Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Ernest’s Special Christmas
Illustrator: Carol A. Camburn
Picture Book
For ages 3 to 5
Barnesyard Books, 2003 ISBN: 978-0967468136
It is Christmas Eve and Ernest is looking forward to a wonderful Christmas celebration with his barn yard friends. When it starts to snow Ernest and then the other animals make their way to the barn. It is only when they are all together that they realize that one of their number is missing. Where is Chester the large white draft horse?
Ernest goes looking for Chester and eventually finds the tired old horse lying in the snow; Chester has slipped and fallen and he can’t get up. Ernest knows that Chester has to be made to get up and taken out of the cold and snow but how is the job to be done? Soon Ernest is joined in his effort to help Chester by the horses; then the other miniature donkeys arrive; finally the birds join in. Can all their pushing and pulling help Chester get to his feet?
This sweet and heart warming little story reminds us that there is more to Christmas than just receiving presents and that the best gift of all is being able to be with friends and family. Carol Camburn’s delicate pen and watercolor art capture the beauty of a snowy Christmas Eve and the poignancy of Chester’s predicament.
This book won the Silver Ben Franklin Children’s Book Award in 2003.
