It is so rare to see a fiction picture book that uses real photos as the artwork, but here it really works. It screams scandinavia, winter, and christmas dreams. It’s hopeful and happy, and the story, while a bit long, is a great adventure. I’m kind of surprised that it hasn’t been turned into a movie or a holiday special.
#Wintergames #teamreadnosereindeer +26 ( )

Determined to become one of Santa's Elves, little Anja sets out on an epic journey across the wintry landscape, helped along by a series of animal friends as she attempts to reach that magical holiday gift giver. From the little red bird who leads her, to the horse, musk ox and polar bear who carry her, she has many helpers, eventually flying with a reindeer to reach her destination...

A sweet holiday tale about a child's longing for Santa, and her desire to help him, this picture-book captures the natural beauty of northern Norway in its photographic illustrations, and the charm of its folk-inspired clothing. Apparently a family project created over the course of four years, The Christmas Wish features the story and set design (one presumes, given that this is her profession) of Lori Evert, and the photography of her husband Per Breiehagen. Their daughter, Anja, plays the starring role. All young Santa lovers will enjoy joining Anja on her quest, and will thrill when she eventually does find what she's looking for. It is to them, as well as to those seeking Christmas picture-books with a Nordic setting, that I would recommend the book. ( )

After finishing this superb book, I started again, and again. The story line contains a little girl who, in order to help bring Christmas to children, longs to meet Santa.

The author used her daughter Anya for the story, and the wonderful photos are stunningly beautiful. This is one of my favorite books of 2015. ( )

“The Christmas Wish” by Lori Evert is one of my new favorite books! I fell in love with this story and the illustrations! This Nordic Christmas tale of a young girl, the author’s daughter, is a beautiful story full of imagination and the magic Christmas bestows. As I previously mentioned, the photographs in this story are unbelievably breathtaking. Award winning photographer, Per Breiehagen, grew up in Norway and has many clients, including National Geographic, The New York Times Magazine, and Audubon. One of my favorite photographs was the colorful sky of the Northern Lights. But, all in all, every photograph was incredible. Likewise, the main character, Anja, was one of the cutest little girl’s I’ve ever seen. Her imagination was believable and her words are kind. The big idea this story created is the belief in Christmas and in one’s imagination. I will definitely have this book in my future classroom! ( )

THE CHRISTMAS WISH is adorable. The photographs and costuming are charming, and Lori Evert has managed to write a simple and compelling story that is likely to please adults as well as children.

Besides the beautiful photography what I liked about the book was the kindness exhibited by Anja and the animals. Anja, for example, before she heads out to find Santa so she can become one of his helpers, visits a elderly neighbor. Anja catches the widow's cat, so that the old woman won't have to go out into the deep snow to do this, and then Anja sweeps out the woman's sauna and does some other chores. I found this very appealing and suitable to the season and what I want my children to learn.

THE CHRISTMAS WISH is not a book with an emphasis on the religious reason for Christmas. But It still fits the season because of it's emphasis on kindness.

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I've reviewed this for my website. There are sample pages there.
http://www.booksforkids-reviews.com/2013/12/review-christmas-wish.html ( )