Book Review: Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck

✰✰✰✰½ A man named Rob recalls a childhood Christmas many, many years past when his family was poor and his parents worked tirelessly to provide for them. Growing up on a farm, there were always early morning chores to be done even on Christmas. But one year when Rob was fifteen, he realized just how much his parents loved him even though they rarely expressed it. That was when Rob became determined to give his father a very special Christmas gift; one that couldn't be bought. It was a gift that both father and son cherished for years to come. It was Rob's very first gift of true love.

The Bottom Line: This heartwarming tale is a classic story of Christmas giving that both children and adults will remember for many holidays to come. Told in Buck's magical style, this is the perfect story to read on Christmas Eve. Buehner's subtle illustrations are perfectly suited to this holiday picture book. Highly recommended for children ages 7 and up.

Details: Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck. Illustrated by Mark Buehner. Hardcover picture book published by HarperCollins Publishers in 2002. 40 p. ISBN: 0-688-16268-1