BEAUTIFUL illustrations. Story is about family at Christmas and how that is more lasting than the size of the tree or presents...... ( )

3/30/22

The next animated christmas special needs to be made from this book. Hear that @Netflix. This book. The story has heart. A little boy accidentally breaks a very special christmas ornament and learns that bigger isn’t always better. Loved the story and loved the artwork. ( )

Jack wants to have the best Christmas ever in this new picture-book from author/illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi, defining "best" as having the most presents, the flashiest decorations - in short, the maximum of everything. When he breaks an old ornament however, and his mother retreats in distress, his experience with the little Christmas fairy Tinsel teaches him that the true Christmas spirit has nothing to do with such outer trappings, and everything to do with our love for our family, and our memories of them...

Although DiTerlizzi isn't really covering any new ground with The Broken Ornament, when it comes to the theme of family trumping things, his story is still heartwarming, and does add an entertaining fantasy element, in terms of the fairy Tinsel, and the magical experiences that Jack has. Given his role as co-creator of the Spiderwick Chronicles, it doesn't really surprise that his story here features fairies and other magical creatures. The narrative is engaging enough, but it was the artwork, with its unexpected mixture of sweet and slightly creepy elements, that really stood out to me. I enjoyed the Santa Claus in the final scene, as there is something a little bit sharper about him there, than is usually seen in depictions of him. Recommended to Tonu DiTerlizzi fans, and to anyone looking for stories about the true meaning of Christmas. ( )

This lovely Christmas tale reminds of the purer meanings of the holiday with a bit of magical flair.

Jack's excitement for Christmas mounts by the second, and he can hardly contain himself while helping his parents decorate for the holidays. When he fails to listen to his mother's warnings and a glass ornament shatters, he realizes his mistake. But can he make things better again?

With the feeling of a more traditional tale yet set in a modern day world, this book hits upon a topic young readers will easily relate to. Listening and obeying parents isn't always easy, and not doing so often ends with unpleasant results. Emotions take hold as well as the feeling of helplessness and draw the reader in. But it doesn't stop there.

Christmas magic abounds with a new twist and a little spunky glitter of fantasy. This unexpected addition has a character of its own, which took a page or two to grow accustom to, but added spice to the story in so many ways. The scenes burst full of imagination while twisting the story and helping Jack understand the situation better. The illustrations take flight with the tale and pull into this fantastical, holiday world. The last message leaves a smile. It's a lovely read for the holiday season.

I received a complimentary copy and found it sweet enough to want to leave my honest thoughts. ( )