Although good with numbers, young Edward struggles with his reading in this delightful Christmas picture book from author/illustrator David McPhail. His teacher suggests special testing, but Edward's mother insists that what is needed is patience. Then one Christmas Eve night, when Santa Claus accidentally leaves his book behind at Edward's house—the book containing the names, addresses and presents intended for each child on Santa's list—it falls to our young reluctant reader to overcome the obstacles before him, and to help the magical gift giver out, learning that he can indeed read in the process...

The first of three picture books from McPhail to feature young Edward—subsequent titles are Edward and the Pirates and Edward in the Jungle—Santa's Book of Names is the second I have read, as I happened to pick up Edward and the Pirates a few years ago, not realizing it was part of a larger series. In any case, having enjoyed the subsequent book so much, I decided to seek out this earlier adventure, and I am not sorry to have done so. While the later book featured Edward's love of stories and of books, this initial tale chronicles how Edward first came to read. I appreciated the fact that while Santa's official present for Edward is a book, the true gift he gives is an appreciation for reading itself. The artwork here is lovely, making excellent use of color and light to create some enchanting vistas. My favorite of the lot, visually speaking, was the two-page spread in which Santa and Edward fly through the city, navigating between towering skyscrapers. Recommended to young children who are struggling with their own reading, as well as to all picture book audiences which appreciate magical Santa stories. ( )

This lovely story is of a boy who not only helps santa out, but learns to have faith in his reading abilities at the same time. The illustrations are a bit old fashioned but they are lovely.
#Wintergames #teamreadnosereindeer +26 ( )

42 months - a nice holiday book that was very timely for my 3 1/2 year old who is learning to read. I think people read too much into the Mother denying testing when the teacher sends home a note. Kids are ready to read at different ages some not until they are 7-8 years. My child has been verbal and into books and reading since birth, it seems, but she's slower with manual dexterity things. I on the other hand struggled for years with reading yet I eventually got it and was an honors student in high school and finished a Master's degree. Maybe the Mother just understands her child's strengths and knows that he may take a bit longer to catch on to reading. Sometimes it just requires someone or something special to motivate an early reader and some Christmas Magic might be what's needed.

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Santa needs a little help reading his book of names and gifts. Edward has trouble reading. Can he help Santa? Ages 5-10. ( )

One of my favorite stories to read to students. Teachers who listen often shed a little tear. I love David McPhail's books and this is one of his great ones.