Rupert's Holiday Plan

by: Celeste Huttes; Illustrated by Sarah Bradish, Tim Hortberg and Corey Tester

Published by: Design Ideas

Reviewed by Sharon Broom

Rupert is a reindeer who longs to keep the magic of the holiday spirit alive all year long. Santa spreads joy and cheer throughout the world with his jolly "ho, ho, ho" and giving spirit--and so could Rupert.

Rupert shared with others, helped out at school doing chores, worked to make sad people smile, cheerfully gave of his time to the lonely, practiced patience and was always helpful. It is Rupert's gift to everyone and everyone can pass on that gift to others so the spirit of the season can last the year through
Rupert's Holiday Plan is an interesting book. The illustrations are colorful and appear to be made of felt and photographed. Children will likely be attracted to them. The story is nice and promotes a loving and caring message for all year long and not just the holiday season.

My criticism of the book is its political correctness. Santa is mentioned, Rupert is a reindeer, it's about the holiday season, yet it is not named. Apparently Christmas has become "the Holiday" in order to be more inclusive. It's seems that naming Christmas is a no, no and for that reason I would not recommend this book. It's Christmas for goodness sakes. Name it and get over the political correctness. Taking the Christmas out of Christmas is not a Rupert sharing, caring, loving thing to do. Don't take the reason out of the season.

Armchair Interviews says: If you want to celebrate Christmas, a holiday book may not be for you.