BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: The All-I’ll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll by Patricia G McKissack

TITLE: The All-I’ll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll

AUTHOR: Patricia G. McKissack

ILLUSTRATOR: Jerry Pinkney

PUBLISHER:  Schwartz & Wade Books, 2007

SYNOPSIS:

Christmas always comes to Nella’s house, but Santa Claus brings gifts only once in a while. That’s because it’s the Depression and Nella’s family is poor. Even so, Nella’s hoping that this year she and her two sisters will get a beautiful Baby Betty doll.

On Christmas morning, the girls are beside themselves with excitement! There is Baby Betty, in all her eyelash-fluttering magnificence. “Mine!” Nella shouts, and claims the doll for herself. But soon she discovers that Baby Betty isn’t nearly as much fun as her sisters. Would it be more fun to share this very best gift with them after all?

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK :  I love reading historical fiction picture books. I can close my eyes and almost see or taste what it was like back then. In THE ALL-I’LL-EVER-WANT CHRISTMAS DOLL, beautifully realistic illustrations enrich Patricia G. McKissack’s A great tale of one family’s struggle to celebrate Christmas during the Depression in a small town down south. Will one little girl enjoy making new Christmas memories all by herself or is sharing her gift with family more important? Families will relate to this young girl’s struggle as well as the lessons learned about the bond between sisters. A great addition to any library!

RATING: *****5 Stars*****

RATING SYSTEM:

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like, but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story will appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

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Jack is afraid of the THING in the closet. Monty is afraid of the LUMP in the bed. One day boy and monster both decide they no longer want to fear what hides in the dark. Both have a plan, but will be surprised by what they discover after A BUMP IN THE NIGHT.

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

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Donna L

Hybrid award winning author; aspiring sketch artist; and 4th Degree Senior Certified Taekwondo Instructor. Host of BOOK NOOK REVIEWS. Member of SCBWI. Mom to fabulous son and adventurer delving into the tricky world of indie-publishing.

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