Truffle's Christmas

This is a really sweet book. The writing is sharp, with a few little jokes for the grown-ups thrown in. The illustrations are wonderful and the story is well paced with a happy ending. My boys are 6 and 9 and they still like it. A Christmas classic, in our house.

This is a wonderful holiday book. The artwork is so warm and beautiful, and the story is so simple- perfect for your youngest children. I read it to my three-year-old, and every time she is breathless when the scary night animals come out and hover over a sleeping Truffle, who is alone in the dark outside waiting for Santa. And when he is awakened by a snuffling reindeer, and shouts, "Eeek!", she giggles every time. The magical ending is a treat too, my little one and I enjoy this book at any time of the year.

Truffle is a little mouse who is undecided on the Christmas gift he most desires: a hula hoop or a blanket that will cover all the little mousekins. After hurriedly writing his letter to Santa, he goes to bed only to realize that he really wants a blanket so none of the poor mice children will get cold at night. He leaves his safe home to watch for Santa to correct his request. Braving the severe cold weather and dangerous predators, he waits outside for Santa, only to fall asleep. This story is so beautiful-- I cannot imagine why is was not reviewed by School Library Journal, Booklist, Publishers Weekly or Horn Book! The love and care Truffles feels for his siblings is a wonderful model for children, and the wonder of Christmas Day when gifts so desperately wished for, appear. Buy this book to give to your little ones or add to your collection at your library!

All the mice have finished their letters to Santa except for Truffle who wonders what he should ask for. Finally Truffle decides - only to worry during the night that he's made the wrong decision. He decides to amend his request personally - but Santa doesn't come. A gentle, fun story.