Gus and Grandpa and the Christmas Cookies

Gus and Grandpa #2

by Claudia Mills, Catherine Stock (Illustrator)

The characters from Gus and Grandpa rediscover the true meaning of the holiday when Gus summons the courage to give money to a Santa collecting money for the poor and is rewarded with another opportunity for giving.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday

47 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Claudia Mills is the author of Nixie Ness, Cooking Star, 7 x 9 = Trouble!, Zero Tolerance, Write This Down, and many other books for children. She was born in New York City in 1954. She received her bachelor's degree from Wellesley College, her master's degree from Princeton University, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton University. She also received an M.L.S. degree from the University of Maryland, with a concentration in children's literature. She had a second career as a professor of philosophy at the Colorado at Boulder, until leaving that career in 2014 to write full time. She now teaches in the graduate program in children's literature at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. All of her books have been written between 5 and 7 in the morning while drinking Swiss Miss hot chocolate.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/claudi...

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about togetherness and sharing our blessings at Christmas. Grandpa is adorable and looks like Matthew from "Anne of Green Gables" ;->

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

We've read most of the books in the Gus and Grandpa series by Claudia Mills and Catherine Stock. We've really enjoyed the series - the stories are simple and warm and speak volumes about intergenerational relationships. This is an entertaining Christmas-themed story.

The illustrations are soft watercolors, that have a timeless quality. This story also speaks to the relationship between a grandparent and grandchild. I love the simple story and the fun way the family chooses to spend time together. I also thought it was interesting that the neighborhood women thought that Gus's grandfather needed them to bring him some Christmas cookies while he and Gus were busy baking on their own. We will certainly look for the remaining books in the series at our local library.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well illustrated early reader chapter book draws young readers into a cozy kitchen with a young boy and his grandpa making cookies. Mouths will water as kids read descriptions of rolling out dough and eating the scraps, baking, and decorating yummy cookies. But when all the kind neighbors start bringing plates of cookies, Grandpa doesn’t have the heart to tell them he’s just baked his own six dozen. When the two find a way to share, young readers will come away with a terrific message about sharing. This is definitely a great book to have on an elementary bookshelf during the holiday season.

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gus and his grandpa spend time together baking. When neighbors bring cookies, they are left with a bunch and donate them to the man ringing the bell at the store.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in a wonderful series (but each can stand alone). Now one of my favorite Christmas stories. Good for Christians and also for atheists who don't even celebrate (like me).

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cute beginners chapter book for children and seeing the close relationship a grandfather had with his grandson. This book reminds the reader to share our blessings and talents all through out the year with others who are not as fortunate, and in this case Gus was the one setting the example for his grandpa. Though this is a beginners chapter book the few illustrations that were included were painted with cool water colors that helped make me feel as if it was truly winter time. Fair warning that you will be craving Christmas cookies by the end of the book! ;)

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gus and Grandpa do just what the title suggests - they make cookies. A lot of cookies. The problem is, they also receive cookies. A lot of cookies. So what are they to do? The solution is beautiful and has a lesson every child should hear, especially when so much of Christmas focuses on what to get, and not how to give. Not preachy - just an interesting story told in a very easy to read manner.

[Nora · Rating 3 out of 5]

MCL. This book is about a boy and his grandpa and they had a lot of cookies.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely touching and beautiful. Made me cry. Made me want to bake cookies!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alissa kept careful track of how many cookies they were given.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book with a good Christmas message.

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

A special time of sharing with Grandpa and Gus.

Read with Naomi.

[Jessica Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice story - good read around Christmas for beginning to intermediate readers