  | Clarice Bean, think like an elf (Clarice Bean) Author: Child, Lauren | |
| Price: $23.98 | ||
Summary:
Clarice Bean loves Christmas, and she's determined to spread tidings of joy in every possible way. Mom and Dad are too exhausted to even think of hosting their usual big gathering, decorating the tree turns into an evening of calamities, and the dog eats the turkey. Maybe Clarice's creative problem-solving--and some surprise help--can inspire the Tuesdays to embrace the holiday mishaps and enjoy a day better than anyone imagined!
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (07/01/22)
School Library Journal (09/01/22)
Booklist (09/01/22)
The Hornbook (00/11/22)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 Gr 3–6—The latest installment of the series starts with the title character saying, "Christmas cannot be Christmas without the Christmas spirit, so it is important to keep an eye on it and not let it float away." But the Christmas spirit is at risk this year when Clarice's parents decide to have a quiet Christmas with only their family. Clarice is determined to keep the spirit alive. Her best friend's mom tells her to focus on the good things, so Clarice follows this advice by making lots of Christmas cards, helping around the house, and giving to others. She encounters many obstacles, including packages sent to the wrong people and a Christmas turkey eaten by her dog. Despite all this, Clarice learns that the smallest things make the biggest difference at Christmas and in life. The book contains many laugh-out-loud moments for young and adult readers, including the family's receipt of Christmas cards "from people who you can't remember who they are," and wonderful character descriptions like the one of Clarice's teacher with a voice "that is the sound of constant droning. At least my voice can go up and down—she only has one note and it is flat." Text is presented in a very reader-friendly style, with bold words, changes in font size, and short paragraphs. Child's illustrations and collages perfectly complement the text and bring the characters, setting, and Christmas spirit to life. VERDICT An absolutely charming story for the Christmas season, and an essential purchase for fans of the "Clarice Bean" series.—Heidi Dechief - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 09/01/2022 Clarice yearns for a traditional Christmas, with relatives and friends joining her immediate family for a chaotic but wonderful celebration. But her exhausted parents declare that this year, just the seven people in their household will celebrate together. As the day approaches, tension builds. With little money, Clarice must make fudge for everyone on her list. Meanwhile, she practices singing “The Twelve Days of Christmas” for a school performance, and she panics after realizing that, despite instructions, she has done exactly the wrong thing with the enormous turkey delivered to her home. Eventually the spirit of the season prevails, miraculously sorting out all Clarice’s worries and mishaps, while creating a merry Christmas after all. Visually, the book is original and appealing, with drawings, photos, and colorful collages illustrating the story and the text printed in red. Clarice’s lively, amusing first-person narrative offers a fresh take on the holiday season as experienced by a child growing up in a quirky but lovable family. A rewarding addition to the Clarice Bean series of transitional chapter books. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
