Customer Reviews

December

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

December is a remarkable book -- it manages to connect homelessness to the realm of miracles and the mystery of Christmas. As a reading teacher, I've had the pleasure of meeting Eve Bunting and sharing her stories with hundreds of children. The younger set don't always understand the implications of the old lady who visits on Christmas Eve, but they are deeply touched by the generosity of a mother and child who are willing to share a cookie, a precious coat and the box over their head. The story has something of the aura of O'Henry's Gift of the Magi. December is a pleasure to read and a treasure to share.

Eve Bunting has teamed up again with David Diaz (illustrator) to create what will surely become a holiday classic. Is the feeble old lady who visits the mother and her son who live in a cardboard box really an angel? This story conveys, in an understated yet very accessible manner, the importance of finding spiritual meaning in the most humble of human experiences. This is a wonderful message of hope and the importance of recognizing, and extending ourselves to, those in need.

This truly is a great book to read to children during the holidays! I found it to be a great way to share the message of giving with kids. Lots of message in a small, wonderfully beautiful book.

The story is to the point and sends subte messages - no preaching about the Season of Giving here. Diaz' art helps to convey the realities of living on the street without being too harsh, and his artwork of the angel is incredible. I'd say this is a must-read for parents, children, and angel lovers alike.

My son was given this book from a good friend last Christmas because she is a huge fan of illustrator David Diaz. Not only are the illustrations illuminating, but the powerful message of this book really makes you think. My 6 year-old son asks me to read it to him over and over (even times other than Christmas!).

I had to read it twice to have the story really sink in. This book is very moving and quiet. A really great job from Eve Bunting and a book to be remembered.

Heart breaking story of homelessness during the Christmas season with a miracle to boot. Diaz' usual fabulous artwork works well with Bunting's deft story tellings of social issues, especially here.

Very moving, very powerful discussion point with kids grades 1-4. Highly reccommend for story or book discussion groups.

DECEMBER (I believe this is the correct title of this new book) is one of the most beautiful holiday stories. It covers all religions but basically shares the message that you give even when you don't think you have anything to give. The world would be a better place if everyone received a copy of this as a gift and really "got" its message. I hope they will

Amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, cooking, visiting, family gatherings, one seeks a few moments of quiet, of stillness. Eve Bunting and illustrator David Diaz can provide those moments with "December."

Although designated for ages 4-8, this magnificent book is truly for all ages. Sit down with your little one or your spouse or you and a cup of tea for a few moments with "December," truly a story of the spirit of Christmas.

This is one of those books in which there has been a true collaboration of writer and artist. Each page is framed by symbolic representations of the theme of each page. On the cover is a picture of an angel. The frame contains feathers in the calming colors of blue and green, while the bright colors of the angel reflect her glory.

A mother and son, homeless, are spending Christmas Eve in a cardboard box with a board for a door. They have the top of a Christmas tree that a tree salesman was kind enough to give them. It is decorated with bits and pieces of the past. Taped to the wall is the picture of the angel, taken from a calendar, the December page. The have the overcoat of the husband/father whose absence is not explained.

A knock comes at their board/door. The mother cautiously answers. An ancient, bent, homeless woman asks for shelter. They share their space, the boy gives her one of their two Christmas cookies. The next morning the woman is gone. What the boy finds is a heart-stopping miracle.

That's just half of this quiet, but powerful story about giving and sharing. Learning the rest of the story is up to you.