Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
A Houseful of Christmas
Illustrator: Betsy Lewin
Picture Book
For ages 3 to 7
Henry Holt, 2004 ISBN: 978-0805076370
Every year Granny holds the family Christmas celebration at her house. She has a wonderful time getting ready for the big day, decorating, wrapping gifts, and cooking. Her dog Edgar loves it all, but her cat Fat Cat does not. It is all too much noise and fuss to suit him.
On Christmas day the whole family arrives and they have a wonderful feast together. Then they open presents and Fat Cat sulks some more. When it is time to go home everyone discovers that it has snowed so much that no one can leave - they have to stay at Granny’s house for the night.
Thus begins a wonderful night as everyone settles down to sleep in Granny’s house. We hear the grandfather clock ticking, we see Edgar the dog sooth the children until they go to sleep, and we watch Uncle Bert having dreams about his "glory days’ when he was a fireman. The house is full and everyone is "sung" and "together."
This warm and comforting book with its cartoon like artwork is a perfect holiday story to share with the family.
