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The Christmas Magic
Far, far North, when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, Santa begins to prepare for his big night of giving. He gathers his reindeer, feeds them parsnips and berries, and polishes his bells and his sled. Then lovingly, he chooses toys for every child in the world. For Santa loves them all, and he knows what each child at heart wants most. Then, with the thrum of magic that makes reindeers fly, he spreads the Christmas joy and warmth throughout the world--as he always has -- and always will until the end of time.
Lauren Thompson is known for her uncanny ability to reach the hearts and minds of the youngest readers.
Jon J Muth's luminescent watercolor strike all the perfect chords in this warm, reassuring Christmas story.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2009
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1105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
December 19, 2018
I feel the artwork is beautiful and amazing in this little book. The artwork conveys a sense of waiting and wonder and a knowing something special is coming. It has a fuzzy dreamlike quality to it.
The story is about Santa and how he feels the magic of Christmas is coming as he is getting ready. It's a good story, it's simply not the most original story.
The kids both enjoyed this story. The nephew gave it 4 stars while the niece gave it 3 stars. They did wonder where the elves where. He seems so lonely they said all alone up there.
The story is about Santa and how he feels the magic of Christmas is coming as he is getting ready. It's a good story, it's simply not the most original story.
The kids both enjoyed this story. The nephew gave it 4 stars while the niece gave it 3 stars. They did wonder where the elves where. He seems so lonely they said all alone up there.
December 7, 2018
When Santa feels that special tingling in his whiskers, one starry night, he knows that the Christmas Magic is on its way, and he begins to prepare for that extraordinary night, when he visits the children of the world. Calling in the reindeer from the snowy fields, and grooming their coats; polishing his bright red sleigh, and the jingly bells on his harness; darning his warmest socks, and trimming his beard and mustache; and finally, most importantly of all, ascending to the highest room in the house, where the presents are stored: Santa does everything necessary to be ready. Ready for the Christmas Magic, whose coming signals the beginning of a marvelous journey...
Lauren Thompson's simple story, in which a solitary Santa makes himself ready for the big night, is greatly enhanced by the beautiful watercolor and pastel illustrations of Jon J. Muth, whose Zen Ties was chosen as a Caldecott Honor Book in 2006. There is a luminous quality to these paintings, which manage to capture both the quiet peace of Santa's northern home, and the excitement and magic of his role in the world. Quirky details - Santa's pointy mustache, his devoted pet reindeer, who follows him around - only make the artwork that much more charming. This is not your usual roly-poly Santa, but The Christmas Magic makes one feel that he is Santa, all the same. Highly recommended to anyone who loves magical Santa Claus stories, or to anyone who appreciates Jon J. Muth's gorgeous artwork!
Lauren Thompson's simple story, in which a solitary Santa makes himself ready for the big night, is greatly enhanced by the beautiful watercolor and pastel illustrations of Jon J. Muth, whose Zen Ties was chosen as a Caldecott Honor Book in 2006. There is a luminous quality to these paintings, which manage to capture both the quiet peace of Santa's northern home, and the excitement and magic of his role in the world. Quirky details - Santa's pointy mustache, his devoted pet reindeer, who follows him around - only make the artwork that much more charming. This is not your usual roly-poly Santa, but The Christmas Magic makes one feel that he is Santa, all the same. Highly recommended to anyone who loves magical Santa Claus stories, or to anyone who appreciates Jon J. Muth's gorgeous artwork!
December 21, 2010
Magical!
I read this book because it’s illustrated by Jon J. Muth, and the pictures are wondrous. Santa does not look like most Santas, except for the white beard, and there are no elves, etc. But I loved the illustrations here. I particularly loved the reindeer, especially the young indoor one, and love that Santa has a cat, and loved the huge sack of toys, etc.
The story is loving and gentle, and should enchant children, as long as they can disregard some of their preconceptions about Santa Claus’s life at the North Pole with Mrs. Claus, and the elves and their workshop, and Rudolf.
I read this book because it’s illustrated by Jon J. Muth, and the pictures are wondrous. Santa does not look like most Santas, except for the white beard, and there are no elves, etc. But I loved the illustrations here. I particularly loved the reindeer, especially the young indoor one, and love that Santa has a cat, and loved the huge sack of toys, etc.
The story is loving and gentle, and should enchant children, as long as they can disregard some of their preconceptions about Santa Claus’s life at the North Pole with Mrs. Claus, and the elves and their workshop, and Rudolf.
December 20, 2011
Loved it! From the gentle Santa, who seems like just a kindly old man working in his home in the woods, to the beautiful transformation on Christmas. I love that Christmas is what brings the magic! The text, the illustrations, all pitch-perfect. One of my favorite Christmas picture books this season.
December 6, 2012
This is a lovely book. It tells the story of Santa as he quietly prepares for Christmas. He isn't a jolly old elf, ho-ho-ho-type of Santa, but more of a solitary (very...there's no Mrs. Claus present in the story. Santa darns his own wool socks. Only the reindeer keep him company.), subdued, contemplative, European wizard. In fact, I think I liked this book all the more for this reason. The upstairs room in his house where he keeps the toys is quite spare, yet there is a single, special, thoughtful toy ready for each child. It's a quiet, magical, intriguing story with beautiful watercolor illustrations.
November 18, 2011
As Christmas Eve draws near, Santa gathers the reindeer, polishes the big red sleigh, bags up the toys, trims his mustache, and waits for the magic to come. Jon Muth's illustrations offer a Santa with a different look: there is no round belly, he wears bunny slippers, and he's dressed in blue. There are no elves and no workshop; Santa lives alone and keeps a room full of toys to deliver. Despite the rather lonely feel, the language is occasionally lovely, and the sentimental story will appeal to those looking for a new holiday bedtime story.
That was the "professional" review. Now here's my personal review:
There's a smiley reindeer on the front who's pretty darn cute. Otherwise... my main problem is, oddly enough, with Jon J. Muth's illustrations. He's a talented man, and the painting of birch trees in the snowy starlight is simply lovely. But I like me a big, round-face, apple-cheeked Coca-Cola Santa Claus. This little man looks friendly and all, but I think he's the owner who sweeps up at the corner hardware store while he tells you humorous stories of town eccentrics from years gone by. He does not offer up a hearty, jolly, "hohoho" and squish down my chimney. And where's his Mrs. Claus? And that upstairs room needs waaaaaay more toys in it. And Santa does not wear blue, attractive though it is. This man looks more like Dumbledore or Merlin. I know, I know, paint the grass green and the sky blue and the apples red, show no imagination, no imagination.
Still, it might be just the perfect book for your family to share this December. (There is that smiley reindeer, after all.)
That was the "professional" review. Now here's my personal review:
There's a smiley reindeer on the front who's pretty darn cute. Otherwise... my main problem is, oddly enough, with Jon J. Muth's illustrations. He's a talented man, and the painting of birch trees in the snowy starlight is simply lovely. But I like me a big, round-face, apple-cheeked Coca-Cola Santa Claus. This little man looks friendly and all, but I think he's the owner who sweeps up at the corner hardware store while he tells you humorous stories of town eccentrics from years gone by. He does not offer up a hearty, jolly, "hohoho" and squish down my chimney. And where's his Mrs. Claus? And that upstairs room needs waaaaaay more toys in it. And Santa does not wear blue, attractive though it is. This man looks more like Dumbledore or Merlin. I know, I know, paint the grass green and the sky blue and the apples red, show no imagination, no imagination.
Still, it might be just the perfect book for your family to share this December. (There is that smiley reindeer, after all.)
January 22, 2018
Some holiday books are filled with fun, or filled with heart, this one is filled with magic. It’s a slow build as Santa prepares for the magic to come his way. He shines the shed, readies the presents, and finally he feels the magic tingle, and away he files in the night to share that magic with the world. A simple and wonderful story for the holidays.
December 22, 2025
This is one soothing, enchanting Christmas book that I have read in a while. Unlike the frantic energy often associated with the Christmas, this one unfolds with a quiet, rhythmic grace. It follows Santa as he wakes to a "tingle in his whiskery moustache"—his secret signal that the season has begun and the Christmas Magic is on its way.
The story beautifully captures the domesticity of his preparations: the dusting and polishing of the sleigh, the grooming of the reindeer & removing the burrs from their coats, feeding parsnips and berries, the careful consultation of his thick, bound ledgers, the packing of the humungous gift sack. My five-year-olds were completely captivated by the ritual of it all.
Jon J Muth's illustrations are truly the star here—soft, dream-like, and incredibly atmospheric. They evoke a sense of warmth and wonder that stays with you long after the final page is turned. It’s a tender, nostalgic look at the "man behind the magic" that feels both grounded and ethereal. A new staple in our December reading tradition!
The story beautifully captures the domesticity of his preparations: the dusting and polishing of the sleigh, the grooming of the reindeer & removing the burrs from their coats, feeding parsnips and berries, the careful consultation of his thick, bound ledgers, the packing of the humungous gift sack. My five-year-olds were completely captivated by the ritual of it all.
Jon J Muth's illustrations are truly the star here—soft, dream-like, and incredibly atmospheric. They evoke a sense of warmth and wonder that stays with you long after the final page is turned. It’s a tender, nostalgic look at the "man behind the magic" that feels both grounded and ethereal. A new staple in our December reading tradition!
January 10, 2017
It shows a yellow house in the middle of nowhere, with a red door and says this is where Santa loves. Breaking all the rules of every Christmas story ever written. Santa lives in the North Pole, amongst the elves and reindeer and toy shop, not a house. & certainly not yellow.
Idk why, after putting Santa in a yellow house with a red door in the middle of nowhere, would I expect Santa to look right. When I turned the page, I was like oh boy. Santa had a mustache that shoots up on both sides. I'm not sure what this would be called.
It's kind of nice it starts out: 'every year, just when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, Santa feels a tingling in his whiskers.'
He's also wearing Capri pants and bunny slippers. The baby reindeer looks like a whitetail deer with spots. I'm sure baby reindeer aren't spotted.
It's nice hearing his preparations for Christmas. Getting burrs out of the reindeer's fur, giving them parsnips and berries. Opening the barn door that's been closed since last Christmas where the sleigh is kept.
The barn looks more like a factory, with the tools and gears.
It's weird how they're waiting for the magic to arrive.
Through his preparations I'm wondering where Mrs. Claus is and the elves. It looks like a one-man show.
The reindeer looks cute sleeping on the rug while Santa darns his socks.
This man isn't capturing Santa at all. He looks like an old man, not Santa. There's no twinkle in the eye.
Are you kidding me?!? The toys are kept in an upstairs room? Where's the toy shop? You can't fit all that in one room!
'For Santa loves them all, and he knows what each child at heart wants most.'
He puts the toys in a leather sack, not the famous red bag. Sigh.
One night the stars shine brighter. They look like fireflies.
Santa looks cute standing in the sleigh, with his shirt with red stars, and his boggin with a star on the end.
Santa with the boggin lookin at the sky looks like a wizard.
The night gives off magic that make the reindeer fly.
All of a sudden santa's outfit changes from blue to red as he's in the sleigh. He yells "Hie! Let's be off!" To get the sleigh going, instead of calling the reindeer. Is anyone surprised by this?
The page is pretty with the sleigh in the sky, amongst the stars.
'The Christmas magic is here at last. It has come at last, as it always has, and always will.' You shouldn't use words so close together.
As I got towards the end, I thought this author must not be familiar with Santa or Christmas. There's no way you could be, to write something like this. Either that, or you don't like tradition or following the rules.
I read the author bio where it said this was inspired by her own hopes of Christmas. But every kid knows of elves and mrs Claus and everything. In confused by this.
Idk why, after putting Santa in a yellow house with a red door in the middle of nowhere, would I expect Santa to look right. When I turned the page, I was like oh boy. Santa had a mustache that shoots up on both sides. I'm not sure what this would be called.
It's kind of nice it starts out: 'every year, just when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, Santa feels a tingling in his whiskers.'
He's also wearing Capri pants and bunny slippers. The baby reindeer looks like a whitetail deer with spots. I'm sure baby reindeer aren't spotted.
It's nice hearing his preparations for Christmas. Getting burrs out of the reindeer's fur, giving them parsnips and berries. Opening the barn door that's been closed since last Christmas where the sleigh is kept.
The barn looks more like a factory, with the tools and gears.
It's weird how they're waiting for the magic to arrive.
Through his preparations I'm wondering where Mrs. Claus is and the elves. It looks like a one-man show.
The reindeer looks cute sleeping on the rug while Santa darns his socks.
This man isn't capturing Santa at all. He looks like an old man, not Santa. There's no twinkle in the eye.
Are you kidding me?!? The toys are kept in an upstairs room? Where's the toy shop? You can't fit all that in one room!
'For Santa loves them all, and he knows what each child at heart wants most.'
He puts the toys in a leather sack, not the famous red bag. Sigh.
One night the stars shine brighter. They look like fireflies.
Santa looks cute standing in the sleigh, with his shirt with red stars, and his boggin with a star on the end.
Santa with the boggin lookin at the sky looks like a wizard.
The night gives off magic that make the reindeer fly.
All of a sudden santa's outfit changes from blue to red as he's in the sleigh. He yells "Hie! Let's be off!" To get the sleigh going, instead of calling the reindeer. Is anyone surprised by this?
The page is pretty with the sleigh in the sky, amongst the stars.
'The Christmas magic is here at last. It has come at last, as it always has, and always will.' You shouldn't use words so close together.
As I got towards the end, I thought this author must not be familiar with Santa or Christmas. There's no way you could be, to write something like this. Either that, or you don't like tradition or following the rules.
I read the author bio where it said this was inspired by her own hopes of Christmas. But every kid knows of elves and mrs Claus and everything. In confused by this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2016
I'm not sure why someone would choose to write like: "..there is a snug little house with a bright red door." It seems to me like something better could have been said, some greater detail or something more eloquent. I tried to keep an open mind, but when the next sentence said Santa lived there, I just couldn't accept it. It was a regular house, not a village at all, and it was yellow with a red door. What's up with that color scheme?
Santa was totally not working. He had a tiny little curl of hair on top of his head, with a mustache like a wide-open V that shot up. He had a red apron and bunny slippers. He looked more like a barber than Santa and the reindeer didn't look like a reindeer. What deer has a triangle snout?
The concept of magic coming, and Santa knowing it when he felt his whiskers tingle, was so stupid. I didn't see the appeal at all of having magic arrive like the weather or something. And Santa yelling for the reindeer in the field with a megaphone wasn't likable either.
Santa oils his boots and trims his mustache, getting ready for Christmas. The toys are kept in a room at the top of the stairs. It was so boring. They were just sitting on a white floor. And there was a desk with a book with children's names in it.
On Christmas night he had a blue robe and a long, pointed hat on with a star at the point. He looked more like a wizard than Santa.
"Suddenly, a warm tingling spreads from his whiskers to his soles."
Nice. What is it about his facial hair tingling?
It was weird how he yelled "Hie!" to the reindeer.
"The Christmas magic is here at last. It has come at last.."
You shouldn't use the same words so close together.
It was a sudden ending that was unfinished to me.
I didn't like this interpretation of Santa at all. It held no magic of the holiday whatsoever, and I don't understand why someone would even come up with this different version of Santa. I didn't like any of the ideas and it was a downer. There wasn't anything charming or funny or interesting. This wasn't a jolly Christmas read and Santa came off more like a wizard, which shouldn't happen.
Santa was totally not working. He had a tiny little curl of hair on top of his head, with a mustache like a wide-open V that shot up. He had a red apron and bunny slippers. He looked more like a barber than Santa and the reindeer didn't look like a reindeer. What deer has a triangle snout?
The concept of magic coming, and Santa knowing it when he felt his whiskers tingle, was so stupid. I didn't see the appeal at all of having magic arrive like the weather or something. And Santa yelling for the reindeer in the field with a megaphone wasn't likable either.
Santa oils his boots and trims his mustache, getting ready for Christmas. The toys are kept in a room at the top of the stairs. It was so boring. They were just sitting on a white floor. And there was a desk with a book with children's names in it.
On Christmas night he had a blue robe and a long, pointed hat on with a star at the point. He looked more like a wizard than Santa.
"Suddenly, a warm tingling spreads from his whiskers to his soles."
Nice. What is it about his facial hair tingling?
It was weird how he yelled "Hie!" to the reindeer.
"The Christmas magic is here at last. It has come at last.."
You shouldn't use the same words so close together.
It was a sudden ending that was unfinished to me.
I didn't like this interpretation of Santa at all. It held no magic of the holiday whatsoever, and I don't understand why someone would even come up with this different version of Santa. I didn't like any of the ideas and it was a downer. There wasn't anything charming or funny or interesting. This wasn't a jolly Christmas read and Santa came off more like a wizard, which shouldn't happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2018
I spotted The Christmas Magic at a local used book store, seemingly (living up to its title) by magic: despite it being stored on the bottom shelf, halfway behind another tome, the beautiful cover caught my eye. I have a small collection of Christmas books and I love illustrated children's books (I still have many from my own childhood) so I couldn't resist this pretty specimen. After reading it two times, it became clear that the artwork is really what makes this book special. The writing is decent--perfect for children, easy to follow, simple, charming--but without the beautiful illustrations, it would fall flat, somewhat boring and clumsy. The paintings that fill each page, on the other hand, are simply marvelous and enchanting, inspiring to an intermediate-level watercolorist such as myself, adding fathomless illumination to the words they illustrate.
I wouldn't call this a must-read Christmas classic, but I do think it's a wonderful, beautiful, magical, sentimental book that's great not only for children, but for anyone who appreciates beautiful imagery and the sparkling magic of Christmas.
I wouldn't call this a must-read Christmas classic, but I do think it's a wonderful, beautiful, magical, sentimental book that's great not only for children, but for anyone who appreciates beautiful imagery and the sparkling magic of Christmas.
December 2, 2010
This book is such a delight and I'm sure one that will be treasured for years to come. It has beautiful illustrations as the book takes us on a journey of how Santa Claus goes about getting ready for Christmas. He starts to prepare on a chilly northern night when he feels the magic of Christmas will be arriving soon. He calls the reindeer home and gets them ready. He prepares his big, red sleigh, and double checks the names in his name book. He gathers the toys and loads in them in the sleigh. On the brightly star lit night, when the sleigh is prepared, the reindeer ready and Santa is in his sleigh the magic arrives. The magic is what helps Santa and the reindeer fly and off they go.
August 5, 2016
In our truest heart-of-hearts, this is how we all envision Santa...a simple man who loves all children. From his fuzzy bunny slippers, to his unruly moustache and beard, and his cozy cottage nestled in the pure Northern snow, this Santa waits until the magic has come. Reindeer fly, the sack is packed, and off they travel into Christmas Eve night to delight children everywhere.
I can just picture mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa in a big chair with a special child on their lap reading The Christmas Magic. The story itself captures that feeling which we all truly want to have during the Christmas season. A beautifully illustrated book that deserves to be on every book shelf.
I can just picture mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa in a big chair with a special child on their lap reading The Christmas Magic. The story itself captures that feeling which we all truly want to have during the Christmas season. A beautifully illustrated book that deserves to be on every book shelf.
January 1, 2016
This was a nice little story about how Santa prepares for Christmas; from gathering his reindeer, darning his socks, and filling his sack with toys. I thought it was nice that it seemed to show Santa as a normal human being doing mostly normal things. Except he can FEEL the stir of magic in the air that will make his reindeer fly so he can deliver toys. It was nice to see him as a pretty normal guy rather than some magical wizard or something. The painted illustrations are also pretty nice.
December 28, 2024
This is, hands down, the best Christmas picture book ever. We got it when my daughter was small and still love reading it together in her teenage years. It is beautifully illustrated and depicts the Santa we all want to believe in - a gentle, loving soul living a peaceful, meditative existence.
December 13, 2009
Loved Santa in his bunny slippers. Illustrations are gorgeous.
December 14, 2017
Beautiful illustrations.
December 7, 2016
Short enough for storytime, large enough to be seen by the kids in the back, nice pictures.
January 2, 2022
I do believe this is my new favourite Christmas book. Simple, hopeful, delightful. Must get a copy next year for the kiddos.
December 17, 2018
A very sweet, quiet way to write the Christmas eve story of Santa.
November 27, 2018
Meh. Nothing special. While I liked the idea the writing lacked the eloquence or beauty or poetic feel needed to make a great story.
November 9, 2018
I liked the story and LOVE the illustrations. It is illustrated by Jon J Muth who also illustrated my favorite poetry book for children "A Family of Poems" by Caroline Kennedy. A story of Santa Claus and the magic of Christmas.
April 16, 2023
(copied from my book review blog: Patricia's Particularity)
Santa Clause patiently awaits for the Christmas Magic to arrive. From the moment he feels a little tingle in his whiskers, he prepares. Santa Clause cleans his red sleigh until it shines, brushes and feeds his reindeer, checks on the toys and finds joy in reading all the names of the boys and girls, knowing what each one wants the most for Christmas. And of course, Santa Clause fills his bag with all the toys, until he can barely close it.
Jon Muth’s watercolor images are absolutely gorgeous, and one could spend hours just staring at them. Muth’s watercolors convey the love and excitement that Santa Clause has for Christmas and every little detail it takes to make it a joyful day for all the little kids. You can even feel the love his loyal reindeer have for him, following him dutifully. With a country twist (a red barn, country stars), Santa Clause may seem to be alone in his preparations, but Muth’s images and Thompson’s writing makes him anything but a lone character, touching every hear that reads this book, spreading the Christmas spirit.
Santa Clause patiently awaits for the Christmas Magic to arrive. From the moment he feels a little tingle in his whiskers, he prepares. Santa Clause cleans his red sleigh until it shines, brushes and feeds his reindeer, checks on the toys and finds joy in reading all the names of the boys and girls, knowing what each one wants the most for Christmas. And of course, Santa Clause fills his bag with all the toys, until he can barely close it.
Jon Muth’s watercolor images are absolutely gorgeous, and one could spend hours just staring at them. Muth’s watercolors convey the love and excitement that Santa Clause has for Christmas and every little detail it takes to make it a joyful day for all the little kids. You can even feel the love his loyal reindeer have for him, following him dutifully. With a country twist (a red barn, country stars), Santa Clause may seem to be alone in his preparations, but Muth’s images and Thompson’s writing makes him anything but a lone character, touching every hear that reads this book, spreading the Christmas spirit.
November 8, 2018
Beautiful illustrations and poetically descriptive text are absolutely captivating.
Perfect for picture walk and sharing beautifully crafted text.
Perfect for picture walk and sharing beautifully crafted text.
December 21, 2011
Santa Clause patiently awaits for the Christmas Magic to arrive. From the moment he feels a little tingle in his whiskers, he prepares. Santa Clause cleans his red sleigh until it shines, brushes and feeds his reindeer, checks on the toys and finds joy in reading all the names of the boys and girls, knowing what each one wants the most for Christmas. And of course, Santa Clause fills his bag with all the toys, until he can barely close it.
Jon Muth's watercolor images are absolutely gorgeous, and one could spend hours just staring at them. Muth's watercolors convey the love and excitement that Santa Clause has for Christmas and every little detail it takes to make it a joyful day for all the little kids. You can even feel the love his loyal reindeer have for him, following him dutifully. With a country twist (a red barn, country stars), Santa Clause may seem to be alone in his preparations, but Muth's images and Thompson's writing makes him anything but a lone character, touching every hear that reads this book, spreading the Christmas spirit.
Jon Muth's watercolor images are absolutely gorgeous, and one could spend hours just staring at them. Muth's watercolors convey the love and excitement that Santa Clause has for Christmas and every little detail it takes to make it a joyful day for all the little kids. You can even feel the love his loyal reindeer have for him, following him dutifully. With a country twist (a red barn, country stars), Santa Clause may seem to be alone in his preparations, but Muth's images and Thompson's writing makes him anything but a lone character, touching every hear that reads this book, spreading the Christmas spirit.
December 4, 2011
Teachers are famous for visiting the library on the first Monday of December to check out holiday and winter books. The first-grade teachers will check out books about St. Lucia's Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and Hanukkah. I display holiday books and book talk from the holiday displays, but my students tend not to check out holiday books. I'm not sure why. Well, the first teacher or student who looks at the holiday display tomorrow morning will hear about Lauren Thompson's The Christmas Magic. We will take a picture walk. I'll spend most of our time together raving about Caldecott Honor recipient Jon J. Muth's soothing pastel and watercolor illustrations. If I'm talking to a teacher, I will share descriptive passages he could use in a future writing lesson. If the child or teacher is not in a hurry, we will walk over to the nearest computer to watch its short book trailer.
December 6, 2013
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! Times 100!
Oh, how I love this wonderful Christmas book! If you are looking for a bright red, mall Santa, red-nosed reindeer, comical elves, "Ho-ho-ho!" kind of Christmas tale - this is not it. Thank goodness!
In this lovely book, Santa is preparing for the night the Christmas magic comes, in a calm, quiet, very practical day-to-day way. The watercolor illustrations are incredible! They are the perfect accompaniment to the story's subtle prose. In a world where our children are exposed to the over commercialized idea of what Christmas should be, I consider this is a must read. The Christmas Magic promotes imagination and evokes the classical idea of Santa Claus. Truly magical!
Oh, how I love this wonderful Christmas book! If you are looking for a bright red, mall Santa, red-nosed reindeer, comical elves, "Ho-ho-ho!" kind of Christmas tale - this is not it. Thank goodness!
In this lovely book, Santa is preparing for the night the Christmas magic comes, in a calm, quiet, very practical day-to-day way. The watercolor illustrations are incredible! They are the perfect accompaniment to the story's subtle prose. In a world where our children are exposed to the over commercialized idea of what Christmas should be, I consider this is a must read. The Christmas Magic promotes imagination and evokes the classical idea of Santa Claus. Truly magical!
September 29, 2009
This book is such a delight and I'm sure one that will be treasured for years to come. It has beautiful illustrations as the book takes us on a journey of how Santa Claus goes about getting ready for Christmas. He starts to prepare on a chilly northern night when he feels the magic of Christmas will be arriving soon. He calls the reindeer home and gets them ready. He prepares his big, red sleigh, and double checks the names in his name book. He gathers the toys and loads in them in the sleigh. On the brightly star lit night, when the sleigh is prepared, the reindeer ready and Santa is in his sleigh the magic arrives. The magic is what helps Santa and the reindeer fly and off they go.
December 16, 2009
“Every year, just when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, Santa feels a tingling in his whiskers. Then he knows that the Christmas magic will soon be here.” Quietly, Santa prepares for the magic by brushing and feeding his reindeer, dusting off his big red sleigh, polishing his boots, darning his socks, and of course, combing his curly white beard. The quiet domesticity of this gentle Santa is poignantly illustrated by Muth’s soft watercolors. The whimsical pictures depict the soft magic of the Christmas season. This is a perfect book for laptime sharing on a cold December evening.
June 30, 2012
I picked up this book because of the Jon J Muth illustrations. For some reason this story didn't shine as much as his others I've read. The story had a sweet message, but seemed a little unrealistic in parts. Maybe I'm just supposed to assume that Santa has magic like Mary Poppins or something, but I was expecting to see an over-abundance of toys/stuff and most of the illustrations were really subdued. Kids will probably still enjoy the premise, I just won't be reading again though.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2012...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2012...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews