Who's That Knocking on Christmas Eve?

Rating:
Summary: Superbly illustrated
Review: Another very good book by Jan Brett. The illustrations are captivating. Trolls are again part of the storyline and the two main characters triumph over them in the end. Children enjoy the plot and how the trolls are cleverly outwitted.

Rating:
Summary: Superbly illustrated
Review: Another very good book by Jan Brett. The illustrations are captivating. Trolls are again part of the storyline and the two main characters triumph over them in the end. Children enjoy the plot and how the trolls are cleverly outwitted.

Rating:
Summary: My first Jan Brett's book
Review: I love this book. I was so thrilled when I bought it for my children's first Christmas. It is now part of our Christmas tradition ~~ reading this book and snacking on cookies. When I look for good books to buy and to incorporate in our holiday reading, I look for excellent illustrations with a fun story to tell. I also don't look for drawn-out stories or depressing stories. This book fits all of the criteria I had set out.

My boys love polar bears. This one is focused on a traveling boy with his polar bear who helps a young girl keeps the trolls away from her house and eating up all of her Christmas eve dinner. It's funny and hilarious and sweet ~~ all at the same time. It's easy to read and fun to read out loud as well. It's a great addition to our personal library!

2-4-04

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Illustrations, Dissappointing Story
Review: Jan Brett has again combined a charming story with delightful characters and her usual stunning artwork. Each page is a visual treat; casual readers will miss the subtle clues and detail skilfully blended into the borders. The story invites lingering on each and every page. Although the story is aimed at children aged 4 through 8...readers of all ages will love this treasure. It adds Brett's usual magic to story time...and for readers without children of that age-buy it...you'll enjoy it yourself!

Rating:
Summary: A warm Christmas tale with its beautiful drawings
Review: Kyri is worried about the loud knock at her door on Christmas Eve, but she invites in a Finnmark boy and his ice bear and leaves the trolls outside - until the break in. Will the Christmas feast be ruined by the trolls? It's up to the boy and his beast to help in this warm Christmas tale with its beautiful drawings.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing illustrations, weak story.
Review: The illustrations in this book are beautiful and amazing. Unfortunately, this book isn't merely a picture book. It is also a story book, and the story doesn't have a lot to it. Essentially, a boy with a polar bear comes to a girl's house in the snow, and his bear scares away the trolls that steal Christmas supper. No part of the story is very well developed, and it really is kind of boring. At least I think it is, as do the kids in my life. However, the illustrations are magical. So, what to do? Check it out at the library. Not worth a purchase.

Rating:
Summary: Who's That Knocking On Christmas Eve?
Review: This book is indeed beautiful. The illustrations are gorgeous with lots of detail around the borders. The are lush pictures of snow covered mountains, the northern lights, and a snug litle cabin. If you are intrested in exposing your child to the Norwegian culture then the illustrations do an excellent job of that. The story however is somewhat boring. A boy shows up at a cottage with his polar bear looking for food and shelter. The little girl who lives there tells him that there won't be any food because every year on Christmas eve a band of trolls comes down and devours all of the food. Sure enough they hear a knock at the door as the trolls arrive to collect their food. ...In short order the trolls consume all of the food. ... I was intrested in knowing if the story was perhaps a traditional Norwegian folktale. Maybe something got lost in the translation. There is no Information about this provided however there is a picture of the author on her trip to research the book. The cover of the book would lead you to believe that the book is primarily about the polar bear but he has a minor role at the end. I think the book would have been better if it would have provided some more details relating to how Norwegians celebrate Christmas. Although this book has some worth while aspects to it you may want to read it over before you purchase it.

Rating:
Summary: An Arctic Bloom
Review: What a marvel of a book! Jan Brett has an incredibly detailed and colorful style a la Michael Hague. In this book, each illustration is presented a triptych: the middle panel represents the text, and the side panels present what is happening meanwhile with the other characters. Very neat trick.

I like that there is not TOO much text on each page, and there is a lovely repetitive cadence to the storytelling.

Although this is a good book to use in initiating learning about Scandinavia, it evokes the Arctic in general. As someone who lived in Alaska for many years and had the good fortune to see the Northern Lights and breathe the crisp frigid air until my nose hairs froze, I endorse Brett's artistic expression of the Far North completely.

This is a good family read for mixed-age children if the older ones liked "The Golden Compass" or "Julie of the Wolves". Children who like this book may also enjoy the gigantic books "Gnomes" full of Scandinavian lore.

Rating:
Summary: An Arctic Bloom
Review: What a marvel of a book! Jan Brett has an incredibly detailed and colorful style a la Michael Hague. In this book, each illustration is presented a triptych: the middle panel represents the text, and the side panels present what is happening meanwhile with the other characters. Very neat trick.

I like that there is not TOO much text on each page, and there is a lovely repetitive cadence to the storytelling.

Although this is a good book to use in initiating learning about Scandinavia, it evokes the Arctic in general. As someone who lived in Alaska for many years and had the good fortune to see the Northern Lights and breathe the crisp frigid air until my nose hairs froze, I endorse Brett's artistic expression of the Far North completely.

This is a good family read for mixed-age children if the older ones liked "The Golden Compass" or "Julie of the Wolves". Children who like this book may also enjoy the gigantic books "Gnomes" full of Scandinavian lore.