How to Wait for Christmas by R.A. Stephens, illustrated by Novia Heroanto (Grace Bell Publishing Kids) HB RRP $24.95 ISBN: 9781923534063
Reviewed by Dannielle Viera
On the first day of December, Jemma and Luke are excited when Mum pulls out the box with the Christmas tree. Jemma knows that she must be patient – it’s still twenty-four sleeps until Christmas Day. She decides to pass the time with plenty of festive activities, from setting up a Nativity scene to making cards and wrapping paper. Soon her grandparents are there, plus her cousins – and ‘somehow it doesn’t feel like waiting anymore’. On 25 December, the family members say ‘Merry Christmas’ with each present they hand out.
R.A. Stephens has turned waiting for Christmas into
a real-life Advent calendar, where each day’s gift is an experience that stirs
the senses, celebrates togetherness, and jingles with joy. Kids aged four to
eight will see their own family traditions on the pages, and perhaps discover a
few new ones, too – especially selfless acts of service that are sure to
make them feel ‘shiny inside’.
Through the jolly lens of How to Wait for Christmas, the big day becomes a month-long celebration of all things holly and
holy. Readers young and old will relish the wealth of treasures to be found
throughout the holiday season.
