And Then Comes Christmas

January 1, 2015
In Brenner's inviting story, chilly weather, holiday decorations, delicious baked goods, and all the other trappings of Christmas act as guideposts for a brother and sister as they eagerly await Christmas morning. Soft-focus digital illustrations in vibrant hues reflect the season's coziness and industry. Those looking for an accessible book about secular celebration of Christmas will enjoy this warm-hearted offering.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

October 1, 2014

K-Gr 2-Brenner follows And Then Comes Halloween (Candlewick, 2009) with this countdown to Christmas. Starting with the last gasps of fall, "When frost glistens on the pastures and fence posts, and icy grass crunches underfoot, and dark clouds sit low on the horizon...," a rural family prepares for the holidays with all the traditional trappings, from sledding, hanging wreaths, and performing in the school pageant, to the after-presents breakfast. As with his previous work, Brenner frames the story through a repeated pattern of "When..." and "Then..." statements full of poetic, Norman Rockwell-like descriptions of the weather, activities, and delicious moments. He lets the anticipation build and then delivers with a satisfying page turn. The text is matched with Christy's cheery, hazy illustrations, focusing on the family's curly haired girl and her towheaded little brother. Fans of the previous book, and those libraries with high demand for Christmas fare, won't be disappointed.-Brooke Sheets, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2014
A Caucasian family with two young children prepares for Christmas in this captivating look at the anticipation and activities during the countdown to the holiday. The second entry in a series, following And Then Comes Halloween (2009), this story follows the same textual structure, using a "when" / "then" format. Each new stage of holiday preparation begins with a sentence setting up the new scene. For example, "WHEN elves and reindeer appear in stores, and small trains race through toy villages, and piles of presents nestle in cotton drifts...." A corresponding action is then taken by the children in the family; in this case, they "THEN hop from foot to foot, waiting to sit on Santa's knee." The text is filled with rich vocabulary and sensory details, evocatively describing the sights, sounds and smells of the season. The joyous illustrations in jewel-bright tones appear to be watercolors, but they are actually digitally produced. They create a misty, dreamy atmosphere with blurred edges, glowing illumination and an overall impressionistic tone that will appeal to both children and adults. The final page shows the contented, loving family having a cozy Christmas morning breakfast together as they "bask in the magic of Christmas." WHEN families find an endearing Christmas story (such as this one), THEN they will enjoy reading it over and over. (Picture book. 3-7)

COPYRIGHT(2014) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 1, 2014
In Brenner's inviting story chilly weather, holiday decorations, delicious baked goods, and all the other trappings of Christmas act as guideposts for a brother and sister as they eagerly await Christmas morning. "When frost glistens on pastures and fence posts and icy grass crunches underfootThen fill the windows with paper snowflakes and frame the house with colored lights." Soft-focus digital illustrations in vibrant hues reflect the season's coziness and industry. Those looking for an accessible book about secular celebration of Christmas will enjoy this warm-hearted offering. sara danver

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

September 15, 2014
Returning to the sequential narrative style of And Then Comes Halloween, Brenner alternates between sentences beginning with “When” and those starting with “Then,” lyrically evoking a shift in seasons: “When the days barely start and they’re over again, and red berries blaze against green shrubs, and bare branches rake across the sky... Then hang boughs of fir or spruce or pine, dotted with cones and bits of holly, welcoming winter.” The text describes holiday traditions generally, while Christy’s (A Year with Friends) digital art—suggestive of watercolors scribbled over with crayon and pencil—personalizes the story, showing two siblings visiting a department store Santa, selecting and decorating a Christmas tree with their parents, and making and wrapping homemade presents. The contrast between the cool palette of snowy outdoor scenes and cozy interior settings is as pleasing as this family’s palpable affection. Ages 4–8. Illustrator’s agency: Shannon Associates.