A Homemade Together Christmas

September 14, 2015
Homespun in both its message and delivery, Cocca-Leffler’s ode to the true spirit of Christmas introduces an amiable pig family that is shaking up its traditions. When Luca’s sister, Rosie, proposes they create homemade presents for each other this year, Luca is stumped. He bungles gift-making ideas from his parents and Rosie, but Momma’s words of consolation (“the best part of Christmas is spending time together. There is no better gift”) provide just the right inspiration. A heartwarming Christmas-morning finale crystalizes the story’s theme of togetherness, as the presents (elderberry syrup, a blanket big enough for four, a song, and a jar of family activity suggestions) are enjoyed equally by all. Playful details in Cocca-Leffler’s festive watercolors—Luca’s impractical gift ideas scribbled on sticky notes; hair curlers Momma wears but scarcely needs—add a touch of spice to the sweetness. Ages 4–7.

October 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 1-When Luca's family decide to give one another only homemade Christmas presents this year, his sister, mom, and dad get to work on their surprises right away. Although he has plenty of good ideas-build a snow bear, make honey granola, make origami birds-none of them work out right. Luca's mother consoles him by saying the best part of Christmas is spending time together, which gives him a terrific idea that incorporates parts of his earlier failed gifts. The whimsical watercolor illustrations depicting a family of clothed, dainty-hooved, rotund pigs will charm readers, as will the way each family member's gift harmonizes with the others to create a special Christmas morning. VERDICT A sweet and nonpreachy depiction of an old-fashioned, noncommercial way to celebrate the holiday.-Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2015
As they decorate their tree together, a family of anthropomorphic pigs decides to make all their Christmas gifts instead of buying them. The story focuses on Luca, the son in the family of four, who struggles to come up with an idea for a gift he can create by himself. He writes down all sorts of ideas, but everything is too hard or out of season. With suggestions from his family, he tries origami birds, homemade granola, and a snow-bear sculpture, but nothing works out quite right. Finally, on Christmas Eve, he uses the remains of his previous projects to create a jar of 365 ideas for "Together To-Dos"-activities for the whole family to experience throughout the year. On Christmas morning, the first activity chosen is to "watch the sunrise from the porch." So the family does that while sharing Momma's gift of a tree-shaped stack of blueberry pancakes. They are kept warm by Dad's gift of a family-sized quilt as they are entertained with sister Rosie's original Christmas song. The story is satisfying in both length and emotional tone, with everyone contributing to the family's celebration in a meaningful way. Charming watercolor illustrations of the porcine household include amusing clothing for all the pigs and a cozy home decorated for Christmas. This pleasing story might well inspire some homemade Christmas gifts or even an outdoor Christmas morning breakfast with a tree-shaped stack of blueberry pancakes. (Picture book. 3-6)

COPYRIGHT(2015) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.