FICTION

Christmas Begins with Christ

by Gina Kirkland (text) & illus. by Marissa Napolitano
Oct. 2022. 32p. Tr $18.98. ISBN 9798986520209; pap. $12.99. ISBN 9798986520216.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1–A cozy, faith-forward reminder that Christmas is only one day a year, but readers can spread love every day. The book begins with a spread showing Santa Claus in his sleigh and equates Jesus to the light Santa needs to find his way. From that opening, the rhythmic text leaves Christmas behind for a while and instead focuses on Jesus being with readers always, wherever they may be. Santa makes another appearance midway through the book, and the joy of Christmas is tied into spreading the love and joy of Jesus with everyone. Napolitano’s illustrations have a warm glow, and the presence of Jesus is depicted through a light source in every spread. Human characters are shown in a variety of skin tones, and one person is shown using a wheelchair.
VERDICT Not an essential purchase for every library, but there are families that will appreciate the connection this story makes between Jesus and more secular aspects of Christmas.
Reviewed by Heather Webb , Oct 28, 2022

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