by InspiredWritingResearch

Created on: November 20, 2010   Last Updated: November 21, 2010

This book review of The Oxford Book Of Christmas Stories mainly explains why we, as a family, enjoyed the collection so much. For myself, as a Mom and as a teacher, the joy was in rediscovering old stories from my own childhood and being able to share them with with my own children. For example, the tale of Mr Pickwick's winter antics is still hilarious and a great piece of Charles Dickens comedy My youngest son, on the other hand loved the Chilly Snowman story and the older one couldn't get over the cruel treatment of the little dog in the tale about Grandfather Frost. Cold winter nights are a great time for sharing stories old and new, and it is nice to add some festive themes to the bedtime story routine. Most families, children and friends gather together at Christmas time and so  there are always stories to be told and shared and remembered, such as these stories, new and not so new, from the Oxford Book of Christmas stories

In this classic collection can be found modern tales about romance, family, love, secrets, Christmas friendship,comedy, bravery, fear, conflict, and of course compassion. The anthology includes stories by Frank O’Connor, Charles Dickens, Leslie Norris, Laurie Lee,James Riordan,  Philippa Pearce, Mabel Marlowe, Gwen Grant, Geraldine McCaughrean, Jacqueline Wilson and Nicholas Fisk, plus so many others.

So  the kids and adults alike can laugh  with Mr Pickwick slipping on the ice or peek into Adrian Mole's Christmas list or enjoy the wonder of Frank O’Connor’s Christmas Morning. Perhaps they will feel empathy with the poor little pet in the Christmas story about the dog who gets nothing but abuse and pancakes hurled at it by the old crone in the story of Grandfather Frost! There is also the discomfort of Mabel Marlowe’s poor snowman who shivers without any clothes. Every child can share the excitement of the Christmas Morning tale.

There are many more elements, themes and surprises to learn about in this extensive collection of inspirational Christmas stories which are enhanced by charming illustrations in colour or black and white. There are thirty Christmas stories  in the anthology covering themes as varied as Christmas, dogs, frost, winter, fairy tale, wicked stepmothers, friendship, romance, caring, trust, joy, sacrifice and plain old festive sentiment too in this Christmas story collection which is sure to be a boon to Christmas bedtime story-reading parents everywhere.

Learn more about this author, InspiredWritingResearch.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.