Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday Audio
Fiction
For ages 6 to 9
Unabridged audiobook (CD)
Performed/read by: Barbara Rosenblat
Brilliance Audio, 2010 ISBN: 978-1441889287
Christmas is just around the corner, and Judy Moody and her little brother Stink are getting ready. Carefully Judy makes her Christmas list, “checking it twice” to make sure it is right. Stink’s list, unlike Judy’s, is very short indeed. In fact, his list is made up of just one word: “snow.” Stink wants it to snow on Christmas more than anything.
While Judy practices singing a Hawaiian version of The twelve days of Christmas – “and a parrot in a palm tree”- her brother tells anyone who will listen about snowflakes. He also insists that the new postman is called Jack Frost. Apparently, Jack told Stink that he might be able to arrange a white Christmas for Stink. Perhaps it isn’t that outrageous an idea after all.
Stink is so obsessed with snow that he even changes his role in the holiday show at his school. Stink is supposed to be playing the mouse in the performance of “’Twas the night before Christmas,” but he ends up coming on stage dressed as something altogether different, to the surprise of everyone.
This wonderful holiday story not only reminds children that Christmas is a magical time when wonderful things can happen, but it is also a time when we need to find special ways to give to others. Barbara Rosenblat’s narrative is funny and a joy to listen to.
