Ernest's Special Christmas

A very special Christmas story about friendship. When we feel too old, too tired, friends give the gift of knowing just how special each of us is.

Reviewed by Sophia McElroy (age 5.5) for Reader Views (9/08) This is a good book about Christmas. The drawings are really, really, really good! The saddest part of the book is also the funniest part of the book. Ernest goes to find his friend Chester in the snow and he ends up standing on top of him and Chester yells at him to get off of him. He was covered in snow, so Ernest couldn't see him. My favorite part of the story is when Ernest and all of the barnyard animals and the birds help get Chester out of the storm and back to the barn for Christmas. I really like this book, "Ernest's Special Christmas" by Laura T. Barnes.

Ernest, the miniature donkey, and his friend Chester, a retired draft horse, couldn't be more excited about Christmas. The sky is changing colors, there are wreaths hung around the barn. But when it starts snowing, Ernest and the other barnyard animals head inside, where they will be safe from the cold. However, once inside the barn, Ernest realizes that Chester is nowhere to be seen, and sets out looking for him. He soon finds him lying in the snow, unable to get up. It is now up to Ernest to get the other barnyard animals to help Chester up, so he can find shelter away from the cold. After all, the true meaning of Christmas is giving and helping others. I have been a donkey and horse lover ever since a VERY young age, so I was ecstatic to find ERNEST'S SPECIAL CHRISTMAS, as it combined two of my favorite animals together with my absolute favorite holiday, and created a lovely new children's book that will warm everyone's heart around the holiday. Filled with an adorable adventure story, as well as magnificent illustrations depicting various barnyard animals in their everyday routines, ERNEST'S SPECIAL CHRISTMAS is sure to be a hit. Erika Sorocco Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

Ernest's Special Christmas by Laura T. Barnes is a heartwarming story of friendship between a little donkey and a hardworking draft horse. When snow falls thickly, the old horse finds himself unable to move, the little donkey must get help from his animal friends to ensure that everyone comes safely home. Enhanced with illustrations by Carol A. Camburn, Ernest's Special Christmas is an engaging tale of spirit and compassion, based on real-life events and animals at Barnesyard farm.