is about. Apparently that message wasn't hammered home enough by that preacher. It says that "the service was short because the preacher knew everyone wanted to play with their toys and bake their hams." Seems that maybe it should have had a different focus. It would have been nice to have that real significance of Christmas as a central theme. But, you know, those hams....

[Ashley Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite children’s Christmas book. I have to read it every year!

[Donna Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this sweet children’s book up at a library sale. The illustrations attracted me first. The story is about a little girl who lives in the country with her grandparents. As I read the telling of her Christmas experience, my heart clutched and my eyes filled with tears. This book is a beautiful tribute to the reasons we love Christmas in the US. I can’t wait to read it to my grandchildren.

[Miranda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

On a cynthia rylant kick and I thought this was a cute peek into the past regarding christmas traditions.

[kaka · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good grief! Cynthia Rylant always tugs at my heartstrings. I had so many mixed emotions with this book. A little girl lives with her loving grandparents (why is she living with them?), they love her so much (it must be nice to have both grandparents like that)...gosh! This book made me tear up a little bit. Super sweet little book! Find it at your local library (or buy it) and read it now!!!!

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this story, and the setting was different than many Christmas stories as the little girl is living with her grandparents in the country. It's simple, yet sweet. I do like how the girl looked forward to something every season, but Christmas was her favorite.
There was a mention of writing to Santa Clause and what he brought her.

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just reread this book. I was surprised that I’d forgotten about it over the years.

Such a simple and delightful story about Rylant’s childhood Christmas memories.

Diane Goode’s charming illustrations are the perfect style for this story.

[Jessica McDaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Country Christmas picture book by Cynthia Rylant was basically everything the title mentioned... A girl spending her Christmas in the country with her grandparents. It did not grab my attention like a lot of other children's books which makes me believe that it won't grab young kiddos' attention either. However, I do like the fact that the little girl's grandparents were raising her instead of a traditional family- mom and dad. Diane Goode did a wonderful job illustrating the book and really made the words come to life!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story, but could have been so much better! The text is just too simple.

[Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ця книжка варта уваги хоча б заради своїх милих, затишних ілюстрацій Різдва за містом.

[Nashelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quiet, gentle, nostalgic, lovely.

[Ammie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the story, but the way that Goode chose to illustrate people of color just broke my heart. I am so glad I preread this before reading it to my girls. 😢

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

We've read so many of Cynthia Rylant's books; we've finished most of her various series and now we are on the hunt for individual books that we haven't yet read.

This is a heartwarming story about a little girl's Christmas with her Grandparents in the country. I'm not sure if this is just a fictional story or another tale of her early life, but it's really a terrific tale. It's filled with warm memories and nostalgia of an older time. It's a story that is full of simple joys and love, family and fun.

I thought this was a great story to read with our girls, to help remind us all of the love and warmth of the season and not get mired in the materialism and craziness that Christmas has become. The illustrations are very nicely detailed and depict an old fashioned country setting in a warm, cozy way. We really enjoyed reading this book together.

interesting quote:

"Each ornament reminded me of my whole life." (p. 14)

[Luisa Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's a wonderful book! It's quaint and sweet and charming and ... and ... everything that would probably be in your favorites list for an ideal Christmas.

Aww ... happy sigh.

Ages: 4 - 8

Cleanliness: Mentions Santa Claus.

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[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I noticed this book first because it is illustrated by one of my favorite children's book illustrators, Diane Goode, but after reading the story I was happy that it too was enjoyable. I love seasonal books. It is a cute story about a little girl who lives with her grandparents in the country. I love it when a book makes me feel warm and excited about a holiday as I read it, you think about all of your own family traditions and the things that make Christmastime a fun time of year.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

CR's (ages 4-8) Christmas celebrations with her grandparents in West Virginia.

This is pleasant, a familiar overview of a Christmas spent with family. Probably most meaningful to kids who have read some of Rylant's stories, especially the first readers. I like opportunities to point out how authors (and other professionals) are 'real people,' who have lives and families, hobbies and fears ... and, in this case, holiday memories.

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Cynthia Rylant wrote it...I probably love it. A sweet simple story of a little girl and her grandparents at Christmas. Precious.

1/15/19 Read with Julia.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young girl narrates the story of her Christmas in the country with her grandparents in this engaging holiday picture book from author Cynthia Rylant and illustrator Diane Goode. Putting up Christmas lights outside, decorating the huge Christmas tree in the living room, attending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, opening presents on the big day, and entertaining visiting family and friends are all described, as the girl and her grandparents celebrate the season. When the tree is eventually taken down and the ornaments packed away, there is a sense that they will be waiting for the next year...

Published in 2002, Christmas in the Country was the second picture book that Rylant and Goode produced together, following upon their When I Was Young in the Mountains , which netted Goode a Caldecott Honor in 1983. I absolutely love that earlier book, which is based upon Rylant's experiences growing up in Appalachia, so I approached this one with anticipation. On the whole I was pleased, finding it a sweet story of family traditions at the Christmas holidays. I particularly appreciated the fact that religious traditions were included, but weren't the focus. There are many, many picture books about the Christmas story, and about the religious and spiritual significance of that story, just as there are many about the secular traditions surrounding the holiday. Having enjoyed both kinds of book, it was nice to read one which included religious activity while focusing more on the family circle, as I often feel as if books of the second kind (those focusing more on cultural Christmas activities) omit religious content altogether. The accompanying artwork was appealing, capturing the warmth of the family circle and the joy of their country holiday customs. I don't know that I really loved this one as much as When I Was Young in the Mountains , which was truly special, but I did enjoy it and am glad to have read it. Recommended to picture book readers looking for Christmas stories with a country setting, or featuring families where children are being raised by grandparents.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book to share with my grandchildren. What a lovely addition to our library of Christmas stories! How can one resist beautiful imagery and language such as this:

"Winter in the country is so quiet. The snow slows everything down. Birds are silent and serious. Dogs stay in their warm houses. Children want cocoa and blankets. Everyone is ready for something really special. Everyone is ready for Christmas."

"And in the morning when I woke it was still a little dark outside and still a little shivery, and I went to my grandparents' bed and asked them to help me see what Santa brought. And they rose up from their warm quilts and together we all went to the tree."

"I went to church again with my grandparents, later that Christmas morning...The service was short because the preacher knew everyone wanted to play with their toys and bake their hams.
He just reminded us what Christmas was about and sent us home."

Lovely.

[Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in the Country by Cynthia Rylant is a beautiful read for the Holidays. Diane Goode captures the humble country spirit with the illustrations. The story follows a little girl who lives with her grandparents in the country. The anticipation of Christmas and the simplicity of the traditions are written so beautifully, you will want to do Christmas in the country from now on! Highly recommend this book for any age, even adults who long for the simplicity of the holidays.

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[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the same sort of sweet, simple memories that the author shared in her Caldecott Honor book, When I Was Young in the Mountains (also illustrated by Diane Goode), this book shares the warmth of her grandmother’s kitchen, the fun of decorating an oversized tree with handmade ornaments from all the years past, and the tasty treats of Christmas. This would be a terrific story time book to share during the holiday season.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I volunteer at an all-volunteer-run used bookstore & this book by wonderful Cynthia Rylant was donated recently. We rely on community donations for our inventory. This is a nostalgic story about a girl who lives in the country with her grandparents, a little bit about their lives all year but a lot about the important parts of celebrating Christmas. It is sweetly illustrated, too. Perhaps you can find it at your libraries?

[Taisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've seen this book on a couple picture book lists for Christmas, so I wanted to see if it's worth having in our collection. It is not. Instead of SHOWING the reader a cozy, meaningful Christmas in the country through story, Rylant TELLS the reader by first person narration all the aspects of her Christmas in the country. It comes across more like a to-do list for the holidays. What a disappointment and missed opportunity for a normally inspired writer like Rylant.

[Clwseattle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas In The Country is a sweet change of pace away from shelf sitting elves, grinches and busy mice for our little ones of today. It evokes a slower, old-fashioned, gentler time and it lovingly portrays gratitude for the important things about Christmas and life. Christmas In The Country is beautifully done and more beautifully illustrated.

[Maexo♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Although it isn't the holiday season right now, it definitely put me in the spirit and I can't wait for it to be Christmas time. The story was very wholesome and incredibly sweet and I liked the relationship between the little girl and her grandparents. The illustrations were also very darling and I liked them very much.

[Reading Fury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's another dear little book that recall gentle times in childhood. It seems autobiographical, and there is no disclaimer that any character resembling, etc., so I am assuming we are visiting Rylant's childhood, which was spent with her grandparents in a small country house, snug with love, traditions, and doggies. A happy little Christmas read.