A Little Women Christmas

by Heather Vogel Frederick, Bagram Ibatoulline (Illustrator), Louisa May Alcott

Overview

A cherished holiday scene from a beloved classic comes to life in this festive, cozy picture book homage to Little Women.

It’s almost Christmas, and Jo March is determined that this year, unlike the last, there will be presents. It is in this spirit that she and her dear friend Laurie build a snow maiden for poor, sick Beth. The next day, Beth is thrilled with her present, and each of the girls, in turn, receives a little something from the others. But the best gift of all arrives when Papa, who has been away at war and ill, makes a surprise return home for Christmas dinner.

With a timeless message of goodwill and giving and stunning painted artwork, A Little Women Christmas makes a perfect gift for fans of Louisa May Alcott’s literary treasure as well as for anyone who appreciates the true meaning of Christmas.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442413597
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Publication date:	09/30/2014
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 12.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD890L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Heather Vogel Frederick is the award-winning author of the Mother-Daughter Book Club series, Absolutely Truly, the Patience Goodspeed books, the Spy Mice series, and Once Upon a Toad. An avid fan of all things maple, Heather and her husband have recently been transplanted from Portland, Oregon, back to New England, close to where Heather grew up. You can learn more about the author and her books at HeatherVogelFrederick.com.

Bagram Ibatoulline was born in Russia and educated at the Moscow State Academic Art Institute. His first book was Philip Booth's Crossing, named a 2001 Best Book by Publishers Weekly. He is best known for his books with Kate di Camillo, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and Great Joy. Bagram lives in Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania.

Editorial Reviews

★ 09/15/2014
A cozy Christmas with the March clan is on tap in this picture book adapted from Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. Using accessible but not overly contemporary language (and retaining some of Alcott’s phrasings), Frederick turns a holiday-centric episode from the novel into a standalone story brimming with warmth. Admirers of the original will still find much to love, as the characters’ personalities and the basic plotlines remain true. Ibatoulline’s gouache portraits of family life, often awash in the glow of candlelight, are steeped in 19th-century detail, from the modest dresses and carefully set dinner table to a crackling orange-red fire in the fireplace. Outdoor scenes of the March house and its snowy environs are as crisp and clear as a snap of winter air. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Barry Goldblatt, Barry Goldblatt Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Nancy Gallt, Nancy Gallt Literary Agency. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

2014-08-12
A celebration of Christmas in the March family has been adapted as the text for this oversized picture book, with lavish illustrations of the family enjoying the holiday together. The March sisters enjoy a happy Christmas morning, with special gifts for their sister Beth, who has been in poor health. Their celebration becomes more joyful yet with the surprise arrival of Mr. March, who has been injured in the Civil War. The illustrations are dark and moody, reflecting the somber nature of a household with a father away at war and the realities of 19th-century illumination. There are continuity issues in both text and illustrations. Jo's age does not seem consistent throughout the book, with one close-up view showing a girl who looks about 12 and others with her looking older. Beth is referred to as the youngest daughter, rather than the second youngest, and she is shown with blonde ringlets instead of Amy, as in the original. It is too bad there is no author's note giving more specifics about Louisa May Alcott, the original story, the time frame of the Civil War and the New England location. It's hard to identify the intended audience for this effort, as those who love the original already will likely be unhappy, and those who don't will lack the context necessary to enjoy it. A well-intentioned but misguided effort. (Picture book. 6-8)

Kirkus Reviews