It's a Wonderful Life for Kids!

I picked this book up expecting it to be a children's version of the classic movie by Frank Capra, but what I found was a magicall storyn for any age. Truly an inspiration. Everyone should pick this book up.

Tommy Bailey has always been a regular do-gooder. Since he was a young boy, he has intervened in many people's lives - not just his family's - and helped to create a wonderful, loving environment for the people surrounding him. From playing matchmaker for two senior citizens in his cozy town, to stopping a fire before it began. Now, at age 11, Tommy is still determined to do things to help those around him, and is currently working to raise money for the library fund. However, when Tommy becomes distracted at school, and misplaces the envelope of money that his sixth-grade class has collected, he realizes his mistake, and feels desperate. He just knows that everyone will accuse him of stealing the money, or be angry with him for forgetting to turn it in to the Principal's office like he was supposed to. So he does something drastic. Turning on his heel, Tommy quickly races to the town bridge, and begins wishing for something terrible...to have never been born. The fact that it is so close to the holidays, and that Tommy has a reputation for being a caring young boy, an angel who has yet to receive his wings magically appears, and takes Tommy on a journey through the past to show him just how many lives he has touched over the years; then shows him the devastation that would have ensued had he not intervened so many times. Tommy is then given the chance to make good on his mistake, and return to the family who loves him so dearly. As someone who has yet to see the film IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, I truly had no idea of what to expect when I picked up Jimmy Hawkins' holiday effort. The only thing that was clear was the fact that the illustrations by Douglas B. Jones (which are quite reminiscent of something you would find in a newspaper, or copy of THE NEW YORKER) were spectacular. However, upon turning the pages, I was pleasantly surprised with a magical, holiday tale that brought the true meaning of Christmas to life, while embracing a piece of Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL, by presenting Tommy with a flashback of his life. The tale is tightly woven, and features marvelously illustrated pictures that coincide with each word. Young readers will adore the colorful pages; while even parents and grandparents will appreciate the message of family that is conveyed on each and every page. A holiday book that bridges the gap, and will be passed down from generation to generation. Erika Sorocco

THERE SHOULD BE MORE BOOKS LIKE THIS. IT BRINGS BACK THE VALUES OF YESTERDAY WHICH WE HAVE LOST SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY. THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED BOOK WITH A WONDERFUL MESSAGE THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN. THE PRINTING COST HAVE TO BE MUCH MORE THAN THE SALE PRICE! I BOUGHT THIS AS A GIFT FOR MY GRANDCHILD BUT AFTER SEEING THE BOOK I ORDERED ANOTHER SO I COULD KEEP ONE IN GOOD CONDITION. THIS WILL SURELY BE A COLLECTORS ITEM IN THE FUTURE.