December

by Eve Bunting

Book Overview

Simon and his mom don't have much--the cardboard house they built for themselves, a tiny Christmas tree, and a picture of an angel from a calendar pinned to one wall. The angel's name is December.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0152014349
• ISBN13: 9780152014346
• Release Date: October 1997
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.2" x 11.6"
• Age Range: 4 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

Angel in the Alley

December is a remarkable book -- it manages to connect homelessness to the realm of miracles and the mystery of Christmas. As a reading teacher, I've had the pleasure of meeting Eve Bunting and sharing her stories with hundreds of children. The younger set don't always understand the implications of the old lady who visits on Christmas Eve, but they are deeply touched by the generosity of a mother and child who are willing to share a cookie, a precious coat and the box over their head. The story has something of the aura of O'Henry's Gift of the Magi. December is a pleasure to read and a treasure to share.

Beautiful Picture Book for Both Kids and Adults

Eve Bunting has teamed up again with David Diaz (illustrator) to create what will surely become a holiday classic. Is the feeble old lady who visits the mother and her son who live in a cardboard box really an angel? This story conveys, in an understated yet very accessible manner, the importance of finding spiritual meaning in the most humble of human experiences. This is a wonderful message of hope and the importance of recognizing, and extending ourselves to, those in need.

A book worthy of ANY personal library

The story is to the point and sends subte messages - no preaching about the Season of Giving here. Diaz' art helps to convey the realities of living on the street without being too harsh, and his artwork of the angel is incredible. I'd say this is a must-read for parents, children, and angel lovers alike.

The best Christmas book I've ever read!

This truly is a great book to read to children during the holidays! I found it to be a great way to share the message of giving with kids. Lots of message in a small, wonderfully beautiful book.

Incredible Message!

My son was given this book from a good friend last Christmas because she is a huge fan of illustrator David Diaz. Not only are the illustrations illuminating, but the powerful message of this book really makes you think. My 6 year-old son asks me to read it to him over and over (even times other than Christmas!).