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Cranberryport
Cranberry Christmas
Old Cyrus Grape doesn't like children. And he insists that the skating pond is 'his.' Mr. Whiskers knows this isn't true, but since he can't prove it, there'll be no skating...not even on Christmas Day! That is...unless cleaning Mr. Whiskers' house uncovers some important information.
This 1976 classic is back for a new generation of Devlin fans to enjoy, with Maggie's favorite cranberry cookie recipe on the back.
This 1976 classic is back for a new generation of Devlin fans to enjoy, with Maggie's favorite cranberry cookie recipe on the back.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1976
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 22, 2018
Wende Devlin knows how to write a holiday story that’s different. This has a Christmas theme to it, but it’s more about ice skating and Mr. Whiskers having to figure out if he owns the skating pond or not. Can he save the skating?
Mr. Whiskers sister is also trying to force him to move to the city with her and so he has to clean his house and prove he can take care of himself. All with Christmas in the middle. This isn’t overly sweet and by today’s standards not very Christmas-y. Still, it’s a lovely story with the message about taking care of yourself and being able to stand up for yourself.
The Niece gave this 4 stars and the nephew gave this 3 stars. His sister has been trying to coerce him into skating and he doesn’t want to, so this book about skating wasn’t his favorite.
Mr. Whiskers sister is also trying to force him to move to the city with her and so he has to clean his house and prove he can take care of himself. All with Christmas in the middle. This isn’t overly sweet and by today’s standards not very Christmas-y. Still, it’s a lovely story with the message about taking care of yourself and being able to stand up for yourself.
The Niece gave this 4 stars and the nephew gave this 3 stars. His sister has been trying to coerce him into skating and he doesn’t want to, so this book about skating wasn’t his favorite.
January 7, 2021
Mr. Whiskers and his friends in Cranberryport return in this follow-up to Wende and Harry Devlin's
Cranberry Thanksgiving
, this time confronting the Christmas holidays. Grandmother and Maggie help Mr. Whiskers to clean up his home in time for his somewhat bossy sister's visit, and in the process they discover an old document that proves, once and for all, who owns the local pond. It's good news for the children in Cranberryport, who like to skate with kindly Mr. Whiskers on the ice...
Originally published in 1976, Cranberry Christmas was the second of the Devlin's fifteen-volume picture-book series set in this quaint old New England town, located on the edge of a cranberry bog. Like its predecessor, it pairs an entertaining tale with charming, vintage illustrations. I enjoyed visiting with these characters again - although the second title in the series, this is the fourth I have read - and continue to find Mr. Whiskers, in particular, an amusing and appealing character. Suffering Codfish, as that gentleman would say - I need to track down more of these books!
Originally published in 1976, Cranberry Christmas was the second of the Devlin's fifteen-volume picture-book series set in this quaint old New England town, located on the edge of a cranberry bog. Like its predecessor, it pairs an entertaining tale with charming, vintage illustrations. I enjoyed visiting with these characters again - although the second title in the series, this is the fourth I have read - and continue to find Mr. Whiskers, in particular, an amusing and appealing character. Suffering Codfish, as that gentleman would say - I need to track down more of these books!
December 12, 2021
It's looking to be a miserable holiday for Mr. Whiskers. His sister is threatening to make him move in with her, and his new neighbor claims Mr. Whiskers' pond now belongs to him. Can Grandmother and Maggie help make things right?
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March 16, 2009My mom was addicted to these books when I was a kid, and read them all to us frequently. they're cute, and if I remember correctly, always have a cranberry recipe at the end of the book.
I want to reread these sometime.
I want to reread these sometime.
December 26, 2024
A fun little Christmas mystery that is charmingly illustrated and perfect to read right before (or on!) Christmas!
My mom read Cranberry Thanksgiving to me and my little sister almost annually during my childhood and I have such lovely memories of those times ❤️
While my children were young, I realized that there were more book in this series and I read them this one every year like my mom did for me. It's just a cozy and silly story that's perfect for a child's sense of humor.
It's been a treat to re-read this book the past couple of years on my own, but I do miss reading them to my two children (now both adults). I heartily recommend this light and nostalgic Christmas book!
My mom read Cranberry Thanksgiving to me and my little sister almost annually during my childhood and I have such lovely memories of those times ❤️
While my children were young, I realized that there were more book in this series and I read them this one every year like my mom did for me. It's just a cozy and silly story that's perfect for a child's sense of humor.
It's been a treat to re-read this book the past couple of years on my own, but I do miss reading them to my two children (now both adults). I heartily recommend this light and nostalgic Christmas book!
December 12, 2018
Another great addition to the Cranberry Thanksgiving Series! The boys really enjoyed it.
July 18, 2025
There is nothing cuter than Mr. Whiskers on ice skates. Convince me otherwise. ❤️
Here’s yet another endearing Cranberryport story of neighbors pitching in when a need is felt. And down with that nasty ol’ Cyrus Grape! What a crab!
Here’s yet another endearing Cranberryport story of neighbors pitching in when a need is felt. And down with that nasty ol’ Cyrus Grape! What a crab!
January 4, 2011
Adorable children's book, I loved this when I was a kid and re-read it this Christmas. Beautiful line drawings and a nice story.
April 28, 2021
3.5 stars
Mr. Whiskers, Maggie and Grandmother are back in this holiday sequel to 'Cranberry Thanksgiving'. This time, Mr. Whiskers takes centre stage. His winter plans revolve around the skating pond and teaching the local children how to 'twirl and do figure eights'. There is a new baddie on the scene, though - old Cyrus Grape. Grumpy old Grape claims that the skating pond is on his land boundary, and Mr Whiskers can't prove it's not the case. A secondary problem in the form of Mr Whiskers' bossy sister also presents it(her)self.
The plot problem resolves rather ingeniously and I think that children will thoroughly enjoy seeing Mr Whiskers best the authority figures in his life.
Gorgeous illustrations with expressive faces and primary colour appeal. This book was published in 1976 but it feels more like the 1950s to me.
Thanks so much to Gina House for the gift of this book!
Note: the cranberry bread recipe in 'Cranberry Thanksgiving' was excellent but I haven't had time to try out the cranberry cookies mentioned in this story. The recipe for them is printed on the back cover - a nice touch!
Mr. Whiskers, Maggie and Grandmother are back in this holiday sequel to 'Cranberry Thanksgiving'. This time, Mr. Whiskers takes centre stage. His winter plans revolve around the skating pond and teaching the local children how to 'twirl and do figure eights'. There is a new baddie on the scene, though - old Cyrus Grape. Grumpy old Grape claims that the skating pond is on his land boundary, and Mr Whiskers can't prove it's not the case. A secondary problem in the form of Mr Whiskers' bossy sister also presents it(her)self.
The plot problem resolves rather ingeniously and I think that children will thoroughly enjoy seeing Mr Whiskers best the authority figures in his life.
Gorgeous illustrations with expressive faces and primary colour appeal. This book was published in 1976 but it feels more like the 1950s to me.
Thanks so much to Gina House for the gift of this book!
Note: the cranberry bread recipe in 'Cranberry Thanksgiving' was excellent but I haven't had time to try out the cranberry cookies mentioned in this story. The recipe for them is printed on the back cover - a nice touch!
January 8, 2021
This is a cute Christmas story that I read to my children many times over the years and hope my g'littles will enjoy. Mr. Whiskers loves his pond and the children.....but who really owns the pond? This is an engaging story about Mr. Whiskers and another curmudgeon. It is a fun read!
December 29, 2020
This was another cute installment in the Cranberry series. Not quite as good as Thanksgiving though.
December 8, 2018
What a delightful book!
December 15, 2021
This is another entertaining story in the Cranberryport series by Wende Devlin and Harry Devlin.
This series is very charming and features a cantankerous character named Mr. Whiskers who is hilarious. We've read many books in this series, mainly around the associated season or holiday. The illustrations are old fashioned and have a nice New England theme.
This is a great book to read for Christmas and I thought it was sweet that Grandmother and Maggie helped Mr. Whiskers fend off his sister. I also loved that Mr. Whiskers had a special Christmas surprise for the children of Cranberryport.
We enjoyed reading this book together, and the recipe for the Cranberry cookies is included in the back of the book (I've also copied it below.)
Maggie's Favorite Cranberry Cookies
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, stemmed and chopped
1 cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Measure flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl; stir with a fork to mix.
Cream butter and sugars in a large bowl until fluffy; beat in egg, milk, and lemon juice. Stir in flour mixture, a little at a time, until well blended; stir in cranberries and walnuts. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls, about 1 inch apart, onto greased cookie sheets.
Bake 15 minutes, or until firm and golden. Remove from cookie sheets to wire racks; cool.
Yield: about 8 dozen cookies.
This series is very charming and features a cantankerous character named Mr. Whiskers who is hilarious. We've read many books in this series, mainly around the associated season or holiday. The illustrations are old fashioned and have a nice New England theme.
This is a great book to read for Christmas and I thought it was sweet that Grandmother and Maggie helped Mr. Whiskers fend off his sister. I also loved that Mr. Whiskers had a special Christmas surprise for the children of Cranberryport.
We enjoyed reading this book together, and the recipe for the Cranberry cookies is included in the back of the book (I've also copied it below.)
Maggie's Favorite Cranberry Cookies
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, stemmed and chopped
1 cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Measure flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl; stir with a fork to mix.
Cream butter and sugars in a large bowl until fluffy; beat in egg, milk, and lemon juice. Stir in flour mixture, a little at a time, until well blended; stir in cranberries and walnuts. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls, about 1 inch apart, onto greased cookie sheets.
Bake 15 minutes, or until firm and golden. Remove from cookie sheets to wire racks; cool.
Yield: about 8 dozen cookies.
November 10, 2015
Continuing with Wende and Harry Devlin's Cranberry books, Cranberry Christmas is their Christmas tale. Mr. Grape buys the house next door to Mr. Whiskers and claims the pond that Mr. Whiskers and the children ice skate on is on his land. Mr. Grape doesn't like children and every time Mr. Whiskers and the children skate on the pond, Mr. Grape orders them off. Mr. Whiskers believes the pond is his but has no way to prove it. On top of that, Mr. Whiskers receives a letter from his sister, Sarah, who thinks he can't manage on his own and is coming for Christmas and after the holidays she wants him to move back to the city with her. Enjoy the fun as Maggie and Grandmother help Mr. Whiskers show he can take care of himself. And what about the pond? Read the book to find out how Mr. Whiskers solves that problem. As always, another good Cranberry story along with a recipe for Maggie's Favorite Cranberry Cookies at the end. JM (Utica)
December 30, 2019
While I have just discovered this series (thanks to my daughter-in-law), this book has been around for awhile. My granddaughter's wish list included Cranberry Thanksgiving which was out of stock, so I ordered this one while we wait. Cranberry Cove is a wonderful setting for a series of books, the characters are lovely people who help each other (with the exception of the old grouch), and children will love them as well as the story. Nice addition to my Christmas picture book collection!
Maggie, Grandmother, and Mr. Whiskers have become some of my favorite kids' book characters. They are fun, cranky, loving, sharing, infuriating...you know, kind of like a family.
Maggie, Grandmother, and Mr. Whiskers have become some of my favorite kids' book characters. They are fun, cranky, loving, sharing, infuriating...you know, kind of like a family.
December 27, 2013
Mr. Whiskers saves the day to prove to Cyrus Grape that he does NOT own the pond that all the children love to skate on! We purchased Cranberry Thanksgiving last year for our boys and made the cranberry bread recipe in the back. We hope to do the same next week with the cranberry cookie recipe found in this book. I remember reading these books when I was little, so I definitely wanted to share them with my boys.
December 21, 2024
This has the 'Christmas flavor,' but the tale itself pivots around the ownership of a pond and two older gents, one of whom might be Scrooge's brother. This definitely is not a usual Christmas tale (except that all ends well).
I'm not surprised that we liked this book since it's by the author of How Fletcher Was Hatched.
I'm not surprised that we liked this book since it's by the author of How Fletcher Was Hatched.
January 6, 2015
Cyrus Grape moves next door to Mr. Whiskers and says he owns the skating pond and refuses to let anyone skate on it. Meanwhile Mr. Whisker's sister wants him to move in with her in the city because she thinks he can't take care of himself. What is Mr. Whisker's going to do?
March 7, 2022
Such a sweet, imaginative, simple story. I'm particularly fond of Mr. Whiskers- this is one childhood book I've remembered well and hung onto.
July 10, 2008
One of my favorite books from when I was little. I wanted to live in Cranberryport.
September 4, 2008
I love this book. I have read this cute book many time to the children through the years. The story takes place in Cranberryport. You'll meet Mr. Whiskers who is an old sea captain.
January 1, 2019
This was one of my favorite books when I was a girl. I have got to get a copy of this! *UPDATE - I did find a copy of this! Still love it! ❤
April 8, 2012
This is one of my all time favorite books. My mom read it to my brother and I when we were younger and ever since then it's become our tradition to read it on Christmas eve.
April 23, 2012
A used children's book I bought at the Festival of Books 2012. The story is simple and sweet. There are other Cranberry books. I hope they are as cute as this one!
December 2, 2013
4 1/2 stars. This is one of the few new pictures books we'll add to our Christmas collection this year. I have a soft spot in my heart for the entire Cranberry series by the Devlins.
December 23, 2013
Love the Cranberry books!
December 10, 2015
A heartwarming story. And now our new family phrase is "suffering codfish"!
July 1, 2017
One of the better Cranberryport books. My daughter especially loved the painted shell decorations.
November 5, 2021
In a very short time and space, the Devlins make Mr. Whiskers a person dear to us. Interesting, unusual Christmas story and good triumphs over grumpy.
December 30, 2020
I grew up on Cranberry Thanksgiving and didn't realize until this year that the Devlins created a ton of other Cranberry Holiday books as well. I picked up this and Cranberry Halloween to check out and if I like them both I'll move on to Valentine's Day, Easter, etc. I love the Devlins' work, but I think I'll probably not work hard to track down Cranberry Trip to the Dentist and Cranberry First Day of School. We'll see.
Anyway, Cranberry Christmas is good, if not especially Christmas-focused. There are some lovely descriptions of Christmas decorations and food, but most of the story revolves around more general themes about ownership of a skating pond and Mr Whiskers' ability to live alone. Cute enough, but I love how Cranberry Thanksgiving is actually about Thanksgiving Dinner and I wish that Christmas was more closely tied to its holiday.
Also, the punchline ending is exactly the same in both books, which is maybe supposed to be a recurring gag, but I feel like repeating it diminishes both. Lovely to spend more time with these characters and in the Devlins' world though.
Anyway, Cranberry Christmas is good, if not especially Christmas-focused. There are some lovely descriptions of Christmas decorations and food, but most of the story revolves around more general themes about ownership of a skating pond and Mr Whiskers' ability to live alone. Cute enough, but I love how Cranberry Thanksgiving is actually about Thanksgiving Dinner and I wish that Christmas was more closely tied to its holiday.
Also, the punchline ending is exactly the same in both books, which is maybe supposed to be a recurring gag, but I feel like repeating it diminishes both. Lovely to spend more time with these characters and in the Devlins' world though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews