Diane Stringam Tolley

A young elf comes to interview Mrs. Rebecca Kringle, the wife of Kris Kringle. As Rebecca tells her story, the young elf learns that things weren't always good for elves. They were treated as lesser citizens and were basically slaves. Things began to change when Kris Kringle came to town to visit family. Disgusted by the treatment of elves, he begins challenging the long-standing beliefs of the people. He also teaches Rebecca that her preconceived notions may not be correct. Kris Kringle's need to help people eventually leads him to utilize his friendship with the elves to bring gifts and comfort to many children. However, this may all be threatened by the cruelty of others, and this leads Kris and his elf friends to make a drastic decision.

If you're looking for heartwarming stories to get you in the Christmas spirit, look no further. This books takes your typical Kris Kringle origin story and expands upon it in some interesting ways. I love that it dealt with loving others and issues of equality. Kris Kringle took these things very seriously, whether it was elf treatment or taking care of families in need. He did all he could to help him fellow beings. Rebecca made for a great partner in crime (even if she was drug into it to begin with). I like the concept of Kris Kringle not just being some jolly old man bringing toys on Christmas, but really being someone who champions the less fortunate and just wants all children to be happy. That is something that I can really get behind.

This is an excellent book, and it is a super quick read. It would be easy to add reading it to the family as a Christmas-time tradition. There are some deep concepts, but they are treated in a way everyone can understand and bound together by faith and belief. If this book doesn't make you want to get out and help everyone you can, I don't know what will. I really loved this book, and I think it will make an excellent addition to your usual Christmas reading.

Book provided for review.… (lisätietoja)

Papa Adam was the best carver in the North Pole. All the other elves envied his skills, but as he got older he lost his eyesight. Now Papa Adam spends his days waiting for them to be over. Nothing seems to have meaning anymore...that is, until one day his young granddaughter comes with a piece of wood. She challenges Papa Adam to carve for her. This one bit of support spurs Papa Adam on to rediscover his love of carving and redefine what he can and cannot do. Soon Papa Adam and his granddaughter are working on a super secret project that may just be the most important thing they've ever carved.

This book was delightful! It is a very simple book and can be enjoyed by younger and older readers alike. You can feel Papa Adam's despair in the beginning, and it is a joy to see his young granddaughter help him learn exactly what he can and cannot do. It also gives a wonderful message. I think many times people who are older or having hard times may see themselves as useless just like Papa Adam. However, this book helps show that everyone has something they can do. It may not always be something as awesome as Papa Adam's carving. Even though his granddaughter learned to carve, I think the biggest ability she had was to be loving and inspiring. She was able to see past Papa Adam's disability, which is a beautiful example we could all follow.

This would be a great book to read with your family as it nears Christmas time. It has just the right amount of story that people will enjoy mixed with a wonderful message fitting for the season. I love books that are able to entertain and bring a great spirit with them, and this one fits the bill perfectly. It will be a great addition to anyone's holiday reading lists!

Galley provided for review.… (lisätietoja)

Carving Angels
By Diane Tolley
Published 9/08/2011
Cedar Fort

RATING: 3.5 stars

Summary: Papa Adam, the North Pole's oldest elf and Santa's former chief carver, has given up. Blind, frail, and feeling useless, he counts the minutes in every day as he waits to die -- until his youngest granddaughter challenges him to carve again. Together they prove that the most beautiful creations can come from the most unlikely sources and with the right love and encouragement, anything is possible.

Review: Carving Angels is a wonderful Christmas story about a little girl who brings encouragement and gives life back to an aging, disabled man.

Amy's Papa Adam feels depressed and useless in his current state. His blindness caused him to leave the only job he believes he was good at as one of Santa's elves and Chief Woodcarver. Now his days are filled with question about what it is that he should do with himself.

Sitting on his porch right one day, his granddaughter Amy brings him a piece of wood and asks him to carve her an angel like he had for the rest of his grandchildren. At first he declines, but with Amy's help, they set out on a covert adventure that makes the countdown to Christmas full of even more anticipation that ever.

This was a cute story. Amy's character seemed a bit matured for only five years old, but I tried to overlook that and just enjoy the story. Part plausible, part fantasy- the blend of the two can only be what we consider the 'magic of Christmas.' Paired with a message of the gift of hope and purpose, Carving Angels is a great addition to your must-read pile during this holiday season.

Recommended.… (lisätietoja)