Written by Dandi Daley Mackall
Illustrated by Richard Cowdrey
Juvenile Fiction / Christmas (ages 4-8)
As Jack stepped inside, the heavenly scent of sweet bread and licorice wafted from the kitchen. Cookies!
But it couldn't be. Mom put every penny dad sent home straight into the cookie jar. There hadn't been a single cookie in that jar for over a year.
When Jack smells something delicious coming from the kitchen, he can't believe his nose. But his excitement turns to disappointment when he learns the cookies aren't for him. Instead, Mother is baking them for the needy people at their church. While Jack helps roll out the dough, his mother tells him the legend of the Christmas cookie--a tender story of giving not just cookies, but gifts of the heart that last forever.
This sweet holiday book offers inspiration for readers to become cheerful givers themselves and shares the true tale of Jesus' birth.
My Thoughts
Did you know there was a Christmas Cookie legend? I certainly didn't but after reading The Legend of the Christmas Cookie I am anxious to incorporate this tradition into our yearly festivities.
Christmas can be such a difficult time for children. With all the commercials for the perfect toy it can be especially hard on a child from an impoverished home or one where a parent is absent. That's just the situation that Jack is in. The story seems to be set during the depression era and Jack's father has gone away to find work to provide for his family. Due to limited finances he will be unable to return home for the holidays.
One day close to Christmas Jack comes home to find his mother baking some very special cookies. At first Jack is happy because they have not had any cookies in the house all year. When he learns they are not for him but rather needy people in the church he is disappointed. But Jack is a blessed boy because he has a momma that is more concerned with his spiritual well being than his temporary wants.
I loved the beautiful story behind the Christmas cookies. Such a perfect way to teach our children that it truly is better to give than to receive. Just as Christ sacrificed and gave us the ultimate gift of eternal life it is important that we celebrate that act by giving to others and sharing the life giving message of Christ.
If you are looking for another way to have your holidays center around Christ this is the perfect gift. In our homes we read a different Christmas story each night leading up to Christmas and this new addition will be cherished for years to come.
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