From: Magnet - Winter 2007 Meet two small children, a homeless boy, a scruffy dog and a handful of adults, all trying to find Christmas. Vicki Howie has spun a simple warm-hearted story to delight and enhance the Christmas season to be enjoyed for all ages. The winter settings and neighbourhood characters have been colourfully captured by Caroline Pedler's illustrations. Surely, one for the Christmas present list! Reviewed by Sheila Simpson From: Home and Family - Winter 2006 This touching tale tells the story of 'Christmas', the small, scruffy dog whose adventure carries the reader away on a journey to realise the true value of Christmas itself. Gorgeously illustrated, this story underlines the beauty of altruism and encourages children not to be governed by prejudices, as well as highlighting the story of the birth of Jesus. The eloquent descriptions paint striking scenery to inspire young readers' vivid imaginations. Reviewed by Jane Butler From: The Church Times - 24 November 2006 This is a wonderful picture book, telling the story of a homeless lad and his lost rescue dog, who is called Christmas. Although it is aimed at young children (three - six years old), Isabella (8) and even Alice (10) were intrigued to know the plight of poor Christmas, who goes missing on Christmas Eve. Two young children help the homeless boy search for his dog. Christmas is not found in the shiny shopping centre or at the gleaming ice rink, but in the church hall on Christmas Eve, where the local homeless have gathered for warmth, food and drink. The nativity scene laid out ion the church hall provides the connection with the birth of Jesus, portraying Mary and Joseph as homeless people, taking shelter in the stable generously provided by the innkeeper. The story ends when the children offer shelter and friendship to the boy, as the search for Christmas is now complete. Reviewed by Sally Fraser, a parent From: Christian Marketplace - October 2006 This time, Christmas is a dog who belongs to a boy who lives on the street. One snowy Christmas Eve he wanders off and gets lost until two children set off to find him. The story reveals that Christmas isn't found in the shops or the town centre but in a church hall, where he is happily enjoying the food and love of the people there. Illustrated by Caroline Pedler, it's a lovely twist on the theme of looking for the real Christmas. This touching tale tells the story of 'Christmas', the small, scruffy dog whose adventure carries the reader away on a journey to realise the true value of Christmas itself. Gorgeously illustrated, this story underlines the beauty of altruism and encourages children not to be governed by prejudices, as well as highlighting the story of the birth of Jesus. The eloquent descriptions paint striking scenery to inspire young readers' vivid imaginations -- Jane Butler Home & Family This is a wonderful picture book, telling the story of a homeless lad and his lost rescue dog, who is called Christmas. Although it is aimed at young children (three - six years old), Isabella (8) and even Alice (10) were intrigued to know the plight of poor Christmas, who goes missing on Christmas Eve. Two young children help the homeless boy search for his dog. Christmas is not found in the shiny shopping centre or at the gleaming ice rink, but in the church hall on Christmas Eve, where the local homeless have gathered for warmth, food and drink. The nativity scene laid out ion the church hall provides the connection with the birth of Jesus, portraying Mary and Joseph as homeless people, taking shelter in the stable generously provided by the innkeeper. The story ends when the children offer shelter and friendship to the boy, as the search for Christmas is now complete. -- Sally Fraser Church Times This time, Christmas is a dog who belongs to a boy who lives on the street. One snowy Christmas Eve he wanders off and gets lost until two children set off to find him. The story reveals that Christmas isn't found in the shops or the town centre but in a church hall, where he is happily enjoying the food and love of the people there. Illustrated by Caroline Pedler, it's a lovely twist on the theme of looking for the real Christmas. Christian Marketplace Magnet - Winter 2007 Meet two small children, a homeless boy, a scruffy dog and a handful of adults, all trying to find Christmas. Vicki Howie has spun a simple warm-hearted story to delight and enhance the Christmas season to be enjoyed for all ages. The winter settings and neighbourhood characters have been colourfully captured by Caroline Pedler's illustrations. Surely, one for the Christmas present list! Reviewed by Sheila Simpson -- Sheila Simpson Magnet
