Gr 1—3—Eight-year-old Johnny is eager to visit his grandparents in their big stone house in Connecticut. He vividly remembers his last trip there when he was three, and his strongest memory is of a beautiful, hand-carved wooden horse. Johnny tells his little brother, Liam, that this year, it will be his turn to enjoy it—but the horse has vanished. Will wishing be enough to bring it back on Christmas Day? This story of a caring family, skillfully illustrated in gouache and watercolor, warmly and effectively conveys the selfless ideal of the season.—Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library
Arizona native Johnny, eight, and his family spend Christmas at his grandparents' house in Connecticut. Johnny remembers riding an antique wooden rocking horse during his last visit and excitedly promises the toy to his little brother. But when they arrive the horse is nowhere to be found. Minor's paintings add a distinctive sense of place to the wordy and sentimental story.
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