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Eight-year-old Maddie cannot contain her excitement as Christmas is just around the corner. However, hearing Harper, her younger sister, cough through the night worries her that the extravagant Christmas she has envisioned might be ruined. Grimm's work is highly plot-driven, with dynamic character arcs, providing ample opportunities to develop strong readers at the primary level. Overall, the fusion of an engaging storyline and resplendent colors in the illustrations captures the spirit of the season.
From the onset, the repetition and italicization of cough, cough, cough demonstrates the author's ability to plant the plot point in young minds. Combined with the "cough" thought bubbles in the illustration, Grimm leaves no doubt about where the plot will head. Probing deeper, this is a refreshing manner in which Grimm helps guide learning readers with context clues to understand development and story arc. The emphasis on the word "cough" serves to further magnify Maddie's fear that her baby sister's cough could spoil Christmas. Thus, at the core of Grimm's children's book is a simple yet profound premise that underpins the rest of the plot: will Harper return from the hospital in time for Maddie and the family to have a special holiday?
As the story progresses, simple, direct sentences add clarity to the plot-driven nature of the work while facilitating better understanding of sensory details to track the plot. In particular, Grimm highlights the necessity of a strong support system with the introduction of Tangkwa, the babysitter, and the arrival of their beloved Granddad. While Maddie's parents are at the hospital caring for Harper, the feeling of Christmas returns with zeal. From carrots at the front door for reindeer to the excitement of opening gifts, Maddie's optimism on Christmas Eve is sky-high.
While countless themes permeate the book, one central theme is the heartwarming nature of innocence. Through the use of dialogue, Grimm depicts numerous scenes that are instantly endearing to readers. One scene, for instance, is Maddie helping her grandfather navigate technological barriers to pick up the ham that her mother had booked the day prior for Christmas dinner. Unquestionably, Grimm's connection with the characters is so authentic in large part because they are the namesakes of his actual grandchildren: Maddie, Natalie, Harper, and Nolan. These scenes, through both their writing and illustration, add visual acuity, sensory detail, and lyrical cadence.
In the book, when Harper finally returns home and Maddie is able to open her gifts without any restrictions, she realizes the gifts aren't nearly as important. The imagery of seeing her younger sisters joyfully opening their gifts under the tree is a powerful one that is emblematic of unity and togetherness, gifts that far supersede any material treasures. All in all, the story is heartwarming and a compelling example for young minds to take in to fully grasp the importance of family, relationships, and the ties that bind. Combining a stirring storyline with vivid illustrations, Grimm demonstrates the human spirit in full swing, rendering the work highly entertaining and meaningful for young minds.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
A 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award Nominee