Customer Reviews

Arthur's Perfect Christmas

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Marc Brown's Arthur is very popular with young people. It is usually well written. However, I found Arthur's Christmas lacking. I thought at first a page was missing. The story did not flow well and felt like he was trying to cram everything about the winter holiday season into a 32 page book. I found it much too busy. It seemed rushed and not well thought out.

Despite the useful lesson that Americans enjoy the holiday season differently, the true gem of this story is the soothing way things can work out, even when they are not going the way you had hoped. ARTHUR'S PERFECT CHRISTMAS is really a story about how all of us get wound up for this time of the year, fantasize about it and become crushed when it's not so picture perfect. Our children, ages 8 and almost 4, shuddered when Arthur accidently broke the beautiful gift he had chosen for his mom--only to be buoyed by his Uncle's surprise gesture. They also watched intently as the typically spoiled Muffy finds that despite having received many Christmas gifts, what she wants most is a resurrection of her fractured friendship with Francine.

This story spends much energy on getting kids to understand that different families celebrate the holiday in different ways, from Hanukkah to Kwanzaa. Because Arthur fans never knew before that Arthur was a Christian, Francine a Jew and the Brain an African-American, it at first seems "stretched-to-fit", a little forced. The lesson, however, is invaluable because human beings even in similiar faiths and cultures do not necessarily celebrate in similiar ways. While this is an vital lesson of its own, it is ultimately trumped by one that all us can recognize and share, that is friendship and compassion towards others can prevail. It can make any holiday disappointment seem "perfect."

It's clear that the book is an attempt to fit a whole TV special into a book. It's done poorly, and there even are characters who appear without explaination in the last few pages! I'd skip this book and buy others from the Arthur series.

This is a book about Arthur`s perfect Chistmas. Arthur wanted everything to be just right. Lots of snow...A big tree...And a big, delicious turkey dinner. See if Arthur gets a perfect x-mas. This reminded me of when I tried to have a perfect Chistmas. You should read this book and have fun with Arthur.

by Avia B.

This is a family favorite! I just ordered this book for the second time since the littlest sister in our family did some damage!! I would recommend it to anyone who is an Arthur fan!! You can't go wrong!

It's three days until Christmas, and Arthur doesn't see how he could possibly be happy. For one, there's no snow, and you can't possibly have a perfect Christmas without snowmen, snow angels, and snowflakes falling from the sky. Two, his Father has decided to cook a Middle Eastern meal, instead of the traditional turkey dinner that almost everyone eats on Christmas. And three, the wonderful present he bought for his Mother is now broken, all because Arthur was too careless when bringing it downstairs. Now, the one holiday that's supposed to be perfect, is going down in flames, and Arthur can't do anything to stop it.

I have never seen the ARTHUR'S PERFECT CHRISTMAS television special on PBS, but I found that the book was quite enjoyable. Especially for those who want their children to learn about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, as there are mentions of all of these holidays wrapped up in this short holiday story. Filled with lovely illustrations, this book is sure to capture everyone's heart around the holidays. A must-have!

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

This is a great book about Christmas! In the book Arthur wanted everything to be
perfect. Arthur decorated the tree. He also got a present for his mom and
dad. Unfortunately, the present broke. Arthur learned what the best thing about
Christmas really is. Read this book to find out what the best thing about Christmas is!

Another fine example of a nice book with a nice message that is important for kids. You will not go wrong with this book.