Book of The Day ~ Believe: Mary...

Book of The Day ~ Believe: Mary Engelbreit's Christmas Treasury

Hello members of Christmas Magic and anyone else who stumbles upon this review.

"Now, the essence, the very spirit of Christmas is that we first make believe a thing is so, and lo, it presently turns out to be so"

Stephen Leacock

One of the hobbies I really enjoy is collecting Christmas books, music, movies, ornaments and decorations. Over the years, I have received many of them as gifts, and a great deal of them have been found in my Christmas stocking like, "Believe" by Mary Engelbreit.

Story

"Believe" is a poem on the left hand pages illustrated with some of Mary Engelbreit's best Christmas posters on the right hand pages. The poem is about how everyone (grumpy old grown-ups too) can celebrate the joy and wonder of the holiday season if they become child-like and the poem ends with these words, "Everyone can be a child at Christmas/All we have to do is just believe!"

Illustrations

Over the years, Mary Engelbreit has created hundreds of images about Christmas to grace her calendar pages, greeting cards, and other items, and at one time or another, I have bought many of them. She brings together some of her best Christmas art for this little book.

These brightly colored pictures are just filled with fun! From the poster of a little boy sledding down a snowy hill, arms outstretched and smile wide, to the drawing of a girl ice skating--drawing the words "Happy Holidays" with her skates, Mary Engelbreit's sense of wonder and imagination fill the pages. It's the little touches like the girl's skirt being decorated with holly leaves and berries that really add to the effect. In addition, most of the pictures have their own title embedded in the picture and they really add to it, like in the picture of Santa dancing a jig in the snow. The following words border Santa's picture, "On Christmas play and make good cheer for Christmas comes but once a year!

Who is the Intended Reader?

Children would really enjoy the story and changing picture aspects. A few big words would keep them from reading it themselves at first. In addition, adults like me who love Christmas would also enjoy "Believe". In fact, this might be the perfect gift for a child who has learned all about Santa and turned their back and become a Bah Humbug!

Final Recommendation

"Believe" is the perfect size to fit into a Christmas stocking (it even comes with a "To/From" box in the front.) and would be appreciated by anybody who loves Christmas, art, or Mary Engelbreit. It is a great companion to "It Never Hurts to Ask"

If you liked this book review, you might like to read some of my other book reviews which you can find by clicking on this link.

2008 © Susan K Barton

Book Description
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (September 1, 1993)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0836246071
ISBN-13: 978-0836246070
Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches