I Can't Wait Until Christmas

We posted a 5-star review for The Monster at the end of this Book earlier this year. It remains one of our favorite bedtime stories and reason enough never to discount a Little Golden Book as simple for young readers. I Can't Wait Until Christmas stars Big Bird, who is impatiently waiting for Christmas. Under the guidance of his Granny Bird, he keeps himself busy getting ready for the holiday. There are guest appearances from Sesame Street regulars like Bert & Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, Snuffy, Cookie Monster and Maria (Sonia Manzano). I liked the story because the Sesame Street friends enjoy many of the same holiday activities our family shares.

ISBN 0307004562 - I've suddenly run into a trend of Christmas books that begin with Thanksgiving and I'm not sure I like that - Christmas is growing bigger all the time! But this isn't a new thing, because the copyright on this book is 1989. As they finish Thanksgiving dinner, Big Bird tells his grandmother that he can hardly wait for Christmas. Four weeks is so long! She tells him about the gift she most treasured and, when he returns home, Big Bird gets Maria to help him build a birdhouse just like the one she described. Each week, Big Bird asks how much longer it is until Christmas and each week he repeats that he can hardly wait. He fills his time by following his grandmother's suggestions to visit Santa, decorate a tree and other holiday preparations. When the big day finally arrives, Big Bird gets everything he wants, beginning with a visit from Grandmother! Author Linda Lee Maifair has done a super job of tapping into the "are we there yet?" way that little children look forward to Christmas. There isn't a child in the world who celebrates Christmas who can't relate to Big Bird's excitement. There's no religious aspect to this tale, which will appeal to some and appall others. Colorful, attractive illustrations by Joe Ewers adds another layer of fun - gifts can be identified despite being wrapped, which is probably every kid's dream; the hunt for a tree with Big Bird's friends is silly and the decorating is funny... Sesame Street, Golden Books and Christmas - what a trio! - AnnaLovesBooks