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The Christmas Sweater: A Picture Book
Just in time for the holidays, a picture book adaption of the #1 New York Times bestselling book from author and popular radio/TV host Glenn Beck.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 15, 2019
One of the foremost conservative thinkers of his era, Glenn Beck debuted as a children's author with The Christmas Sweater in October 2009, adapted from his adult novel of the same name. Eddie is filled with anticipation on Christmas Eve, hardly able to wait for morning so he can see what Santa Claus brought. Will he bring Eddie a red Phantom bike, the gift he wants most? Eddie's grandfather visits the boy before bedtime to break the news that he might not receive a bike, but he is getting something special: a Christmas sweater. Eddie is disappointed, but Grandpa urges him not to overlook the splendor of a Christmas sweater. There is magic in a handmade gift from a loved one, magic that leads to unforgettable holiday moments.
Eddie drifts into dreamland, where he finds a wrapped present in a wooded clearing. Inside is his Christmas sweater, and after putting it on he's spirited away to a downhill sled run with his father, laughing as they whoosh through the snowy hills. What could be a more fun Christmas activity? A blink of an eye later, Eddie is now constructing a fancy gingerbread house with his mother in the fragrant kitchen; then he's outdoors with Grandpa on a majestic sleigh pulled by reindeer. Eddie awakens to find it's Christmas morning, and he races downstairs to see what's under the tree. But after last night's dream, what does he want most: a bike, or a Christmas sweater?
Brandon Dorman never fails to turn in a virtuoso performance as illustrator. My favorite things about this book are his, from the merry blue of Grandpa's eyes to the twinkling warmth of the scene around the Christmas tree when Eddie first sees it on December 25. The story doesn't offer much emotion or any real lesson, which is why I only rate The Christmas Sweater one and a half stars. Glenn Beck is an intriguing mind, so I expected something deeper from his first picture book. Nonetheless, this is a decent story to set the mood for Christmas. Feliz Navidad, everyone.
Eddie drifts into dreamland, where he finds a wrapped present in a wooded clearing. Inside is his Christmas sweater, and after putting it on he's spirited away to a downhill sled run with his father, laughing as they whoosh through the snowy hills. What could be a more fun Christmas activity? A blink of an eye later, Eddie is now constructing a fancy gingerbread house with his mother in the fragrant kitchen; then he's outdoors with Grandpa on a majestic sleigh pulled by reindeer. Eddie awakens to find it's Christmas morning, and he races downstairs to see what's under the tree. But after last night's dream, what does he want most: a bike, or a Christmas sweater?
Brandon Dorman never fails to turn in a virtuoso performance as illustrator. My favorite things about this book are his, from the merry blue of Grandpa's eyes to the twinkling warmth of the scene around the Christmas tree when Eddie first sees it on December 25. The story doesn't offer much emotion or any real lesson, which is why I only rate The Christmas Sweater one and a half stars. Glenn Beck is an intriguing mind, so I expected something deeper from his first picture book. Nonetheless, this is a decent story to set the mood for Christmas. Feliz Navidad, everyone.
Read
December 6, 2010THIS WAS SUCH A FABULOUS BOOK. I CANNOT EXPLAIN ENOUGH THAT THIS BOOK DEPICTS THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS. IT LITERALLY WAS SUCH A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. I CRIED FROM THE FIRST PAGE ALL THE WAY TIL THE END. IT WAS JUST SUCH A TOUCHING YET HEART WRENCHING INTENSE STORY ABOUT A STRUGGLE FOR A YOUNG BOY TO UNDERSTAND LIFE AND WHY THINGS TURN OUT THE WAY THEY DO. A BOOK BASED ON GLENN BECK'S ACTUAL CHILDHOOD, AND LET ME TELL YOU THE MAN HAS ACTUALLY REALLY STRUGGLED. IT IS AMAZING THAT HE GOT WHERE HE IS TODAY AND HE IS A GREAT WRITER AND A GREAT ROLE MODEL. HE REALLY KNOWS WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT, ESPECIALLY IN THIS BOOK. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY A MUST READ WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE A FAN OR A FOE OF GLENN BECK.
November 22, 2017
Summary: This is a heartfelt story about a young boy named Eddie who wants a bike for Christmas but his mother knits him a homemade sweater instead. He is disappointed but then a magical journey makes Eddie realize that the sweater is more than it seems.
Mentor writing trait: This book has an idea as a mentor writing trait. It does a great job of conveying a main message and meaning. I think this is great for Christmas because I feel like as young children, we sometimes forget the true meaning of Christmas and this book helps remind us of that.
Presentation: The physical appearance of this book is wonderful. The pictures really tell the story the author is conveying. The way he uses words to describe specific situations gives an easy read for the reader.
Organization: This book also does a great job of making you feel connected to the story. The key points fit into the right spot and really convey a great message.
Classroom integration: This would be a great story to read to all ages in your classroom. This book teaches you the true meaning of Christmas. Some people even adults can forget the meaning behind Christmas and this story reminds us of this. This would be great to read around the holidays. Reading a Christmas story, you must be careful when reading it in your classroom. Make sure you do a pre-assessment before introducing a specific Christmas book. A great way to have this be part of your classroom is your class could adopt a family and each student donate money and support a family for Christmas who may not be able to afford it. This would be a great way to teach younger kids about Christmas and how not everyone can afford Christmas and to not take it for granted.
Reading level: 3.4
Mentor writing trait: This book has an idea as a mentor writing trait. It does a great job of conveying a main message and meaning. I think this is great for Christmas because I feel like as young children, we sometimes forget the true meaning of Christmas and this book helps remind us of that.
Presentation: The physical appearance of this book is wonderful. The pictures really tell the story the author is conveying. The way he uses words to describe specific situations gives an easy read for the reader.
Organization: This book also does a great job of making you feel connected to the story. The key points fit into the right spot and really convey a great message.
Classroom integration: This would be a great story to read to all ages in your classroom. This book teaches you the true meaning of Christmas. Some people even adults can forget the meaning behind Christmas and this story reminds us of this. This would be great to read around the holidays. Reading a Christmas story, you must be careful when reading it in your classroom. Make sure you do a pre-assessment before introducing a specific Christmas book. A great way to have this be part of your classroom is your class could adopt a family and each student donate money and support a family for Christmas who may not be able to afford it. This would be a great way to teach younger kids about Christmas and how not everyone can afford Christmas and to not take it for granted.
Reading level: 3.4
November 23, 2020
I read the full adult fiction book for the Well Read Book Club at my library and I ordered a few of the picture books as well. I wanted to read both. This book is based on the real life story that Glen Beck lived as a child.
This is a sweet story about what a kid thinks he wants for Christmas and the real memories that can be attached to a Christmas sweater that is made with love.
It is a wonderful book and I highly recommend that if you have little ones at home you read this book to them. We have a bunch of copies in our library, so start with your library and see if they have it too.
I will be on the lookout for this book to add to my large collection of Christmas books for kids.
This is a sweet story about what a kid thinks he wants for Christmas and the real memories that can be attached to a Christmas sweater that is made with love.
It is a wonderful book and I highly recommend that if you have little ones at home you read this book to them. We have a bunch of copies in our library, so start with your library and see if they have it too.
I will be on the lookout for this book to add to my large collection of Christmas books for kids.
December 16, 2018
The message of the story wasn't very clear the way it was written but my sons and I had a discussion after reading it about why hand-made gifts are sometimes more special than fancy store-bought gifts. My 9 year old son surprised me by jumping up and asking his older sister to teach him how to knit and he has been knitting a scarf for someone in the family for Christmas ever since we read the book. I thought the book was strange, but I suppose it had an effect on him. I've heard the chapter book is really good and plan on giving that a try.
November 24, 2024
3.5 stars for a book that didn't by any means reach the level of The Immortal Nicholas-Glenn Beck.
I don't know if it was the writing..but I just couldn't connect with any of the characters..well.. maybe Russell..
I would recommend this book.. as the afterword is worth the rest..and makes sense of what confused me.
I don't know if it was the writing..but I just couldn't connect with any of the characters..well.. maybe Russell..
I would recommend this book.. as the afterword is worth the rest..and makes sense of what confused me.
January 25, 2021
Oof. I tested up while reading this. It’s a very heartwarming story about how Christmas isn’t about what we get but the love behind those gifts and I was 100% bought into it. It feels like a classic and looks like a classic.
September 7, 2024
A little boy hopes for a bike for Christmas until his grandpa teaches him that a Christmas sweater means so much more. He learns that the love of a family is what really matters.
The illustrations are perfect - colorful and detailed but still soft.
The illustrations are perfect - colorful and detailed but still soft.
November 20, 2017
A journey can take you to magical places and make you appreciate the most unlikely gifts
November 26, 2018
This book is cute but nothing like the adult version.
December 18, 2018
overall it was an ok read. The illustrations weren't bad and the message for me was not all store bought gifts have to be store bought.
December 24, 2018
2010 Family Christmas Book
Message about appreciating the simple things in life.
Message about appreciating the simple things in life.
December 31, 2020
Beautiful illustrations!
December 27, 2022
A cute Christmas read!
December 23, 2023
A simple Christmas book. but it packs a punch. Makes you nostalgic for Christmas of your childhood.
It brought tears.
It brought tears.
December 5, 2020
It's ok. That's really all I can say. It's cute but not an award winner and honestly something I will take out during holiday times since it's a Christmas book. The message can be confusing for some readers but it's a good one once learned. I wouldn't read it out loud but I would have it around. It's a good book for the message but not a great book as the way it was written seems like many other Christmas stories not adding much to the "pile of Christmas books that come out every year".
February 23, 2018
My family and I enjoyed reading this Christmas story over the holidays. It has a wonderful moral that any age can resonate with. Brandon Dorman’s illustrations had a vintage feel that were quite beautiful and captivating. I would recommend The Christmas Sweater to young and old. I look forward to reading the full novel this book was based on.
November 27, 2014
Publishers Weekly (October 26, 2009)
The radio and TV host's debut picture book repackages his adult novel of the same name into a short parable. Eddie wants a bike for Christmas, but his twinkly-eyed grandpa tells him that he doesn't see a bike in the boy's future, but rather a Christmas sweater. When a disappointed Eddie takes a dream journey to a snowy forest, he opens a package containing the sweater and is whisked into a procession of idyllic Christmastime moments with his mother, father and grandpa. In the morning, it's the sweater he's excited about, not the shiny bike. Dorman's warm, vintage-style digital illustrations complement Beck's unambiguous message. Ages 4-7. (Oct.) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
The radio and TV host's debut picture book repackages his adult novel of the same name into a short parable. Eddie wants a bike for Christmas, but his twinkly-eyed grandpa tells him that he doesn't see a bike in the boy's future, but rather a Christmas sweater. When a disappointed Eddie takes a dream journey to a snowy forest, he opens a package containing the sweater and is whisked into a procession of idyllic Christmastime moments with his mother, father and grandpa. In the morning, it's the sweater he's excited about, not the shiny bike. Dorman's warm, vintage-style digital illustrations complement Beck's unambiguous message. Ages 4-7. (Oct.) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2009
Cute book, all about how sometimes what you really want for Christmas (i.e a new toy) isn't really what you thought you wanted for Christmas. The little boy in the book at first really wants a new bike, but in the end he loves his Christmas Sweater, because it is handmade and has "Christmas magic". In other words, the gifts that really allow you to spend time with your family are the most important gifts of all. Good moral for children to learn in an age where the most expensive toy is seen as the best.
December 9, 2011
Thought I wrote a review on this. Anyway a good story about the troubles of a boy who wanted a bike for Christmas but received a sweater his mother had made instead. She did not have the money to buy a bike at that time. How his anger was misdirected and bottled up inside him and how he eventually became aware of what was happening to him. A good story about life.
November 4, 2017
This was a great, heart-warming, feel-good book. A light read, and a touching story about how a young boy learns what is truly important in life. It also serves to remind the reader of that very same thing. It's a short book, and easy to read right before the holidays. Highly recommended.
November 30, 2016
One of my absolute favorite books to read at Christmas time! This book tells the story of a boy who wanted a bike for Christmas, but instead gets a sweater made by his mother that ends up being much better than any new toy. This story depicts the meaning of Christmas perfectly!
November 18, 2009
This was one of those that I couldn't stop reading and it really stirred me up.
November 30, 2009
It was OK, it mostly read like a Richard Paul Evans Christmas book. A bit too preachy at the end for me, but it was based on his personal life changing experience.
December 12, 2009
Wonderful! I cried. Great illustrations and text. Giving it to three grandchildren for Christmas. What a find!
December 21, 2009
This is a sweet picture book with old fashioned values about a grandfather and grandson.
Want to Read
January 2, 2010Ages 4-7
Want to Read
February 16, 2010Thanks for the recommendation, Q! Sounds great!
Read
February 22, 2010Very good; meaning of life and love
March 4, 2010
Cole likes the snowglobe in this book...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews