Sue HamptonBesprekingen

I received this as an Early Reviewer. Unfortunately I was not overawed by this book and my daughter did not want to hear any more of it after the first night.

A pleasant book with Christmas themes. I lent this to a young customer at the library where I work and she enjoyed the stories. I liked the story about the nativity donkey best, although the nativity play story was good too (you don't have to be female to be an angel). I was not really so keen on the last story with the miniature lamb but that's just me. I'm 61 so what do I know?. A useful resource, my young customer suggested we could read it next Christmas at our December Chatterbooks session...http://readingagency.org.uk/children/quick-guides/chatterbooks/

Three charming stories for Christmas in three different genres. The first is a 'normal' story about a nativity play which is essentially about being yourself. The second is a rather touching story about the nativity itself told from the pint of view of the donkey. The third is a Christmas day story with a touch of 'magical realism'. The first story rather labours its point I think, and is the least successful of the three, though it is OK. The other two I found much more engaging. Of course I am not the target audience but...

One other good thing: it is good to see some Christmas stories which actually relate to the story of Christmas.

A small book of three stories suitable for middle primary years reading.
Topical for Christmas, but not just for Christmas holiday season reading.
Also well as suited for reading aloud or together both in the home and in schools.
I was given a hard copy by the author as part of the library thing website early reviewer programme.
I have passed this on to a teacher for use in her elecution lessons.½

Aliens and Angels is a very cute book for the lower classes in Elementary School. The three Christmas stories are "Aliens and Angels" and is about Robbie who would like to be an angel instead of an alien. However being an angel is supposed not to be something for boys. Will a dream come true? The next story is "Not without a carrot" about a very stubborn but sweet little donkey named "Trouble" on its way to Bethlehem with a very precious load on its back. The last story is Bootee for Etta about a little girl who's mother is hospitalized on Christmas night. Her father is in the States on his way home. She is staying at her mom's friend's house feeling very lonely. In her imagination she received a little box with a big surprise, or is it for real? The three stories are nicely illustrated by children from schools the author has visited. But the cover is too dark and not attractive. The stories are not sentimental but have the feel good feeling to them. The last story asks a lot of your imagination and is a little bit too long. Also one of the side characters has a depression, which makes it too much going on for one story.

great to read for your self or with a child . good harmless reading . drawing are done by children and schools that the author has worked with. whilst i will be lending to friends i will definetly be making sure they return it . thanks sue for the book

A delight to read ,both for ones self and also safe for children . Uplifting and non threatening . illustrated by children from schools that the author has visited and worked with which helps make the book feel just right