A Small Christmas

by Wong Herbert Yee

Book Overview

It's Christmas Eve, and Fireman Small has had a busy day-he helped Mayor Mole find a Christmas tree, and he decorated it from tip to toe. When he arrives back at Firehouse Nine, all Fireman Small... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0439820413
• ISBN13: 9780439820417
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Scholastic
• Length: 29 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Excellant for children

This is a really nice children's book. It is well written and my nephew enjoyed it.

Fun book

I was pleased with this book and looking forward to sharing it with my granddaughters next Christmas.

Fireman small

Another great firman small book. For a small boy that enjoys fireman saving the day, this is enjoyable.

Good Things Come in Small's Packages

Looking at the small playful pictures here is like entering a child's version of a tiny town made with small pieces of felt. The illustrations are simple but captivating because of the perspective, details, and soft, comforting colors. We see Fireman Small way atop a Christmas tree in a bustling city, two startled pigs in a brick apartment building looking up at him. In front of "ellie's café," an alligator solicits charitable donations, a giraffe and tortoise walk stiffly by, presents in hand, and a parent and child elephant duo buy something hot from a pig warmly dressed for the snow. There are full-page illustrations faced by Yee's rhymes, and by smaller, slightly one-dimensional pictures that help punctuate the story. When Fireman Small finishes his civic duties, he heads back home to firehouse nine. Around midnight, he hears a CRASH! downstairs: "Quickly out of bed he scoots, Jumps into his pants and boots. Ready to go, he slides down the pole, See two legs sticking out of the coal!" It's Santa! After he washes Santa's clothes, Small discovers that the worn out Santa has fallen asleep in his bunk. He faces a dilemma: "What about the good girls and boys? Who will deliver the rest of the toys?" Yee does a wonderful job of presenting the tale matter-of-factly and without condescension. He subtlely illustrates Small's real concern about the toys, and when the reindeer won't let him take the reigns, Fireman Small determinedly takes the wheel of the fire truck. His pictures of nighttime, snow, a darkened house, and the downstairs section of the firehouse are atmospheric, soft, and very imaginatively drawn. Kids will enjoy Small's delivery of the presents to all the neighborhood animals: "At Farmer Pig's farm, he leaves a straw hat, New overalls, and a chew toy for Cat, Beaver's gift is her own Ping-Pong paddle, Rabbit gets a rocking horse and a saddle." The conclusion is happy, with a sly little twist. Yee, veteran of many books for kids, has written a simple yet somehow original story that is precious in the very best sense of that word. His watercolors are soothing, imaginative, and enchanting. This is the fourth Fireman Small book; I'm looking forward to reading more of them.

really cute, fun combination of xmas & firetrucks

what little boy wouldn't love a xmas story that includes a fireman and a firetruck. very cute. nice little rhymes and cute pictures. we love love it.