The King’s Christmas List by Eldon Johnson

THE KING’S CHRISTMAS LIST
Author: Eldon Johnson
Source: Book Sneeze
*I received this book free of 
charge in exchange for an 
honest review*

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 5, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400316456
• ISBN-13: 978-1400316458

SUMMARY:

Emma couldn’t wait to go to the King’s birthday party, but what should she bring?
 
Emma and her little dog Shu-Shu were thrilled to be invited to the King’s birthday party. But what do you get a King for his birthday? Emma and Shu-Shu have no gift, but they bring the Christmas cake they made with Mom and put on their Sunday best as they dash to the King’s carriage.  And of course, Emma couldn’t go anywhere without her beloved Cherry-Bear.  On the way, they have encounters that lead them to bestow their cake, winter-cape, and even Cherry-Bear, on others. Now they’re chilly, rumpled, and empty-handed-what will the King think? Emma frets, but when they finally meet the King at his palace, they discover they gave the King exactly what he wanted.

MY THOUGHTS:

While my child and I enjoyed the story and the illustrations of this book, I felt that the writing was geared more for children aged 8-10 years old.  The book seemed a little long in writing for each page and it left my child bored.  Younger children like short little paragraphs to go along with each illustrated page. That is what holds their interest in a book long enough for you to read it to them.  My daughter grew impatient as I read the long page of story and lost interest in the book before I could turn the page.

The illustrations were beautiful throughout the book.  She liked the colors and the cute pictures of Emma and her dog Shu-Shu.  She understood the meaning of the book in which doing small acts of kindness are better than giving and receiving gifts at Christmas time.  The only other part of the book that I wasn’t a fan of was the coupons at the end of the story.  They were coupons to donate money and such to feed the homeless.  To me, those sort of things do not belong in a book geared for children.

Overall the illustrations and meaning of the book were the best part of the book.  While the story was a little long and drawn out, I would recommend it for kids around 8 years old instead of the younger kids.

MY RATING: