Eight-year-old Robert discovers the true spirit of the season while visiting the mall Santa on Christmas Eve…

By Cheryl C. Malandrinos

A CHRISTMAS KINDNESS, Children/First Chapter Reader, 4RV Publishing, 52 pp.

Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who only has one request for Santa, Robert is confused about what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?

PRAISE

It is not often that a simple children’s book can nearly bring me to tears, but this one succeeded. There is nothing better than reading a story at Christmastime that reminds you that there are still good people and good kids in the world. This is one heartwarming Christmas story that you and your kids can read and enjoy. It will remind you of the true meaning of Christmas, and I believe that the author’s purpose is accomplished.

– Ruth, Amazon Reviewer

Robert can’t wait to see Santa. He’s got a pile of stuff he wants to ask for. Then he meets Glenn in line, and Robert himself gets to play Santa. I was touched by the main character’s transformation after he came in contact with someone in real need. The glow he walks away with can’t be bought, and he’ll never find it under the Christmas tree, but it’s the heart of the season that he’s found. Nicely illustrated, enjoyable story for readers of all ages.

– Jude, Amazon Reviewer

Pick up your copy of A Christmas Kindness at Amazon.

"Oh, when will we get there?" whispered Robert from the backseat of his mother's car. He fiddled with the pull on his coat. The wipers brushed aside the snow falling on the windshield.

As they arrived, lines of cars streamed in and out of the mall parking lot. Robert peered over his mother's shoulder and saw her white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel. She huffed as she scanned the parking lot for an empty space. He wiggled around, but his seat belt kept him secure.

Inside the mall, Christmas music and the tinkling of jingle bells tickled Robert's ears. With his mother, Robert weaved through the crowd of shoppers. He smelled fried food from Burger Mart. The sweet scent of warm chocolate chip cookies from the bakery made his mouth water.

Robert's shoulders drooped when he saw how many kids waited to see Santa. There were babies, some crying and struggling to get out of their mother's arms. Little kids, many younger than eight-year-old Robert, clung to their father's pants or jumped up and down as they waited their turn.

"This is going to take forever!"

MY REVIEW

A Christmas Kindness is a sweet and kind of sad children's story about the true meaning of the holiday season.
The story starts with Robert and his mom pulling into the mall parking lot. They're there to see Santa. Robert can't wait to tell Santa what he wants for Christmas. He even has a list! But all that changes when Robert is waiting in line and meets Glenn. Glenn is another little boy waiting in line to meet Santa. The only difference is, Glenn doesn't have a list of toys he wants for Christmas. He only wants one thing: a very special gift for a very sad reason.
When Robert discovers the truth about Glenn and his family, he has to decide if he's going to give up his own wishes for someone else's.
I found this book to be both beautiful and heartwarming. Sure, it's sad, but it also brings a smile to your face when you read it.
The illustrations are lovely, and the overall story is one older children will find easy to read along with.
5 stars!

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Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A member of SCBWI, she is blogger and book reviewer. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two daughters. She also has a son who is married.

Visit Cheryl online at http://ccmalandrinos.com and her children’s book blog at https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com.

Connect with Cheryl on Twitter and Facebook.

2 comments:

CherylNovember 17, 2021 at 9:34 PM
Thanks for your lovely review of my book. I hope your readers get a chance to check it out.

Please try not to spam posts with the same comments over and over again. Authors like seeing thoughtful comments about their books, not the same old, "I like the cover" or "sounds good" comments. While that is nice, putting some real thought and effort in is appreciated. Thank you.