What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that except for the fact that the daily
Christmas is presented as a rather commercial event, the rest
of this story is rather silly, light, and enjoyable. The basic
idea is really nothing new, but it's kind of fun to think
about: What would life be like if every day but one were
Christmas? Would Un-Christmas then become the most wonderful
day of the year?
Families can talk about why Noelle is bored with a Christmas that comes every day. Would kids feel the same way she does? Would they get tired of all the bikes, ponies, and other gifts? Would they miss school? Regular TV shows? Daily mail? Are things more special if they only happen sometimes?
Common Sense Media Review
How many times have most kids wished that every day could be
Christmas? And, how many times have parents responded as
Noelle's mother did: "Oh, I bet you'd get tired of it after a
while." Noelle reacts as any of us would: "I bet I wouldn't,"
she says before she drifts off to sleep.
With a wacky twist, this cute and rather silly story opens up the question of what would happen in a world where every day but one were Christmas. In such a world, tired of celebrating every day, Noelle, a slightly bored but cheery little character, wishes that every day would be "Un-Christmas." Like most of us, she hopes to capture the magic of a special day that comes but once a year.
With its light, funny story coupled with happy little drawings that are colorful, expressive, and bit reminiscent of Dr. Seuss illustrations, this book will make kids laugh at its silliness. At first they may not understand how anyone could be bored with presents, Santa, and feasting; but after a little discussion they'll certainly get the point. And, as the authors suggest, it may make kids think twice about what they wish for.
Mike Reiss and David Catrow collaborated on two earlier Christmas stories with different comic twists: How Murray Saved Christmas and Santa Claustrophobia. They also wrote The Boy Who Looked Like Lincoln.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
