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Book Review: Cole Family Christmas by Jennifer Liu Bryan with Hazel Cole Kendle
December 5th, 2008
Cole Family Christmas was an absolute delight to read. Just one look at the cover and I knew I was in for a treat. It is rated as a reading level of ages 9-12 but any adult would enjoy this little book too. It’s a short book at 74 pages but definitely enough to keep the kid’s interested in a good, old fashioned story of the old days. The illustrations by Jennifer Julich are absolutely wonderful. Looking at them takes you right into the lives of the Cole family; they are just beautiful.
Another thing that makes this story even better is that it is true. It is based on Hazel Cole Kendle’s family’s remembrances of this one Christmas they shared and what it meant to them. Hazel is the last surviving member of the Cole family that the novel is about which makes it special in itself.
The Cole’s, a coal miner family, live in Benham, Kentucky up in the hills. This Christmas the nine Cole children get to sit down with the Sears, Roebuck and Company catalogue -The Wish Book -to choose a gift they would most like to have. This is a real treat for them as they are a poor family and there just isn’t the money for store bought gifts. Of course they are excited!
The story moves on as the Cole family prepares for Christmas. Along the way mishaps happen, a snow storm descends and Papa doesn’t come home on Christmas Eve worrying the whole family. Christmas morning does arrive and ultimately the Cole children, really the whole family, is surprised by how the gifts given from the heart instead of the store bought ones are the gifts that turn out to be the most special.
I found this story such a pleasure to read. It reminded me of Christmas stories my parents tell from growing up on the farm. They didn’t have money so there weren’t gifts, just maybe a little candy and a good Christmas meal and yet they were happy. The Sears Wish Book also held a special place in both of their farm houses too. Today, it seems, there is so much stuff available that I wonder if we sometimes miss the true meaning of Christmas which for me is love and family.
This book is packed full of heartwarming family and Christmas memories. I’m going to keep this one on the shelf and read it every year at Christmas. It’s the perfect read to share with your children this Christmas or just to enjoy for yourself! You can also visit the Cole Family Christmas website here to learn more about the book and browse around-it’s really a delightful site.
Many thanks to Lisa Roe, Online Publicist for this awesome book. I really, really enjoyed it and it will definitely be a Christmas treasure in my family for years to come.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (16)
I love a good Christmas story. Knowing that one is true makes it sound even better. Thanks for the review.
I wasn’t aware that this is a true story. I love a good Christmas tale.
How nice to find such a good Christmas book. Nice review, Dar!
Wonderful review, I thought this book was so awesome and I cannot wait to share it with family over the holidays.
Hope you don’t mind, but I placed a link to your review on my review of this book.
I just saw this at another blog, it does sound very good.
Great review
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
It sounds fantastic! I love Christmas stories.
this sounds oh so cool for Christmas
I am sure it will be a treasure indeed!
Awesome Review Dar, you put so much warmth and emotion into it… taht anyone would want to pick up the book
Take care!
Stay Happy
I had no idea this was a true story! I cannot wait to check this out. Thank you for the review!
Hi Dar!
Hey I saw your comment on Diary of an Eccentric Blog a couple days ago. You can get Owen Fiddler in Canada but you have to order it thru Amazon.com
Thanks for dropping in on the tour!
I’m such a Mrs. Scrooge because of all the commercialization of this season. I go through the motions but don’t really enjoy it very much. I think a story like this is just what I need!
I love reading about what other people do at Christmas, and other holidays, so I like that this is based on the author’s actual memories.
And can I just say one more time how cute Buddy is in those booties!?!?
Shana
Literarily
Kathy, I think that makes this one better too-that it’s true. Just adds one more special element to it.
Ti, so do I. I bet the kids would love this one.
Mary, yay- I did end up with a Christmas review.
Joanne, I haven’t tackled the google reader yet but I’ll link your review up to mine soon. Thanks so much for linking mine. I’ve got to pop over and see what you thought of it.
Naida, thanks:)
Amy, you’d love this one. I bet your mom and sister would too. Maybe one for The Friendly Book Nook.
Veens, thanks:) I may reread it Christmas Eve I think.
Kalea Kane, your welcome:)
Linda, I agree. We’re changing up Christmas this year. Just a couple of gifts and just enjoying the lights and tree and food. This story warms the heart because it’s one of those good old-fashioned Christmas’.
Shana, I like the old time stories of Christmas. There wasn’t much yet they had such fun.
oooohhhh.. this sounds so perfect for the season. Thanks for the review Dar. Having a little 2.5 year old grandson makes me want to restock the house with fun family books to read. Great review!
Toni, this is such a perfect Christmas book. E might be too young for the story itself but he’d probably love the pics.
I’m always looking for new Christmas books to share with my daughter. This one sounds great! Thanks for the recommendation.
–Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
Anna, I think this would be a great story to share with The Girl. You’d both love it.