Ever wonder how the tradition of trick-or-treating got started? Author/illustrator team Lisa and Tucker Johnson have a sweet suggestion. In their book All Hallows Eve: The Story of the Halloween Fairy, they imagine a cute little fairy named Eve who loves candy, but can't seem to produce any for herself with her magic wand. Her fairy friends team up to get her some by (you guessed it) flitting from house to house in their fairy glen and asking the neighbors for treats. Just like that, an annual tradition is born!In this book and two follow-ups, Christmas Eve: The Joy of Giving and Winter's Eve: Love and Lights, the Johnsons explore cherished holiday traditions through Eve's eyes. I reviewed all three titles thanks to the Parent Bloggers Network. Each stresses the meaning behind the gifts and goodies so often seen as central to holiday celebrations, and instead emphasizes the power of small, loving gestures to make a day really matter. Winter's Eve gives a brief explanation of seven winter holidays involving light, from Diwali to St. Lucia's Day to Kwanzaa.
I enjoyed the message behind these books (the Johnsons didn't name their publishing company "Positive Spin Press" for nothing), but the writing didn't especially appeal. I once took a class on children's literature, and remember the professor saying that if you're going to use rhyme, you better be really good. Not everyone is Dr. Seuss and not everyone should try to be. I wish Lisa Johnson hadn't tried to be. The charm of these stories is frequently strained by rhymes that just don't quite work.Still, if you are looking for holiday-themed books that send a positive message of generosity and friendship, these titles fit the bill. As long as your kids aren't as picky about rhymes as I am! You can even pick up a signed copy from the author.
0 comments:
Post a Comment