The Christmas Sweater

The Christmas Sweater: A Picture Book

By Glen Beck, illustrated by Brandon Dorman, adapted by Chris Schoebinger, Aladdin/Mercury Radio Arts, 2009, unp., ISBN 978-1-4169-9543-2, $17.99.

This is the author's version of a work that was submitted/accepted for publication in the following source:

Catholic Library World, Sep2010, Vol. 81 Issue 1, p63.

 

The Christmas Sweater is a story about a little boy named Eddie who wants a bicycle for Christmas. He is disappointed when his grandfather tells him that he doesn’t think he will be getting a bicycle for Christmas. Instead, he will be receiving a Christmas sweater. Eddie tells his grandfather that he does not want a “boring, useless, itchy sweater.” The grandfather explains to Eddie that this is no ordinary sweater. It is a hand-made gift filled with love and this love “turns into Christmas magic.” Eddie doesn’t exactly accept this explanation, but he soon falls asleep and in his dreams, Eddie has many adventures that will help him understand what his grandfather had been trying to tell him. 

 

The Christmas Sweater is beautifully illustrated by Brad Dorman. These illustrations complement the text and are colored. The book contain common elements that most people associate with Christmas- snow globes, family, snow, sledding, ginger bread houses, and gifts. However, under these elements is a message of the true meaning of Christmas. Of course, we understand as Christians that the true meaning of Christmas is the birth of Christ. This is a secular book and there is no mention of the church or of Jesus Christ. However, this book has a positive message: Christmas is not about getting the things we want, but about expressing our love for each other and being thankful for the love-gifts we receive. This is definitely a message a materialistic culture needs to hear.

The Christmas Sweater is written for children four to seven years old. It is recommended for all libraries that have children collections.