Book Review: 'Little Whistle's Christmas' by Cynthia Rylant

✰✰✰✰ Little Whistle is a real guinea pig that lives in Toytown, a store filled with toys for little girls and boys. During the day the toys must remain still and silent, but at night when the store is closed, the toys come to life. Each night Little Whistle visits with his toy friends. On a night close to Christmas, Little Whistle tells the toys about Santa who makes toys. Unfortunately, the toys at Toytown don’t remember how they came to be. They begin to wonder who made them. Was it Santa? They all look to Little Whistle for the answer. In order to find out, Little Whistle helps the curious toys write a letter to Santa Claus to ask him. Every night the toys wait for a reply from Santa, but one never comes. Just when it seems like they’ll never find out, a note and a magical box appear. Will their Christmas wishes come true? Read the book and see why Christmastime in Toytown is especially magical.

The Bottom Line: This sweet little Christmas story is recommended for children in Preschool – Grade 1. Little Whistle’s Christmas highlights the spirit of Christmas and the theme of friendship. Adorable illustrations complement the story in soft colors that will appeal little ones. Plus, kids who happen to have a guinea pig as a pet will enjoy this story. This book is perfect for bedtime reading on Christmas Eve. Also, don’t forget to check out the other books in the series.

Details: Little Whistle's Christmas written by Cynthia Rylant & illustrated by Tim Bowers. Library edition hardcover picture book published by Spotlight (a division of ABDO) in 2007. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-59961-254-6