The Christmas Magic [Hardcover]

Lauren Thompson (Author), Jon J Muth (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Best-selling author, Lauren Thompson, and Best-selling Caldecott Honor Book artist Jon J Muth join forces to present a story that is filled with the magic, wonder, and love of Christmas.

Far, far North, when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, Santa begins to prepare for his big night of giving. He gathers his reindeer, feeds them parsnips and berries, and polishes his bells and his sled. Then lovingly, he chooses toys for every child in the world. For Santa loves them all, and he knows what each child at heart wants most. Then, with the thrum of magic that makes reindeers fly, he spreads the Christmas joy and warmth throughout the world--as he always has -- and always will until the end of time.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4–This intimate look at Santa's preparations for the big day starts with a tingling in his whiskers, which means that Christmas magic will soon arrive. Readers see the white-haired gent taking care of all the mundane chores: grooming the reindeer, darning his warm socks, shining the sleigh, and selecting and packing the gifts. When all is ready, the magic comes and Santa flies off to share it with the world. Muth's haunting watercolor and pastel illustrations bring the simple story to magical life. Santa's bunny slippers are a particularly charming touch. Best for one-on-one or small-group sharing, this gentle and lovely book is sheer enchantment.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library END

From Booklist

Children get a different Santa than they are used to in a book that focuses on the quiet preparation that leads to Christmas. Far, far north, this Santa Claus is not a jolly old elf, but rather a thin, subdued fellow in a blue suit. There’s no Mrs. Claus—well, Santa darns his own socks—nor are there busy elves. Just reindeer called home from a snowy wilderness who are fed parsnips and berries before their long journey. Alone, Santa readies his sleigh and visits a room with toys, where he picks one for each boy and girl in his book. Finally the night “thrums with magic,” and Santa embarks on his vast journey. It’s the air of magic and mystery, which prevails in both text and art, that will capture children’s interest and allow them to accept a Santa who is not the norm. This is primarily true in the majestic outdoor spreads that are all stars and snow and sing of unknown possibilities. But even the cozy indoor scenes have a slightly unsettling feel that will intrigue readers. A new take on an iconic figure. Preschool-Grade 1. --Ilene Cooper

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Press (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439774977
• ISBN-13: 978-0439774970
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #225,028 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Religious

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is one of the best Christmas books ever!!, September 22, 2009

By 

M. Talalay "Edamommy - Mom, Reviewer, Writer,... (Lutherville, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Christmas Magic (Hardcover)

The Christmas Magic by Lauren Thompson510ri1tclal_sl500_aa240_
Jon J Muth (Illustrator)
Ages 4-8
Scholastic Press (September 1, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
I have to reveal a little bit of bias here. No, I am not receiving payment from any publisher. Here's my big naughty secret: I will buy any book that Jon J. Muth illustrates. Buying a book that Muth has illustrated is like buying your own little art museum. His watercolors and pastels make the lovely, inspirational words of Lauren Thompson simply dance and frolic across the pages. This simple take on Santa's preparation for the big reveal will have even skeptics wiping a little tear from the corner of their eyes, glazing skyward and hearing the tinkle of little bells. This one is a keeper and is my new BFF (book friend forever).

PS - if you look carefully, you can see Muth's panda from Zen Shorts on one of the pages.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Unique enough to have some merit, November 15, 2009

By 

Steven R. McEvoy "MCWPP" (Canada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Christmas Magic (Hardcover)

An unusual Christmas story is about the only way to describe this book. There are no elves, no Mrs. Claus, just Santa by himself, getting ready for Christmas Eve. Santa is drawn in a more European style in blue, and with more of a wizard hat. The young reindeer that follows Santa around is a little odd, and facially looks more like the Grinch's puppy than a reindeer. The story also seems a little sad - Santa alone preparing and waiting for the magic to come so he can deliver his presents. Definitely not my favorite Christmas picture book, but unique enough to have some merit.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars lovely, November 23, 2009

By 

Kirsten G. Cutler (Santa Rosa, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Christmas Magic (Hardcover)

A lovely watercolor and pastel illustration shows a slim Santa wearing bunny slippers standing at a window gazing out at the snow with a baby reindeer standing behind him - and the text reads, "Then he knows that the Christmas magic will soon be here" Indeed this quiet story describes a Santa who prepares for Christmas by brushing and feeding his reindeer, polishing his red sleigh, and carefully selecting a special gift for every girl and boy. When the magic evening arrives: Santa and his reindeer rise up into the starlit night. This is not the jolly "ho, ho, ho" Santa who greets children at the mall but instead a contemplative Santa who readies himself to deliver toys when "the night begins to thrum with magic, the kind of magic that makes reindeer fly".
A sublime cover makes Santa look like the wizard he truly is. This is a treat to behold.