Jingle Bells, Homework Smells: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids

Gilbert and Friends

by Diane deGroat

When Mrs. Byrd gives the class homework for the weekend, Gilbert just can't seem to find the time to do it. That's because it's almost Christmas, and Gilbert has other important things to do, like decorating Christmas cookies, ice skating with his friends, and helping his family find the perfect Christmas tree. What will Gilbert do when Monday morning comes? The joyous holiday feeling around Gilbert's house comes alive in this funny, festive story that's perfect for anyone who's ever put off a chore.

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

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's SO CLOSE to Christmas vacation, that it's hard to concentrate on school, and when Mrs. Byrd assigns a project to be completed over the weekend, Gilbert gets so caught up in holiday-related activities that he forgets to do his homework assignment. This one's a must for fans of deGroat's series.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young readers that are too excited about the upcoming holidays to focus on schoolwork will definitely be able to relate to this fun picture book. Gilbert has a homework assignment over the weekend to draw the main character of his favorite book. But the weekend is filled with holiday activities and winter fun. Monday arrives and he's forgotten all about doing his homework! This would be a good way to discuss how to balance the fun of the holiday season with schoolwork responsibilities.

[Aleria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art looks a bit more crisp & colorful than the previous book. I love it!
Glad Gilbert got creative with this piece of homework; I never liked getting homework over the holidays & nor did my family


(Date(s) & Time(s) Read: 12th August 2019; 2:19pm to 12th August 2019; 2:27pm)

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's getting close to Christmas, and Gilbert finds time to do all the fun stuff, but when it comes to completing his homework assignment for school, he puts it off until it's to late. A familiar tale of procrastination, and projection.

[Kit Feral · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given him a full star for being a clever quick thinker.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author and her message.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilbert and his friends series of books are fun and enjoyable to read out loud to young readers.

In this one it's very close to Christmas Day and Gilbert can't seem to consentrate on school little long homework for the weekend. The teacher assigns a piece that the student draw his or her favorite character from their favorite book. Gilbert gets home and decorated Christmas cookies and puts off doing homework until the next day, Saturday his friend stops by and wants him to go ice scating so again he puts off doing his homework. Sunday comes and his family go out in search of a Christmas tree. So involved with the excitement of Christmas and the new snow that fell he's forgotten about doing his homework! He's never not done his homework and is very disappointed with himself because of it. His best friend never does his homework so doesn't think it's a big deal. But with Gilbert thinking fast he figures out a way he and his friend both gets a good mark from the teacher.

A very fun festive Christmas book.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilbert, as usual, gets himself into a pickle. His homework assignment is to draw a picture of a character from one of his favorite books. Gilbert is usually very conscientious about doing his homework -- a subtle but nice touch to the story.

When I read this aloud, I allow time for the child by my side to think about the characters that he/she would choose to draw.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the title on the library shelf and had to take it home. One kid gave it 3 and one kid gave it 5. We agreed to make it an official 4. Sweet lesson about taking care of our boring obligations during the busy & fun holiday season.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 4.5 year old son has been asking for this book about 3 times a week since well before the holidays. It's one of the longer books he likes to read and it holds his attention better than most.

[Gwhitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute trade book about taking responsibility and the imporatance of homework

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This kid called his teacher a meanie, and I think teachers rock.

[Allisa Zamarripa-Garza]

This is what happens when you don't do your homework when it's due! Great lesson learned!

[Chrissy · Rating 2 out of 5]

He doesn't do his homework on the weekend. So he made a snowman for it instead. The teacher gave him half a happy face for that. I didn't like this story as much. by Katie

[Horace Mann Family Reading Challenge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really funny book that is interesting. I think it is funny because this kid named Patty says Gilbert did not do his homework. An other animal says "what homework". T. R.

[Carter Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good lesson: get your homework done!

[Elizabeth Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this several times over the past five years. It's a good story about not procrastinating! The colorful pictures are fun too. Read again 12/9/15

[Clyde Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute Xmas story