Great Joy

Thank you, Kate, for another wonderful story. You always so deftly and gently capture the confusion, sadness and mystery of human existence and the joy that comes when we reach out and move out of isolation on this crazy journey in child size way that is also a so perfect for grownups too.

This is a beautiful and sensitive Christmas picture book that is not about snowmen or reindeer or Santa Claus. It gets to the heart of Christmas with a few lines of story and beautiful illustrations of a simpler time in our history on each page. Without being preachy, it preaches a clear message that Christmas is about caring and welcoming the stranger into our lives. Adults may love it even more than children do.

This is a truly lovely story with a beautiful lesson. The illustrations are excellent and there are so many things a teacher can discuss about this book with their students. I read it in the library and can't wait to get a copy of my own. I did feel that the plot was rushed and was surprised when I turned the page and found the story had ended.

This is a truly moving book. It brought tears to my eyes. The girl's love and concern for a man that no one else cares for are a great lesson for all kids (and their parents!)

Having known sensitive children like the young girl in this story, I feel the author and the illustrator together have perfectly captured the concerns and the emotions of the young girl. It is masterful how the author built to the burst of "GREAT JOY" through the preceding pages of the young girl's questions, clearly stated feelings and actions in contrast to the "rush" of her mother. I look forward to sharing this with special young children in my life as the holiday season approaches.