FICTION

A Homemade Together Christmas

by Maryann COCCA-LEFFLER
illus. by Maryann Cocca-Leffler.32p. Albert Whitman. Oct. 2015. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780807533666.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1—When Luca's family decide to give one another only homemade Christmas presents this year, his sister, mom, and dad get to work on their surprises right away. Although he has plenty of good ideas—build a snow bear, make honey granola, make origami birds—none of them work out right. Luca's mother consoles him by saying the best part of Christmas is spending time together, which gives him a terrific idea that incorporates parts of his earlier failed gifts. The whimsical watercolor illustrations depicting a family of clothed, dainty-hooved, rotund pigs will charm readers, as will the way each family member's gift harmonizes with the others to create a special Christmas morning.
VERDICT A sweet and nonpreachy depiction of an old-fashioned, noncommercial way to celebrate the holiday.
Reviewed by Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library
Pig Luca's family decides to make gifts for Christmas instead of buying them. Dad, Mom, and sister Rosie get right to work, but Luca has trouble with ideas--he can't knit a hat and eats all the honey intended for his granola. Luckily, inspiration strikes at the last minute. Bright, homey illustrations with eye-pleasing patterns and white space complement a cozy story.
 , Oct 01, 2015

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