An Amish Christmas

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Christmas without Santa Claus? Such a thing does exist, as Ammon (Growing Up Amish) shows in this enlightening and refreshing look at the holiday customs of Amish farm families. An Amish Christmas also comes without decorated trees and, of course, without twinkling lightsbut it's celebrated over two days instead of one. Families exchange gifts (a wallet, a pocket knife, writing paper, a book) and visit with relatives and friends, but only after farm chores are finished. There's plenty of fun, too: sledding, skating, singing and eating cookies. Ammon will pique the reader's interest with snatches of Pennsylvania Dutch and glimpses inside a one-room schoolhouse. Patrick emphasizes the timelessness of Amish ways and suggests the characters' devotion by the illuminated expressions on their faces. Text borders of quilt-block motifs enhance the mood. Ages 5-10. (Oct.)

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

The Amish may be a people set apart, but their lives are hardly isolated. They enjoy friends and extended family and receive "English visitors" with warmth. This picture book recounts the two days set aside to celebrate Christmas. At school, the children put on plays, recite poems and sing Christmas carols. The farm chores still must be done, but after the work, families exchange gifts in the tradition of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the Christ child and the tables are filled with delicious foods. Kids work hard but they also have time to play and are thankful for all they have. A beautiful book with lovely pastel illustrations. One small quibble, the illustrations do not always match the opposing text.