Christmas Magic

by Michael Garland

When lonely Emily tiptoes out of bed on Christmas Eve, she witnesses wild holiday enchantment in action-her cat and dog have learned how to sing "Jingle Bells," a rowdy crowd of mice are baking pies in the kitchen, and the snow-woman Emily built earlier in the day to keep her company has come to life! The best magic of all, however, is in Emily's brand-new friendship with the shy boy next door, which begins when they realize that they alone have witnessed the fantastical late-night happenings.

Michael Garland's stunning illustrations are showcased in the ornate Victorian setting of Emily's home and neighborhood. Infused with warmth and mysterious action, this book is a gentle, joyful reminder that no matter what else the holiday brings, love and friendship hold the true magic of Christmas.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Holiday, Childrens, Magic, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Author and illustrator Michael Garland was born in Manhattan in 1952. He studied art at Pratt Institute and soon after graduating, he sold his first illustration to True Confessions magazine. He has written or illustrated over 40 books.

Reviews

[Melki]

This familiar tale of snowmen-come-to-life/was-it-all-a-dream? was fine with me, but the art . . . ugh. Some sort of computer generated, collage-style renderings that just looked weird, and on two pages where the former snowpeople dance in front of Melania Trump's stark white branches - downright creepy.

[Misbah]

A little girl and her neighbor make a couple of snowman and they comes to life and dances with the little girl. She wakes up Christmas morning not sure if it was a dream or not.

Beautiful illustrations!

[Cindy Overcast]

This beautifully illustrated story presents a magical Christmas Eve where imaginative Emily's snow-woman finds a dance partner in the new neighbor boy's snowman, leaving Emily to wonder if it was all just a dream. Very cute!

[Cathy Hodge]

The Vintage, old-time illustrations are the best part of this story. I liked the wintery scenes of building snowmen and the beautiful Victorian houses decorated for Christmas. When the Christmas magic began to transform the neighborhood, many things came to life. Enchanting. Enjoy.

[April]

a sweet Christmas story

[Hannah]

An imaginative story about snowmen coming to life

[Anthony]

The magic of Christmas is released after Emily builds a snow woman on Christmas Eve, and her new neighbor builds a snowman. What Emily experiences is brought full circle on Christmas Day.

[Kim]

Super cute story & absolutely beautiful illustrations!

[Remaseon]

this book is definitely amazing

[Della Tingle]

Cute!

[Emma]

This was my absolute favorite Christmas book growing up and I’m so glad I get to read the exact same book my parents read to me to my baby boy.

[Elizabeth Gibbs]

I've read this many times at Christmas over the years. The illustrations are beautiful, almost magical. The story is fun and lively and reminds me a little of "The Nutcracker Ballet" by Vladimir Vagin (another one of my favorites).

[Judy]

This didn't strike any chords with me. The art felt 'wrong,' but I can't say why. (Was it computer generated?) The story was 'flat' -- mice cooked, angel figures flew, a snowman came alive ... not enough depth to make a real story.

[Teri]

Darling story with beautiful illustrations.

[Christine]

This was a beautiful story about the magic of Christmas. It was neither religious nor overly secular and simply had a lovely story. My children and I loved it.

[Rachel]

Elise loved this book - thanks, Christine, I looked for it after seeing it on your list! The pictures are beautiful and the story sweet.

[DixieJo]

This is one of "my" favorites - don't know about the kids.

[Tam]

This is a cute book that I don't think is a "typical" Christmas story. My 4-year-old didn't really like it but my 8-year-old did.

[Laura Komos]

Magical!

[Little Miss and the Legomeister]

A little girl has a magical Christmas Eve. It involves snowmen and various other things that come to life. It's fun, but it's not really one of my favorites.

[Beverly]

beautiful and large-enough-for-a-group-to-see illustrations about one magical Christmas Eve in a Victorian era girl's life.

[Trish]

Fiction; Juvenile/Christmas
4 stars

Adorable story with fun illustrations. Definitely one that I would purchase for our family collection.

[Adrianne Rosal]

I loved this one!!!! Terrific story about true love.....

[Nicole]

Beautiful illustrations bring this story its magic! Love this one, read it every year.