Papa's Book of Mormon Christmas

by Emma Rae Parker, Alexa Terry Hanson (Illustrator)

Six-year-old Alice would rather get toys than a book any day. But when her grandfather explains that this book is different, Alice begins to see why their first-edition Book of Mormon is so special to her family. Set in the early 1900s, this charming story is the perfect picture book to read with your family as you gather round the Christmas tree.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Lds, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 13, 2015

About the author

Emma Parker graduated summa cum laude from Southern New Hampshire University with her BA in English and Creative Writing. She was born and raised in Southern California but currently lives in Utah to work her dream job as an acquisitions editor for a publishing company.

Reviews

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my twins (almost five years old), they both really enjoyed it. It's a sweet story, they loved that it was about a grandpa. They enjoyed the Christmas elements, like decorating cookies, but also the story about the Grandpa and his experiences reading the Book of Mormon. They also loved the artwork, which I also thought was really cute. I thought this was a great story for kids and we enjoyed reading it together. It'll probably be one we end up reading over and over.

Source: Review copy

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet Christmas story specific to LDS beliefs. I love the relationship between this grandfather, or Papa, and his granddaughter, as it is apparent through the words and pictures on each page. My nine-year-old daughter and I read this together and she was very fascinated with the illustrations, which really brought this charming story to life.

I love the way this grandfather has something both tangible and emotional to share with Alice. Sometimes an object means more with the story behind it and this is exactly what is shown in this book. Alice learned a powerful lesson about giving through the story her Papa shared and it really is touching.

Highly recommended to any family for the Christmas season. It made me ponder on what we could change with our traditions to included stories or items to share from our heritage.

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Adelaide · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book! When I was younger I would read this book all the time during Christmas! (My aunt wrote the book!)

[Dorine White · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Story-
Young Alice is playing in the snow with her Papa. While building snowmen and making snowballs, he tells her the story of how a book helped him make it through a war when all of his friends were killed. This special book, The Book of Mormon, told the story of Nephi who loved all his brothers despite the fact that they fought against him. On Christmas morning, Alice realizes how special the book is and sets aside her new toys to read it with her Papa.

My Thoughts-
This book is so adorable. Let's start with illustrations, because that is what kids notice first. The artist does a wonderful job with large, colorful pictures to engage children. The pictures coincide with the story perfectly and help add meaning to the story.

Next, the characters. I love little Alice. She is a bundle of cuteness as she plays in the snow and helps her Papa decorate cookies. She also acts her age when she thinks that receiving a book instead of toys for Christmas wouldn't be that fun. Now, I do have some confusion about Papa. I couldn't tell if he was her father or grandfather. She only calls him Papa, and she seems to live alone with him. He is way older though, with a cane and bald head.

Setting. I had trouble with this one. I assumed it was modern day. There are cookie sprinkles and sinks, etc. However, Papa talks about going to war within his own country. I'm thinking what war? Civil? That was a long time ago. Could this be in another country? No clues are given. Then in one scene there is a candle for light. Hmm, I think there was some mix up in illustrations vs. time. Some actual words/dialogue would have been nice for the time period.

Those aside, I did love this book. I found it perfect for little readers with big pictures, funny antics and a great moral. 4 stars!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice is an active, sweet six-year-old. She asks her Papa to tell her a story. He tries but she keeps interrupting him, haha. He is finally able to catch her attention and tells her a story about the book that saved Christmas. She's not too impressed with that gift and states that she would rather receive toys. While they're frosting cookies, he's able to hold her attention long enough to tell her the story about the night he met Nephi and how this special book helped him through a rough Christmas. She's enthralled and receives her own special gift that Christmas.

Alice and her Papa have a great relationship. He's patient with her and she loves to hang out and have fun with him. Their conversations were realistic as she was pretty focused on toys and needed to be drawn into his story. This book is only about Alice and her Papa. It seemed a little strange to me that there was no mention of her parents and that they weren't there on Christmas Day, either.

The illustrations are bright and fun and bring the story to life. This is a book I'm excited to share with my children this Christmas season. I love how simple Christmas was and the excitement of a book for a gift. I do generally give my children books for Christmas and they love them. Usually. ;) This is a book that the entire family will enjoy reading together!

I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.

Mel's Shelves

[Alec Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas is by far my favorite holiday! As a child, I remember so vividly wanting to open every single present in the house. I was slightly crazy. Hahah. This book not only took me back to being a child.. but, reminded me of what really is important! Christmas is the time we celebrate Jesus Christ's birth. This is a time to remember and to show our love. Instead of explaining the nativity story, Alice's Papa tells her about this incredible book! It is the Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ. We are so blessed to have this book and I know this children's book will reiterate that to our families. The illustrations are simplistic and beautiful. I love the warm dialogue between Papa and the little girl. Reading this children's book took me to a very literal White Christmas (which we never have in Arizona! Hahah!). But, most importantly, I was taught that The Book of Mormon is a gift from our Heavenly Father and we should cherish it! All ages would love this sweet book.

[Tarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this to my two youngest children, and I've seen my older children reading it as well. When I asked my 4 year old what her favorite part was she said, "The cookies!" Not really the point of the story, but she really did love the illustrations. They were very cute and very well done.

The author did a great job with little Alice. Just like my children, she was here, there, and everywhere. Eventually the story got told and little Alice was able to understand and get excited about this wonderful book. Coming from an adult perspective, there seemed to be a lot missing and the story was very simple. However, like I said, my two littlest didn't seem to have any trouble following what the story was about.

*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Exponent II · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, if I’m being honest, I was a little put off by the title. I thought it sounded a little like it would contain yet another reprimand for not having enough ” Christ in Christmas” – you know the people that freely rebuke the buyers of Christmas trees, tinsel, cookies and presents and treat them as signs of apostasy? I was pleasantly surprised to find it wasn’t at all preachy, in fact it was the opposite. I felt it was sincere and gentle and motivated by love....

For this entire review and to see a sample page from the book, please go to the Exponent blog: http://www.the-exponent.com/exponent-...

[Sherrie Gavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the very best children's Book of Mormon-inspired Christmas book on the market. My daughters loved it, and we've made sure to share it and give it as a gift to friends with children. It's been lovingly added to our classic Christmas book collection, and stored in a special place to ensure we read it several times every year.

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice learns the value of the Book of Mormon in her grandfather's life and how that book saved Christmas for him. Reading it with children can provide an opportunity to share with them the value of the book for you.

[Tressa (Wishful Endings)]

Review to come.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alice's Papa (grandpa) explains why his family's first edition Book of Mormon is so important to him and helps Alice gain an appreciation for this special book.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 5 yr old daughter loved this book. Very sweet story as a grandfather teaches his granddaughter the importance of the Book of Mormon in his life.