Book Details
Written by
Illustrated by
Genre
More details
See more book reviews

The Christmas Magic (by Lauren Thompson)

common sense media says

Enchanting, soulful portrait of Santa.

parents & educators say
Be the first to review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there is nothing to be concerned about in this heartfelt holiday tale. Families feeling burned out by holiday commercialism will find some respite here.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: Kids will see Santa doing a lot of work to prepare for Christmas, from darning his socks to polishing his sleigh. And they’ll see thoughtfulness and consideration as Santa tends to the reindeer and gathers gifts for the children he cares so deeply about.
Positive role models: Santa is full of love for the world’s children, and patience as he prepares for the big night. Magic may be the key to Christmas, but Santa diligently does a great deal of work to get ready.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Christmas Magic

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about Santa’s work. Magic is essential to what he does, but is magic enough on its own? What does Santa need to do to be ready?
  • Compare this Santa story with other books or movies about him. How is this Santa different? How is he the same? Why does he seem different from one story to the next?

What's the story?

What's the story?
When Santa feels his whiskers tingling, he knows it’s time to get ready. He quietly goes about his preparations for Christmas in his cozy home at the North Pole: polishing his sleigh, oiling his boots, and gathering toys for delivery Christmas Day. And when the stars begin to shine their brightest, the Christmas magic fills the night.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This is a Christmas lullaby for families to cherish. It’s a warm, calming alternative to gaudy holiday fare. There are no elves, no wish lists, no hearty jolliness. Lauren Thompson’s carefully paced writing is poetic and vivid, pairing beautifully with gorgeous illustrations by Jon J Muth: Kids will feel the reindeer’s shaggy coats, hear the harness bells jingle as Santa polishes them, and feel the warmth of the fire while Santa mends his socks. Here, Santa is a solitary figure, going about his preparations with care and loving attention.
Adults and kids alike will be touched by this meditative picture book. Its quiet beauty invites families to be still, for just a moment, and feel a bit of holiday magic.

Soft watercolor and pastel artwork casts a spell all its own.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Lauren Thompson
Illustrator: Jon J. Muth
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication date: September 1, 2009
Number of pages: 40
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 4
Read Alone: 6
This review was written by Darienne Hosley Stewart
 
 

Review It

 

Review The Christmas Magic

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

There aren’t any reviews yet. Ask your friends to review this title.

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you read The Christmas Magic?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already read it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

More wintry magic
For kids who love Christmas
Browse more books
External sites
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines