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Parents' Guide to

The Christmas Magic

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Enchanting, soulful portrait of Santa.

Book Lauren Thompson Holiday 2009
The Christmas Magic Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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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?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

Book Details

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