McDuff's Christmas

McDuff

by Rosemary Wells, Susan Jeffers (Illustrator)

When a blizzard comes to town on Christmas Eve, Fred and Lucy are worried that Santa won't be able to make it, and, after everyone goes to bed, McDuff waits patiently for Santa to arrive, making a new friend in the process.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Animals

Hardcover

First published October 2, 2005

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Rosemary Wells is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. She often uses animal characters to address real human issues. Some of her most well-known characters are Max & Ruby and Timothy from Timothy Goes To School (both were later adapted into Canadian-animated preschool television series, the former’s airing on Nickelodeon (part of the Nick Jr. block) and the latter’s as part of PBS Kids on PBS).

Reviews

[Ali Book&Seaglasshunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful little Christmas story! McDuff and his family are home on a snowy Christmas Eve. They worry that the snow will keep Santa from visiting-but a surprise guest is found in their garage and needs help getting unstuck from a snow drift!
McDuff is a cute pup and appealing to children. He doesn’t have a ton of personality or development within the text, which is a little surprising since he’s the title character. Instead of being directly about him or from his perspective as you might expect, it’s more about the family as a whole. I love the vintage setting of the illustrations, which have a mid century feel. The thought of meeting Santa at night and having cookies with him is sure to delight children and could even be a good writing prompt or discussion-what would you do if you found Santa in your garage?

[Allison Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 5 year old daughter picked this out from the library. We read it together and it was so fun. A sweet Christmas story about a family anxiously awaiting Santa's arrival. The illustrations are beautiful and it really feels like you're in a snowstorm with the family.

[Berna S (6.5) L (4) · Rating 5 out of 5]

6.5 year old “I loved it because it was so cute”

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun Christmas tale

[Deidra Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent McDuff book.

[Relyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the art in this book. I love the simple stories, and so do my students. This one is perfect for teaching Kindergarteners to predict.

[Cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

McDuff is a cute little dog that wants to celebrate Christmas with his family.

[Andrés · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely cozy illustrations and a fun, sleepless night with an alert McDuff, and--per the original title--his "new friend." Actually, he has two...

[Rosa Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of the better McDuff books. While the family is getting ready for Christmas Eve night and anticipating Santa's visit they know something is wrong when the cookies haven't been ate and McDuff keeps going to the door but when he is let out he doesn't 'do anything'. But Come to find out Santa is in trouble so the family helps him out and He leaves McDuff a new friend.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually the picture books for the younger kids are boring but not this one. McDuff is adorable and the story rings so true for anyone who has a dog in their house. This is sure to please and the illustrations are bright, cheerful, and wonderful!

[T. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awwwww! This is another wonderful McDuff book. These stories always warm my heart and bring tears of joy to my eyes because I love West Highland White Terriers so much. The illustrations are perfect. The ending was just so sweet! 💜

[Cana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mommy says: Adorable, sweet Christmas tale about a dog named McDuff and the sounds he keeps hearing on Christmas Eve.

[Libbydale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it. Would make an adorable cartoon special. Must find for Christmas bedtime reading!

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes:
we love the pup but not the story
wish these were written better, but illustrations are lovely

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love McDuff! A very cute Christmas tale.

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for first graders

[Laura Madsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Christmas story, cute dog.