Reviews for Can't Wait till Christmas

The average rating for Can't Wait till Christmas based on 2 reviews is 2.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2020-12-16 00:00:00 John Diemer Sometimes when celebrities do books for kids, the results don't feel quite right. The story is stilted, overly goofy, or so preoccupied with delivering a message that it forgets to entertain. For the most part, former Arkansas governor and U.S. presidential candidate Mike Huckabee avoids those pitfalls; Can't Wait Till Christmas! offers good fun as well as a lesson to reflect on. Young Mike loves the holiday season: cookies, decorating, and opening presents on Christmas morning. Waiting until December 25 to attack the pile of gifts under the tree is maddening, but his mother says the delay will only sweeten the experience. This year Mike hopes to receive a J. C. Higgins football more than anything. As the days crawl by slower than molasses, he hits on a scheme to find out right now whether he's getting the football, but it requires help from his older sister, Pat. What if he and his sister open their gifts when Mom and Dad are at work, play with the toys during the day, then carefully wrap them back up exactly as they were? Pat is reluctant, but eventually gives in to temptation. Mike is overjoyed to unwrap a brand-new J. C. Higgins football and play with it outdoors, and Pat loves the chemistry set her parents are giving her. They enjoy themselves for hours in the days leading up to Christmas, and Pat always carefully rewraps the gifts so their parents don't know. The plan seems foolproof...but the morning of the 25th doesn't feel exciting as usual. Mike and Pat have to feign surprise as they open the packages. When Mom and Dad uncover their deception, Mike braces for punishment, but maybe what he's brought on himself is worse. In the years to come, Mike and his sister will better understand what makes Christmas magical. "You know, when you wait for something you really want, it makes it even more special when you finally get it." 'Mom, Can't Wait Till Christmas! Every year, Christmas quickly comes and goes, and you have to wait another three hundred sixty-five days for its charm, warmth, and togetherness to return. Eager as you are to reveal the secrets stashed beneath the tree, don't rush Christmas out the door. Savor the moment, the anticipation of every lovely surprise at your fingertips. Once you undo the ribbon and peek inside the box, you never regain that wonderful instant right before you found out what you're getting. Excitement is at its peak just before you start opening gifts, when all that potential lies ahead like a great story waiting to be told. I never want it to end faster than it must. Mike Huckabee's storytelling is amusing and tender, and Jed Henry's illustrations are every bit as important in forwarding the narrative. They burst with Christmas cheer, and I like the playful chase between the cat and dog at the bottom of the pictures. Their wordless sub-story brings to mind Mercer Mayer's Little Critter picture books, which I've loved most of my life. I'd rate Can't Wait Till Christmas! two and a half stars, and I'm glad Mike Huckabee tried his hand at writing for kids. His easygoing nature and gentle sense of humor are suited for it.

Review # 2 was written on 2018-11-05 00:00:00 Calli Wright A story I think we all may have experienced.