Stories have the power to build bridges between the differences among us and The Thing About Christmas by Jo Dabrowski and Briony Stewart is a book that sensitively does this in such a beautiful and touching way. This is an affirming picture book that offers readers the opportunity see Christmas through different lenses, revealing diverse perspectives, celebrations and a richness of traditions. Throughout this book there is one constant and that it the true meaning of Christmas.
This story, told in engaging rhyme, is an important one for children to build their understanding that Christmas is such a unique time for every family. It shows that some people are able to celebrate with all of their family coming together in extravagant ways, other families do not celebrate at all, for some, Christmas is split in two when a child may spend some time with one parent and then another portion of the day with another, sometimes Christmas is celebrated in a new home far away from all that is familiar and from your nearest and dearest, for some Christmas amplifies the loss of a loved one, for others the Christmas stocking may not be full. What really shines in this book, is that no matter what Christmas may look like, it is about love.
Briony Stewart’s illustrations are stunning. It is fascinating following each of the children and their diverse families, each page reveals something new to discover about them, another piece to their story. The illustrations add so much emotion and further details to the narrative. The images support readers seeing and feeling the beauty of Christmas, the memories made in the togetherness, the magic that comes with celebrating in your own special way.
This is a must have addition to every Christmas collection.