The Best Parts of Christmas

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 24, 2015

Review

Fritz accompanies his parents to find the perfect Christmas tree which he decorates later with many toys and homemade ornaments. Clean lines and color contrast help to keep the tree central to the story line. Not only does it dominate the room but most of the bright colors are on or surround the tree. Two minor points remain unresolved within this text. I wish the author had elaborated on how the old tree would benefit another tree when Papa said: “it will help new trees to grow”. An excellent recycling opportunity was missed and would have helped to round out the story line. Unfortunately the ending showed Fritz breaking a family rule that restricted sticks in the home. Any fire department would frown upon a dead branch from a Christmas tree remaining in a child's room.

This is a fairly good story for secular holiday celebrations. Not a necessary purchase for libraries.

Overall Book Score: fair