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Arthur's Perfect Christmas

Name: Arthur's Perfect Christmas
Author: Marc Brown
ISBN: 9780316001304

by Marc Brown

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Overview

While at first Arthur thought it was going to be a perfect Christmas, he's not so sure anymore. It hasn't snowed, the tree is decorated with trolls and unicorns, Dad decides to make an authentic "ancient" Christmas dinner, and Arthur accidentally breaks his gift for Mom. While Francine happily celebrates Hanukkah, Brian prepares for Kwanzaa, and Buster tries to find a holiday of his own, Arthur starts to think he'll have a terrible Christmas—until an unexpected guest changes everything. Full-color illustrations.

Even without snow, turkey dinner and a perfect tree, Arthur and his family and friends have a wonderful Christmas--and Hanukkah--celebration.

Synopsis

Children's Literature

Arthur imagines how perfect Christmas will be this year, with turkey dinner and a beautiful tree. His dream Christmas vanishes when his dad tells him the dinner menu and sister D.W. works on the tree. His friends don't have a perfect holiday either—Muffy is angry with Francine since she missed Muffy's Christmas party in order to celebrate Hanukkah with her family, and Buster's mom nearly ruins Christmas trying to overcompensate since she and Buster's dad are divorced. All ends well, of course. The story is a little forced, trying to work in Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, but Arthur fans will enjoy it nonetheless. 2000, Little Brown, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen

About the Author, Marc Brown

Two things suggest that Arthur, the loveable star of children s books and the PBS series, may not be so fictitious after all: 1) Kids are known to call Marc Brown s house looking for their bespectacled friend and 2) Brown s third grade class picture -- according to many, a dead-ringer for the aardvark himself.

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Editorials

Children's Literature

Kirkus Reviews

Arthur imagines his ideal Christmas to include snow, the perfect tree, and his favorite food, but soon realizes that life isn't always what you'd expect. At first this discovery discourages him, but he soon learns to put his expectations aside and has a great Christmas. Once again Brown, well known for his popular Arthur Adventure book series and Emmy Award—winning PBS television series, employs the usual cast of characters to address a common situation. Family and peer dynamics are explored in a warm-hearted, amusing way to educate young readers. In the beginning, Arthur is sure this Christmas will be disastrous. Instead of a turkey dinner, Dad is preparing a Middle Eastern meal that might have been served during the time Jesus was in Bethlehem. Arthur is sure he'll hate it but ends up loving it. His image of a normal Christmas tree evaporates when D.W. decorates it with her trolls and unicorns. Worst of all, there's no snow. As in most Marc Brown books, everyone learns a lesson. Arthur's sister is consumed by the primary present she wants but finally recognizes that Santa knows best. Francine celebrates Chanukah with Muffy, who now appreciates having a friend as the best gift of all. Buster teaches his mom that the holidays are about being with loved ones, and Uncle Fred helps Arthur experience the true joy of giving and sharing. "Christmas is more than presents," he wisely advises. It snows after all and Arthur declares, "This is the perfect Christmas!" (Picture book. 4-8)Brown, Margaret Wise A CHILD IS BORN Illus. by Floyd Cooper Jump at the Sun/Hyperion (32 pp.) Oct. 2000