Welcome Comfort (Hardcover)

by Patricia Polacco (Author) "Quintin Hamp was a joyous man..." (more)
Key Phrases: Christmas Eve, Union City, Ruby Jean

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Like Where Does Joe Go? (reviewed above), this warm blend of fantasy and reality delivers a satisfying surprise ending. Ostracized at school, an overweight foster child named Welcome Comfort is befriended by the equally rotund school custodian, who heads out of town with his wife every Christmas Eve ("It's just something we always do"). Plucked from his bed for a sleigh ride with Santa, Welcome wonders for years if the trip was just a dream, and finds the answer only after Mr. Hamp retires and chooses him as his successor. Polacco's artwork is even more vibrant than usual, and her Santa scenes are sure-fire crowd-pleasers. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-With her well-known way with words and exuberant illustrations, Polacco has again created an endearing holiday offering. Welcome Comfort is an overweight foster child who knows loneliness well, but finds acceptance and solace in his friendship with the new school custodian, Quintin Hamp. It is through his influence that Welcome learns that "believin' is seein.'" The Hamps become a stable and lasting force in his life, even though they take a mysterious vacation north every year on Christmas Eve. One year the young man and his new bride are invited along and readers learn that Welcome has been groomed over the years to become the next Santa Claus. A touching and enjoyable story that reads well aloud.-T.T.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Philomel (September 27, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399231692
• ISBN-13: 978-0399231698
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #380,462 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical... I believe!!!, October 25, 1999

By	Lori (Auburn, ME USA) - See all my reviews

What can friendship, compassion and a little bit of magic do for a "substantially-built" foster child, teased relentlessly by his classmates? After meeting Mr. Hamp, the equally "substantial" school janitor, Welcome finds his life changed forever. Don't want to give away any details, but I wanted to buttonhole every child in the store and read it to them. Appealing to all ages. Makes your heart glow... like Santa!!! The illustrations are equally beautiful. Read it for yourself, read it to your children. It just might become a family tradition!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Santa in our hearts, December 6, 2001

By A Customer

Wonderful, loving book that helps children see their actions through another's eyes! My students gasped with delight at the conclusion of the book. Many have been the victim of not being with the 'in crowd' at school. Through this book they have been given hope and love.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Holiday Tradition, December 15, 2004

By	Book Lover "Nancy" (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Welcome Comfort (School & Library Binding)

This book has become a tradition in our family since it was inspired by grandparents Martha and Quinton Hamp, whom the author included as characters in the story. Our children love Ms. Polacco's beautiful artwork, warm-hearted characters and magical ending. Teachers love receiving this book as an addition to their classroom libraries, especially at the holidays. Highly recommended!