Customer Reviews

Humphrey's First Christmas

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Humphrey's First Christmas

Incredible art work, visually awesome for children and adults of all ages.
The story is just as touching, Humphrey wanted his blanket, that he had lost so bad, and once he got it, he gave it as a gift to the baby Jesus,
what a wonderful story of giving.
A book that is a treausre for all generations.

Every year during the Scholastic Book Fair, the volunteer mothers and I find a book we all love, deeming it the Hit of the Book Fair! This year "Humphrey's First Christmas" is--hands down now--the Hit!

Look at that unlovely face on the cover--right in your face! You see, Humphrey is very upset because he lost his blanket, the one that keeps him warm during cold desert nights. His two companions still have theirs. If you know the way of camels, you know that they are not the most congenial of animals. Because the other two camels are warm and his master is cozy in his little tent, Humphrey is indignant! He pushes his way into the tent with his master, pushing his master out. Finally, at the next oasis, the master obtains and gives Humphrey a nice replacement blanket.

At each page of Humphrey's growing annoyance, Author/Artist Carol Heyer gives the camel increasingly sillier faces and poses. Humphrey's unattractive poses and laugh-aloud antics detract the reader from obvious clues on each page just what this story is about. There are three clues on the cover alone that indicate the nature of the story: the title, that bright star in the upper-right corner, and a camel wearing a half-bridle.

That replacement blanket becomes very important in this story: it becomes a symbol for the free nature of gifts from the heart. Heyer has created such an original approach to the traditional Christmas story that the reader actually forgets it is the season until the last three pages. However, a second, closer examination of visual clues on every page does, indeed, make this a wonderful Christmas story.

The book begins and ends with the same words, each in a unique and completely different context. In the first, the reader sees a close-up of one of Humphrey's beautiful eyes. It's a jolt! The last time the words are used will give you goose-bumps and a lump in the throat.

I'll say no more. This is a book that any believer in the Christmas story will love and want to share with both children and other adults. Highly recommended! In fact, during the Christmas season, put this book, paperback though it is, right on your coffee table and encourage your Christian guests to visit Humphrey. They'll be glad they did.

What a beautiful book - both the illustrations and the story. In this heartwarming tale, we are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas - the spirit of giving. This message is told through the eyes of a cranky but lovable camel - Humphrey. What a wonderful addition to any family's Christmas traditions. Ms. Heyer did it again - in this, her 25th children's book - she brings her artistic magic and memorable storytelling to this Christmas Classic.

My kids and I had such a great time reading the author's other books that we jumped when we saw the new Humphrey's First Christmas book. We love the illustration and the cute stories that go along. This is such a great and fun book for the kids (and myself). I can't ever look at a camel again without smiling:)

Everyone should buy this book and read it to the little ones in their life.- I am glad we did.

Outside of the artwork being phenomenal, Humphrey's story leads the reader to the heart of Christmas like no tale I've read before. His journey to the Holy Land is, humorous, endearing, and unique. This burdened camel will be a fixture in my family for every Christmas to come.
Jean Castaing

I just read this book to a room full of three to nine year olds -- plus a scattering of their adult teachers. Not even our wiggliest three year olds moved a muscle, they were so enraptured with Humphrey. Several of the children even begged to hear his story again as soon as I was finished!

I also just returned from a trip to the Middle East where I became acquainted with several real camels. The pictures I took of one of them could have been used to create these amazing illustrations, they are so true to quirky and funny real camel personalities!

This book will be read every Christmas in my home and in the homes of my grandchildren from now on.

Not only is the book beautifully illustrated, the message is also sweet and profound.

This is a beautiful book! What a wonderful way to tell a story. Showing children what it means to let go of our personal comforts, giving of ourselves, opening our hearts. In order to receive the greatest gift of all.

The artwork is rich, full of wonderful color and Humphrey is adorable! What a great book to have as a family tradition to be read every Christmas.

He won me over first with that twinkle in his eye, then that mischievous grin. His macho antics made me smile. But it was when Humphrey gave away his prized blanket to a very special infant that this commonplace animal of labor became, in my eyes, a champion above all others. This is a lighthearted storyline with a heartwarming message for people of all walks of life, ages, and faiths. The illustrations are breathtaking -- extraordinarily well done, beautiful! Bravo, Carol Heyer, for a job well done! HUMPHREY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS - a perfect gift for the holidays, for any day!

I gave this book to my 2 year old granddaughter. She sat in my lap and let me read the whole book to her. I loved the lesson about giving which the story taught. My granddaughter was tickled over the camel's temper tantrums. The art work captured her attention. I highly recommond this book.

This was great story book for our 5y/o grandaughter, it held her attention completly plus it captured the true meaning of Christmas. Feel its one of those Christmas story's she will remember when she is older.Great find.