The Spirit of Christmas

October 26, 2009
As the adult speaker of the story nods off in a comfy red chair, the Spirit of Christmas appears, ready to get the narrator in the holiday spirit. What follows is a buoyant, imagistic tribute to the season, as the Spirit lists joys both concrete (“A toy soldier band dressed in matching red sashes!”) and intangible, before offering the reminder: “Because it took nothing but love to begin it,/ it's not really Christmas if love isn't in it.” Tillman's ethereal illustrations (a frozen tree, dotted with peppermints; the cast of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” beside a river) are surreal but captivating. Ages 4–8.

October 1, 2009
K-Gr 4-I had just nodded off, /at a quarter past four, /when the Spirit of Christmas/stepped in through my door. So begins this lovely story in which all the delights of the season are presented. Realism and fantasy are satisfyingly paired to bring the mixed-media illustrations of treasured holiday scenes to life. Many of the paintings include bits of lyrics and music from well-known carols. The message is sweet; no matter how fancy ones decorations, no matter how elaborate ones feast, or how many pretty packages wait beneath the tree, It is love that makes the angels sing. A beautiful and timeless book."Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2009
Grades K-3 Handsomely illustrated, this Christmas book is bound to be hyped as the perfect seasonal gift. In rhymed verse and a first-person voice, the narrator begins: I had just nodded off, / at a quarter past four, / when the Spirit of Christmas / stepped in through my door. The Spirit conjures up scenes, symbols, smells, and tastes of the season that are encapsulated in spare, rhythmic words: Candy cane tongues / and marshmallow mustaches. / Everyone caroling songs of goodwill. A toy-soldier band, a lion and lamb, snow angels, and Santa Claus are beautifully depicted and lead to the Christmas tree and the message behind the celebration. The Spirit reminds the narrator, Remember, this all began with a child. / Because it took nothing but love to begin it, / its not really Christmas if love isnt in it. Tillmans sentimental sensibility and beautiful artwork ensure that this will become a popular choice at holiday time.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)