Calvin's Christmas Wish [Paperback]

Calvin Miles (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1996

Calvin dreams of getting a bike for Christmas, but when his friend, W.C., tells him there is no Santa Claus, he begins to doubt his dreams will come true.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

The first-time author recalls a special Christmas when his doubts about Santa Claus's existence were dispelled by a gift-- the exact bicycle he'd requested. Though Miles's remembrance is just that, without any special force or drive, it evokes universal childhood worries in clear, heartfelt language. Awake the night before Christmas, Calvin is concerned that he won't get his bike but is even more disturbed by the idea that he might disappoint his parents with his reaction to more modest gifts. In Johnson's realistic paintings, the African-American family is warmly portrayed, crafting the holiday from simple pleasures like popcorn strings and brightly painted pine cones for the tree. The people, glowing in the light of a kerosene lantern, seem sculpted from the page. Genuine sentiments, sweetly expressed in both art and text. (Picture book. 5-8) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (October 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140558667
• ISBN-13: 978-0140558661
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,221,134 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A lovely, warm-hearted Christmas book, February 20, 2000

By 

Auntie in Albany (Albany, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Calvin's Christmas Wish (Paperback)

I met the author of this true story, Calvin Miles, on a bike trip in Vermont. A kinder, funnier, more intelligent guy you couldn't hope to meet. I've never read another children's book that explores, as this one does, children's worries about Christmas: Is there really a Santa? If not, can their parents really afford to buy them the gifts they're dreaming of? The glowing, warm-hearted pictures reflect the safe, joyful feeling Christmas can bring. For me, the pictures of the shiny green bike bring back memories of beloved possessions that took on a magical quality.

Since so many children's Christmas classics feature white people only, this is a perfect addition to classroom libraries 'round about December.