It's Christmas, David!

by David Shannon

Overview

The bestselling star of NO, DAVID! turns Christmas traditions upside down with laugh-aloud humor.

Readers of all ages will vividly remember trying to peek at hidden gift packages; writing scrolls of wish lists to Santa; and struggling to behave at formal Christmas dinner parties. Always in the background, we know Santa Claus is watching, soon to decide if David deserves a shiny new fire truck or a lump of coal under the tree. From playing with delicate ornaments to standing in an endlessly long line for Santa, here are common Christmas activities--but with David's naughty trimmings. A surefire hit that is destined to be an annual classic.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780545143110
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	09/01/2010
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	182,395
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.60(d)
Lexile:	AD20L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

David Shannon is the internationally acclaimed creator of more than thirty picture books, including NO, DAVID!, a Caldecott Honor Book and his second NEW YORK TIMES Best Illustrated Book of the Year. In addition to three more David picture books, Shannon’s bestsellers include TOO MANY TOYS; HOW GEORGIE RADBOURN SAVED BASEBALL (newly released in 2012); A BAD CASE OF STRIPES; DUCK ON A BIKE; ALICE THE FAIRY; and GOOD BOY, FERGUS! A native of Spokane, Washington, he is an avid fisherman. He and his family live in California.

Hometown:

Los Angeles, California

Date of Birth:

October 5, 1960

Place of Birth:

Washington, D. C. (Raised in Spokane, Washington)

Education:

B.A., Art Center College of Design

Editorial Reviews

The beloved, boisterous, shark-toothed star of Shannon's No, David! and other books is sooo ready for Christmas. But as is his wont, David lets his enthusiasm run wild, earning him reprimands from his offstage mother. He can't resist snooping for gifts ("No peeking!") or sneaking cookies ("No snitching!"), and a "Sorry, you were naughty," letter from Santa suggests the worst case scenario. Worry not: Shannon's having just as much fun as David is, and his mixed-media art and kinetic kid's-eye-view pull readers in for a happy Christmas morning. Ages 3–7. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

David is back with a holiday twist. Christmas holds many temptations for David, from searching for presents to participating in rowdy snowball fights, as well as many occasions when he has to behave himself, such as holiday family dinners. Constant reminders about the naughty list do little to deter David from misbehaving, and he begins to question on Christmas Eve if there will be any presents for him the next morning. Tension mounts, but everything is happily concluded with David hugging a fire truck on Christmas morning. David could be any child during the holiday season, and many children will relate to his mischievous ways. Shannon's illustrations add much humor to his sparse text; the page showing David clad only in boots, mittens and hat will have young ones howling. While this might not be the kind of book that will be read every holiday as a treasured family tradition, it is recommended for all libraries and schools with children who just cannot wait for the arrival of Christmas. Reviewer: Tiffany Erickson

Children's Literature - Tiffany Erickson

PreS-Gr 1—Christmas gives more opportunities to admonish the irrepressible David in this familiar story that nonetheless feels fresh with the added holiday trappings. Temptations abound as the beloved rascal attempts to track down hidden presents, snitches cookies, presents his lengthy wish list to Santa, and stays up late with his face pressed up against the window on Christmas Eve. Cheekier moments include a recurring scene from the first book of David heading for the horizon clad only in a winter hat, mittens, and boots, and his name written in telltale yellow letters in the snow. Emotions are easily conveyed, from David's hyper anticipation, to his very real fear that maybe his behavior makes him unworthy of Santa's attention, to the comforting and blissful endpage.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

School Library Journal

Wild-child David returns for his fourth full-length romp as he tears through the Christmas season at his usual breakneck pace. The title page shows a full-length view of Santa from beard to boots, establishing him as another authoritative adult, along with David's mom. Her cautionary commands are heard from off-stage throughout, reminding her son that Santa is watching as David attempts all the usual pre-Christmas tricks as well as more creative capers. Shannon's irresistible illustrations show David's emotions careening from hope to anticipation to sadness to joy, with a masterful use of perspective keeping the reader on the same emotional level with the little boy. The touching final page shows David clutching his new fire truck and a note from Santa, with Mom's protective arm around him as always. (Picture book. 2-6)

Kirkus Reviews