The Light of Christmas (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Daniel Craig (Illustrator) "high in the mountains, where the clouds lie on the ground like great cotton balls, is the Christmas town of Noel..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In the long-ago world of Evans's (The Christmas Box) message-driven tale, the high point of Christmas is not a visit from Santa, but the lighting of the Christmas flame in the mountain "Christmas town" of Noel. This particular year, the aging Keeper of the Flame (who looks a lot like St. Nick) turns over his duty to a pure-hearted boy who performs a selfless act of kindness. Craig marks his children's book debut with a series of dimly lit, opulent computer-generated scenes that often have the appearance of acrylic or oil paintings. Realistic in their details and Old World in their mood, they reinforce the old-fashioned, homily-like quality of the text. All ages.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-In the town of Noel, the Keeper of the Flame rekindles the torch each Christmas Eve. This year he will choose "whoever gives the truest gift" to light it. Young Alexander wishes he had something special to offer and, of course, he does; he helps an old man who turns out to be the Keeper of the Flame and is chosen over all of the other hopeful (but not helpful) gift-givers. A predictable "true meaning of Christmas" story, with equally predictable faux-classical illustrations.-S. P.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689834683
• ISBN-13: 978-0689834684
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,970 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gentle Book about A Gentle Spirit, December 22, 2002

By	Karan "tadaa" (Olympia, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This book tells a simple story about a boy who makes a hard decision that is both kind and generous. This story was read to a staff of adults at our annual Christmas party and all of us sat enrapt and charmed as we listened and watched each page turn. The pictures are beautiful and the story is something that all ages will enjoy. A delightful find and one that I will give as a gift each year.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My children loved it, and yours will too!, December 15, 2002

By	Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This thin and attractive book tells the story of Alexander, a young boy who every year goes to the city of Noel to see the Christmas torch lighted. And from Noel, the light of the torch spreads out to bring the brightness and warmth of Christmas to the whole world. But this is a special year, for this year the Keeper of the Torch will choose someone new to light the torch, and Alexander doesn't want to miss it. But, when he discovers an old man lying in the snow, he knows that he must stop to help. This year Alexander, and the whole of Noel, learns a lesson in the true meaning of Christmas.

Excellently illustrated, this book brings a great Christmas lesson to young and old alike. With short text and bright pictures, it makes for some excellent bedtime reading for you and your children. My children loved it, and yours will too!

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Light of Christmas, October 16, 2002

By	Katie (USA) - See all my reviews

As Christmas books come and go with each passing season, few have caught my attention as "The Light of Christmas" has. It encompasses the main idea of Christmas, which is that by reaching out to those in need, one learns the true message of why we celebrate the "Light" of Christmastime. Mr. Evans does a fantastic job by including such things as the "Light" and Santa Claus or rather Father Christmas, without pounding in too hard the message of Christ only. He does a very commendable job at combining the two, which I think would be a hard task for any author, especially with a children's book. On top of it all, the illustrations are absolutely beautiful, and are timeless in nature, so this book will be enjoyed for people of all ages and for many generations. This book is a must for every home!