River Rose and the Magical Christmas: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids

by Kelly Clarkson, Lucy Fleming (Illustrator)

The original Idol, Grammy Award–winning singing sensation Kelly Clarkson, is back with another enchanting picture book inspired by her own daughter, River River Rose and the Magical Christmas . It’s Christmas Eve, and River Rose wants to stay up all night to hand-deliver a letter to Santa. She can’t wait to finally meet the man in red until . . . Oh no! River Rose and her dog, Joplin, have fallen asleep and been swept off on another magical adventure. This time, they’re off to the North Pole to let Santa know what River Rose really wants for Christmas. This joyous new holiday story perfectly captures the spirit of the season and comes complete with a link for readers to listen to a brand-new, original Christmas song written and performed by Kelly Clarkson herself, available at www.hc.com/riverrose. River Rose’s favorite night was always Christmas Eve. She knew Santa would stop by because she did believe. River Rose and her dog, Joplin, had written him a letter. And they were waiting up for him—hand-delivered would be better.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 24, 2017

About the author

Kelly Brianne Clarkson is an American singer, songwriter and children's book author. Clarkson made her debut under RCA Records after she won the highly publicized first season of the television series American Idol in 2002. She was originally marketed as a pop musician with her debut album Thankful (2003). With the release of her multi-platinum second album Breakaway (2004), Clarkson moved to a more pop rock-oriented style of music.

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

Reviews

[Bethany Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Christmas books and this one is so magical!

[Kathryn (Dragon Bite Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review originally published on my blog, Nine Pages .

Of the two River Rose books, this one my audience unanimously liked better. Now admittedly, we read this story December 16, just 9 days from Christmas morning, so I’m sure that timing and the already swelling excitement for the holiday tinged their reactions to the story. I’m going to be recommending the other more frequently because it is far less seasonal and far more universal. Not every child is excited for Christmas (not all of them celebrating the holiday), but I think that most children are excited to visit a zoo—particularly a zoo without enclosures and with no supervision but a polar bear mama as is the one in the first River Rose book. In this River Rose sneaks down the stairs to hand-deliver her letter to Santa, but she’s missed him. Instead the magical balloons from the previous book are waiting in her living room. She and Joplin take the balloons to the North Pole where they are greeted by the elves and Mrs. Claus, who plies River Rose with a wealth of sweets, the book becoming a numbers primer. She is near sleep when Santa returns. Santa makes one last trip to bring River Rose home, and she hand-delivers her letter to him—which is not a list of requested gifts, but a simple thank you, which touches Santa. This new illustrator does a good job continuing in the tradition of the previous. I didn’t notice the difference, and don’t think I’d have noted it expect that I write these reviews and am always sure to credit the illustrator too. Fleming’s palette is maybe a little more muted and her lines a little crisper than Hughes’.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with “River Rose and the Magical Lullaby”, the illustrator did a beautiful job.

In this installment, River and her best friend, Joplin, take us on a journey to the North Pole, in search of Santa. She MUST give him her letter!

Throughout the pages, you wonder what is in this little red letter to Santa. What’s inside shows the kindness and considerate nature of River that was also in the first book.

I’ll definitely be waiting for the next installment. My niece-on-the-way is going to love these!

[Lacy | literary_lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun Christmas story by Kelly Clarkson! My daughter loves Christmas just like her mama, so we both enjoyed this book! I would definitely love to add this to our personal collection. It’s a magical story about all of the things that happen at the North Pole on Christmas Eve!

This would be great for kids around Christmas!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded to 5! My kids thought this book was really fun. It has a magical and whimsical feel to it as River Rose takes an adventure to the North Pole. Lovely illustrations while also being a counting book. I loved the rhyming prose. Though a few parts felt a bit clunky to me, my kids didn’t mind and I still thought it was a cute read. Great Christmastime book.

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story that brings all the magic of Christmas wishes to one little girl. When River Rose finds three balloons tied to the mantel and a mysterious song she embarks on a journey to the North Pole that every child would love to take.

[feux d'artifice · Rating 2 out of 5]

um, did you know that Kelly Clarkson had a Christmas song called river rose magical lullaby??? until today when I saw this picture book, me neither.
otherwise, pretty but unremarkable. it hasnt even been an hour since I read it and I'm already forgetting what happened....

[Faith Tydings · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this one as much as the first but it was still pretty good. I love the whimsical illustrations and the counting element. It was a cute story.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was one part that made no sense but the art is really cute and the story not bad

[Linda B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations. Nice story. I love Christmas books.

[Liz Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, imaginative Christmas story. It had some disconnected parts, but the ending was beautiful and redeeming!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and a sweet story.

[Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute story definitely got me into the Christmas spirit. This is more for the very little age. But will make ur heart grow with every page.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darling tale—great tool for burgeoning readers/intermediate read aloud fun.

[Norkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The magical trip to the North Pole with all its delights was well worth the read!

[Sheron · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was really cute and was a wonderful addition to the Christmas holiday spirit.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Christmas children's story.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet book treat for the Christmas season. River Rose travels with her dog to Santa's house at the North Pole. It would make a great read-aloud since there are 10 snacks and kids will enjoy the number and snack part. I loved the ending and the beautiful illustrations throughout. Highly recommended for kids in Grades K -3.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and whimsical story. River Rose takes a trip to the North Pole for Christmas. The illustrations were magical - I loved the scenes of the balloon taking River Rose to the North Pole. There are fanciful desserts and even a little bit of counting practice. While the rhyming lines were a bit clunky, this was an adorable story, full of Christmas spirit, that families will enjoy. Listen to the original song that Kelly created, through a link to it online.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was lovely. Clarkson did a good job with the rhymes, however there is no real cadence. Or if a cadence starts to happen, it changes with the next page. Overall I liked the story and loved the illustrations, but would not choose it as a storytime read for the tongue trouble I would have as I tripped over lines.
#Wintergames #teamreadnosereindeer +26