Title: A CHRISTMAS KINDNESS

Author: Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Publisher: 4RV Publishing

Pages: 52

Genre: First Chapter Reader

Synopsis

Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who only has one request for Santa, Robert is confused about what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?

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Praise

It is not often that a simple children’s book can nearly bring me to tears, but this one succeeded. There is nothing better than reading a story at Christmastime that reminds you that there are still good people and good kids in the world. This is one heartwarming Christmas story that you and your kids can read and enjoy. It will remind you of the true meaning of Christmas, and I believe that the author’s purpose is accomplished. – Ruth, Amazon Reviewer

Robert can’t wait to see Santa. He’s got a pile of stuff he wants to ask for. Then he meets Glenn in line, and Robert himself gets to play Santa. I was touched by the main character’s transformation after he came in contact with someone in real need. The glow he walks away with can’t be bought, and he’ll never find it under the Christmas tree, but it’s the heart of the season that he’s found. Nicely illustrated, enjoyable story for readers of all ages. – Jude, Amazon Reviewer

Excerpt

“Oh, when will we get there?” whispered Robert from the backseat of his mother’s car. He fiddled with the pull on his coat. The wipers brushed aside the snow falling on the windshield.

As they arrived, lines of cars streamed in and out of the mall parking lot. Robert peered over his mother’s shoulder and saw her white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel. She huffed as she scanned the parking lot for an empty space. He wiggled around, but his seat belt kept him secure.

Inside the mall, Christmas music and the tinkling of jingle bells tickled Robert’s ears. With his mother, Robert weaved through the crowd of shoppers. He smelled fried food from Burger Mart. The sweet scent of warm chocolate chip cookies from the bakery made his mouth water.

Robert’s shoulders drooped when he saw how many kids waited to see Santa. There were babies, some crying and struggling to get out of their mother’s arms. Little kids, many younger than eight-year-old Robert, clung to their father’s pants or jumped up and down as they waited their turn.

“This is going to take forever!”

Review

This book is the perfect way to teach kindness to young children in a way they can understand.

Robert is like most kids and has big dreams for Christmas gifts. That is until he meets another kid in line that doesn’t want anything except a photo with his brother. That gave me pause to think about how many things I have wanted over the years and it humbles me to think about those that have less than most of us do in life.

Outside of the story, the book is chock full of ideas for projects, crafts, discussion questions, and even history about Christmas in other parts of the world.

The illustrations depict the story well and depending on the age of the reader/listener, could have used a few more.

This book makes a great interactive tool for parents to use with their children to teach them how to be kind and giving, especially during the holidays. Although, we should be kind and give year-round because those in need have the need for assistance throughout the year.

I would recommend this book for readers age 7 and up and for parents to read it to younger children.

We give this book 5 paws up.

About the Author

Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A member of SCBWI, she is blogger and book reviewer. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two daughters. She also has a son who is married.

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