Queen of Christmas

This is something to be cherished year after year. I will love it forever!

Young Ann Estelle aka the Queen of Christmas, began working on her Christmas list right after Christmas last year. While it may seem strange to begin wishing for new gifts right after you received a batch of splendid ones, Ann Estelle felt that it was essential to begin marking down the items she wanted the most. Now, one year later, Ann Estelle's list has grown to an amazing length, containing small items like a red skating outfit - with sparkles - all the way to large items, such as a pony. Now, as the Christmas celebrations have begun taking place, the Queen of Christmas realizes that there is much to do. From baking cookies, to sledding, to trimming the tree. With so much of her time taken up by festivities, Ann Estelle almost doesn't finish her list in time. But the Queen of Christmas knows just how Santa works - he'll bring her something great no matter what, even if it's not on her list. Mary Engelbreit's illustrations have captured hearts around the world, but now her precocious alter ego, Ann Estelle, has the power to capture audiences with her oft-times zany, and spoiled-like musings on the world, and the holidays in general. Ann Estelle is like the world-renowned ELOISE, sans the Plaza Hotel. Her thoughts regarding the holidays, and presents, are hilarious, and mesh quite well with how young children think - that Santa will bring them anything and everything on their list, no matter how out there their requests are. Mary Engelbreit has done a marvelous job giving an enjoyable voice to Ann Estelle, while her illustrations depicting the Queen of Christmas participating in all things festive - from skating to sledding, and baking to feasting - bring the holiday tale to life, and close it with a moral that will leave every parent in smiles. Engelbreit and Ann Estelle team up to make your spirits bright this holiday season! Erika Sorocco

If you like Mary Engelbreit, you will like this book. Even if you are not a big fan, The Queen of Christmas is a very sweet book for children of all ages. Mary's illustrations are as bright and happy as ever and she is even a decent writer. The story follows Ann Estelle through the last few days before Christmas as she adds new things to her Christmas wish list everyday. In the end she realizes that the presents were not what made Christmas so special. This book also has the added bonus of sevel pages of Ann Estelle paper dolls. I gave this book to my 2 1/2 year old daughter and she loves it.