Books make season bright

“Samantha’s Surprise: A Christmas Story”

Maxine Rose Schur and Rose Schur

It is 1904. Nine-year-old Samantha is all excited about plans for Christmas. Her best friend, Ida, invites her to a Christmas party. She goes to a toy store and sees the Nutcracker doll. It is beautiful! Grandmary makes sugar cookies, and when she goes in the house she loves the sweet warm smell.

The family exchanges presents. Grandmary gives Samantha a sewing kit. Uncle Gard gives her a music box. Samantha gives Uncle Gard a pound of chocolates.

What did Samantha give to Cornelia, her Uncle Gard’s girlfriend? What did Cornelia give to Samantha? Is this the Christmas surprise?

Reviewed by Neha, 8

Hugo Reid Elementary, Arcadia

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“Mrs. Jeeper’s Creepy Christmas”

Debbie Dadey

It all starts when Howie wants to decorate his house, but his grandma doesn’t want to spend money. Not even for Christmas! At school they are reading books to make tree ornaments. But then Howie doesn’t want to read, and his friends try to get Howie to read and they can’t.

Who can? Hope you like this book too.

Reviewed by Silas, 7

Los Feliz Charter School for the Arts, Los Angeles

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“Sheepdog in the Snow”

Ben M. Baglio

There is a Christmas party for all the animals in Welford, and Mandy and James are hosting it. But when a stray dog shows up, it’s not so merry. It is a sheepdog, and Mandy and James name her Tess. She is wounded, and the farmers accuse her of having attacked their sheep. Can Mandy save the dog’s life?

Reviewed by Kevyn,

Los Angeles

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“Reindeer Do Wear Striped Underwear”

Marcia Thornton Jones and Debbie Dadey

All of Santa’s reindeer are sick with colds. Will Christmas be ruined because Santa’s reindeer can’t pull the sleigh? Or can Eddie save Christmas?

This is a short and funny Christmas story.

Reviewed by Megan, 9

McKinley Elementary, Burbank