Book Review: Christmas Village, by Jack Gilhooly

Christmas Village, by Jack Gilhooly

Paperback: 88 pages
Publisher: McNeil & Richards (September 13, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0982560214
Rating (1 to 5 *): ****




 
Christmas Village Book Review


Christmas is a magical time for everyone, but especially for children. For Amanda and Rudy, Christmas time means visiting their grandparents. Grandma makes scrumptious Christmas cookies, and Grandpa sets up a delightful Christmas village that's just a tiny bit different every year. One night, while spying on the presents under the tree and playing with the lights that illuminate the village, Amanda and Rudy suddenly find themselves transported to Belle Center--Grandpa's tiny village.

Amanda and Rudy find they have a new family, who thinks they are just being silly when the children insist they belong in another, larger world. Strange things are happening in the village, and Amanda and Rudy know exactly what's going on, and it has something to do with their real family.

Jack Gilhooly's Christmas Village is a fun and lighthearted holiday story. I think many a child has wondered what it would be like to live in one of those adorable Christmas villages. Gilhooly injects some humor into the story, and the interactions between the characters is fun and genuine. I felt there was a little too much time spent in scenes with the adults to really appeal to children, and I think some of the humor might go over their heads. However, these scenes are fun for the adult reading to the child. Overall, Christmas Village is a sweet read for kids in the Christmas season.

Want to learn more? Come back tomorrow for an interview with the author, Jack Gilhooly!