Customer Reviews

Silver Packages: An Appalachian Christmas Story

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Having lived in Appalachia for many years, I was excited to read a book based upon the efforts of "The Santa Train." (Which, Kitt, does exist, and which uses the means described in the story, like it or not). The real train traverses areas of West Virginia and Kentucky every December, and provides a semblance of Christmas to children in some of America's poorest communities. This story elegantly captures the essece of the spiritual reality behind the experience as well as the sense of rootedness and comunity that ties the region together. I am a chaplain now, living in the midwest, and every Christmas I read it to children at the hospital where I work. They understand it immediately, and find it to be healing, hopeful, and helpful.

A dear teacher friend recommended this book and said she couldn't read it to her class without crying! I thought I would be able to read it to my grandson without tearing up, but alas...he had to finish the last few pages! (Much to his delight!) It is such a gentle, tender story. Even when you KNOW what the outcome will be, you can't help but FEEL the emotions the writer conveys so well! Outstanding illustrations put this book in a rare class!

If you want to read a great book then read Silver Packages because it will just touch your heart. It all started when no one had anything so every Christmas a man came and threw silver packages out the back of the train. Chris Soentpiet's illustrations are colorful and interesting.

On the first reading of this book, I found my voice catching in a number of spots. The illustrations are so tastefully done and the story is so beautifully told. Our family was especially touched by the reminder of the importance of giving something back to those around us.

I like Chris Soentpiet's book called Silver Packages. The pictures he drew were OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! The book was outstanding! I like the part when the boy is holding his first one in front of the Christmas tree.

My favorite part in the story is where Frankie does not get what he wants. I like the illustrations, because they are very realistic. I give this book five stars. Read this book to find out what are in the Silver Packages.

My five year-old sat speechless while I read and I was spell-bound by the illustrations. A marvelous story of giving to others and dreams being fulfilled. This will become a seasonal favorite for us. I will wrap at least one package in silver paper to remind us to give to others.

Chris Soentpiet's illustrations are GREAT! I love how he made the shadow and the light shining on the people! I love how he drew the people. I love this book because it is EXCELLENT!I give this book 5 stars.

This was a beautiful story written and illustrated. It allows one to discover how people can reach into the hearts of so many with a simple act of kindness. It also reassures children that one does not have to have a lot to change the lives of another. And that dreams do come true.

Karen

I love the way Chris Soentpiet made the illustrations come to life. I also love the way Chris used other people to model for his work. I like how he mad shadows and light shine on the cover, the beautiful illustration.My favorite part is when the boy got a doctor's kit. I give this book five stars!