The Lollipop Monster's Christmas

by Eric T. Krackow, Heather M. Krackow (With)

Larry's favorite time of the year has arrived. He races around his home trying to make everything perfect before his friends arrive for Christmas morning. During the celebration, he discovers a lonely monster named Walter, who is very sad. Larry asks him why he is sad and Walter explains that Christmas is a difficult time of the year because he is always alone and has no family. Larry invites him to spend the holiday with him and his friends. Walter shyly accepts the invitation and follows Larry back to his home. Walter is welcomed by Larry's friends and ends up having the most merry Christmas ever!

Genres: Childrens

64 pages, Hardcover

First published September 28, 2014

Reviews

[A Reader's Heaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Larry the Lollipop Monster loves Christmas. He wakes in the morning and busily prepares for the arrival of his friends with food, drink and Christmas music. When they arrive the celebrate together and, at one point, Larry goes outside to get more wood for the fire. He notices smoke coming from the forest and decides to take a look. He meets Walter, a very lonely monster who tells Larry that he is always alone at Christmas as he has no family or friends to share it with. So Larry takes him to his place to share Christmas with him and his friends...

It's that time of the year again and the Christmas books are starting to appear. Children's books are usually brimming with the spirit of Christmas and The Lollipop Monster's Christmas is no exception.

The best part about this book were the fun illustrations - lots of different monsters with bright colours to appeal to the younger readers. The ratio between text and picture was about right, too. For a 64 page book, some younger children might struggle to sit through a lot of text but this book has maybe a paragraph on the page with allows the reader to take in the great artwork.

The story itself is well presented. The idea that the meaning of Christmas being about family, friends and sharing time with those you love is a nice sentiment and it is executed well in this book.

This would be a great read-together book for parents or teachers with kids, or as a early real-alone book for kids.

Recommended!


Paul
ARH

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the wonderful wintry land of Monstoria, Larry the Lollipop monster gets up early on Christmas morning to celebrate the festive season with his friends. What happens when he meets Larry, a lonely monster who has never celebrated Christmas and doesn’t understand the true meaning of Christmas is what the story is all about. This is a story to help get the message that it isn’t the food, presents or decorations that are key to Christmas but being with family and friends. It is delightfully told with lovely illustrations throughout that will enhance the enjoyment of readers. So, if you’re looking for a scary monster story, this isn’t the book for you. However, if you’re looking for one that promotes goodwill to all, friendship and sharing - go get a copy as is a brilliant book for you.

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

[Lindsey Lawntea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley.

Larry the Lollipop Monster lives in a snow-covered Christmas Tree in Monstoria. One morning, he wakes up and is excited because it is finally Christmas! He prepares to throw a party with all of his friends, but when he goes out to get more firewood he is in for a big surprise.

Absolutely stunning illustrations (hand-drawn in crayon, I believe!) accompany a cheerful, heart-warming story about friendship and the true meaning of Christmas.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is a sweet story. The illustrations were 5 stars -- and that's important in a children's book. It reminded me of the illustrations from some of the old-school Sesame Street monsters. I think most younger children would enjoy it. From an adult perspective, there was just a little something that made me roll my eyes. (Does he have to be a lollipop monster? We get that he isn't scary by the adorable illustrations...)

Still, it's bright and colorful, very well-drawn, and has a message of spreading kindness. Hard to argue with that.

*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book about a lonely monster discovering the true meaning of christmas. It is a different take then you normally find for this type of book, and the hand illustrations give it a homey made by dad feeling, helps that yuletide feeling spread.

[Elle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Beautifully sketched and colorful illustrations fill these pages but unfortunately the story was just too simple and anticlimactic.

[Laila Tarek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one of my favorites. It made me tear up with joy.