If you can't tell from the cover, this is a touching story. Take one littlle boy and his wish for a Grandmother, add in softly drawn yet expressive illustrations and you've got yourself a Christmas "miracle". All his friends are preoccupied with the arrival of their grandmothers from distant places, so our little star deduces that a well written letter to the big man in red might just net him that most wondrous of gifts, extended family.

Does Santa grant his wish? Sort of. You see by books end he is frolicking with a little gray haired lady of the grandma variety but it's never really clear if it's his own grandmother, a kindly old lady who happened upon his letter, or the spirit of the season simply working in the mysterious ways that it does. Could be something lost in translation or maybe it's simply left unanswered to give readers another reason to believe. Something to think about...

I for one enjoyed this adorable little tale and would recommend it wholeheartedly to families big and small. Whether your gathering includes one or one hundred, remember to take the time to enjoy the simple things this holiday season like friends and family. They are the ones that truly help to make this time of year a season to remember. ( )