The Christmas Ship (Hardcover)

by Dean Morrissey (Illustrator) "It was still early on Christmas Eve..." (more)
Key Phrases: Father Christmas

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Ages 5-9. It's Christmas Eve in the coastal village of Old Bridgeport, and Sam Thatcher is hard at work in his toy shop, hoping to finish the last of his work before dark. Things get complicated, though, when the dour mayor arrives and condemns the rickety structure. What a grouch! And talk about bad timing! Sam is too depressed even to build a fire, and that turns out to be lucky--because his next visitor arrives down the chimney. It's his old friend Father Christmas, who needs the toy maker's help delivering presents. Sam doesn't have a sleigh or reindeer, but he does have a boat, and before you can say "ship of dreams," he's soaring high above the village, a surrogate Santa. Thanks to Sam, even the mayor gets a present (hey, it's Christmas!). Morrissey fans will welcome another gathering of his lavishly light-filled, photographically realistic illustrations, though the mayors among us may think the pictures a trifle sentimental. As for the story, it's humbug, of course. Michael Cart
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Description
When Father Christmas pays a visit on Christmas Eve, Sam's busiest time of the year gets even busier. The problem, as Father Christmas explains, is that he's running behind schedule and wants Sam to help him out.

For Sam, who's facing the closing of his ramshackle shop, the task seems impossible. After all, he has no sleigh or reindeer. But that's where a little magic comes in. Before the wonderful night is past, Sam and his young friend Joey get the chance to make some unusual deliveries and, most importantly, share in the true spirit of Christmas.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st edition (October 3, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060285753
• ISBN-13: 978-0060285753
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 9.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #997,005 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars My kids are nuts about this book, June 18, 2001

By	brian reeves (College Station, TX) - See all my reviews

The recommended age may be 5-10, but I have two and three year old boys that are crazy about this book. They love looking at the paintings and finding things in them (they are full of detail), they love asking about the story. Hardly a night goes by that they don't ask to read this book, in spite of having plenty of others to choose from.

As Christmas stories go, yes, it is predictable. However, I think 'How the Grinch...' and 'Frosty the Snowman' are pretty predictable, too, but that does not lessen the enjoyment kids will find in reading and re-reading them with their parents. Share this book with your little ones, and enjoy the intricate paintings along the way.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Christmas story, November 28, 2000

By	"villagebug" (Melbourne, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Christmas Ship (Library Binding)

This story is easily understandable and of a length that keeps children interested. Adults will also enjoy this book while reading it to "that special child." The lesson set forth in this story is an important one for the Christmas season. Mr. Morrissey's paintings are wonderful!! His attention to detail is incredible, done with care and perfection. The character of Sam Thatcher is especially authentic and recognizable. I am looking forward to the next Morrissey publication.

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful Christmas story, October 17, 2000

By A Customer

The Christmas Ship is not your typical children's Christmas story. Mr. Morrissey has gently pointed out that "stuff" isn't what is important in life. It is very easy for us to see the good in Sam and the children, but we are also shown the kind side of the mayor! Children will learn quite a bit from Mr. Morrissey. When they realize what it is that Sam leaves the Mayor for Christmas....well that's what Christmas is all about! I sure wish Sam lived in my neighborhood! And the paintings in this book are spectacular! Each page deserves to be framed and hung for display!