Christmas at the Candle Factory [Hardcover]

Barbara L. Johns (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2006

It's the candle factory's busiest and most exciting time of year, but Midnight, the factory’s hardworking cat, can’t handle the holiday rush and an annoying new kitten named Elvis! Her patience wears thin as the orders pile up, and the true meaning of Christmas gets lost in the hubbub. Colorful candles, beautiful illustrations, and a heartwarming ending will delight the child in everyone.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2–Midnight, the candle factory cat, is not enjoying the holidays because Elvis, a new kitten, is driving her crazy. He follows her around, knocking things over and destroying candles right and left. After he knocks the Christmas tree over for the third time and breaks every single ornament, Grady, the factory owner, bundles him off to the animal shelter. At first the older feline is pleased, but she soon begins to miss the rambunctious kitten. Fortunately for everyone concerned, Grady figures out what is making Midnight so miserable, and on Christmas Day there is a special gift for her–Elvis. Stich's colored-pencil illustrations are flat and unattractive.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library
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Review

... a seasonal picture book that doesn't involve a big man in a red suit, but offers a wonderful story all the same. The story is fun to read on several levels. Those who celebrate any December holiday (with or without Santa) are recognized, making it universally fun. It will make an excellent addition to any personal collection and holiday reading traditions. -- The Reading Tub

Colorful illustrations brighten the pages...you can almost smell the wax and scents... A sweet book ...for Christmas! -- Wee Ones Magazine

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Steeple Ridge Publications (September 15, 2006)
• ISBN-10: 0976286211
• ISBN-13: 978-0976286219
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,702,401 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Barbara L. Johns is an Ohio native who moved to Michigan after graduating from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She began her writing career at the J.L. Hudson Company (now Macy's) where she developed merchandise publicity and corporate training events. Later she wrote short stories for corporate magazines and Christmas articles for the Detroit Free Press. She also served as Public Relations Coordinator for her local public school system. Johns knows the story of the cat in the candle factory intimately since she once owned the Candle Factory and the cat! Married, mother of three children, and grandmother of Kara, she divides her year between homes in Michigan and California with her husband and her dog, Bart (Bart is lobbying for a book of his own).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Appealingly Different, Sweet and Sure to Please, January 16, 2007

By 

Linore Burkard "Inspirational Romance Author" (Cincinnati, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Christmas at the Candle Factory (Hardcover)

This book is a delight! It approaches the Christmas season from such a different place (literally--a Candle Factory!)that it is educational while being sweet, colorful and fun for kids. Besides the tale of the older cat learning to value the younger, bothersome one, it's a great inside peek at what life is like for a small "mom and pop" candle shop. We're not talking Santa's workshop here--you really get the feel of candle making for the small independent manufacturer, in all its colorful and wonderfully-scented holiday variety--thanks to the warm and wonderful illustrations of the artist. Parents, young children (skip some of the words for three-year-olds or younger) small business owners with kids, ALL CANDLE SHOPS, and any cat-loving family or individual should own this book. It really rounds out a good children's holiday book collection. (And I should know--I have five kids and I value quality books!)

5.0 out of 5 stars Also highly recommended is the authors' previous picutre book, "The Cat In The Candle Factory.", November 5, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Christmas at the Candle Factory (Hardcover)

Written by Barbara L. Johns and illustrated by Carolyn R. Stich, Christmas At The Candle Factory is a tender holiday story about a candle factory cat who has to cope with looking after a brand new kitten. The feisty kitten is constantly getting into trouble, leaving the older cat at her wit's end... but when the kitten is taken away, the old cat comes to realize how lonely she was before the little one came into her life. A happy reunion just in time for Christmas concludes this wonderful story of friendship. Also highly recommended is the authors' previous picutre book, "The Cat In The Candle Factory."

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Christmas gift!!, November 3, 2006

By 

SD Book Bum - See all my reviews

This review is from: Christmas at the Candle Factory (Hardcover)

This is a sweet story about friendship. Children who celebrate any holiday in December will enjoy reading about life in the colorful and scent-filled factory. The illustrations are charming!