I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Miracle on 34th Street by Susanna Leonard Hill, Valentine Davies Illustrator: James Newman Gray
Published by Sourcebooks, Incorporated on September 15, 2018
Genres: Christmas & Advent, Classics, Holidays & Celebrations, JUVENILE FICTION
Pages: 32
Source: NetGalley
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For the First Time Ever in Picture Book Format!
For a little girl named Susan, Christmas could be any other day. She doesn't believe in Santa Claus or magic or miracles of any kind. Then one day she meets Kriss Kringle. As she doubtfully tells him the gifts she most wishes for, deep down Susan finds herself hoping that just maybe, he is the real thing. Based on the original holiday classic, Miracle on 34th Street is a heartwarming story about generosity, imagination, and the spirit of Christmas.
Susan Leonard Hill did an amazing job of adapting this book originally written by Valentine Davies for a younger audience. The illustrations by James Newman Gray are engaging and help to truly bring this story to life. A story know to most of this generation as the traditional Christmas movie, it’s easy to forget that it was originally a book. ‘Miracle of 34th Street’ brings to life the spirit of Christmas and the magic of Santa. From the tiniest infant to the oldest of elders the magic of Christmas is something we should embrace all of the year. But that glimpse we get at the goodness of people during the holidays is special and endearing.
As an adult reader, and watcher of the move, I am always slightly unhinged at the idea of inviting a perfect stranger to my home for dinner or even to stay with me as Mother and Fred do. Obviously a characterization of a different time in history, a time when this book was originally written. But I like to think of it as an embodiment of the magic of the season. The opening of our hearts and minds to the plights of others. The embracing of the needs and positive aspects of others. I think, in the grand scheme of things, I want the Minions to embrace this. Embrace the idea that in every person, no matter their flaws, there is good. I don’t want them to just hang out of invite over any person they come across! I do want them to always be willing to find that nugget of good in others and nurture it.
During Christmas we all want to open our minds to unlimited possibilities. I know that Santa is not going to bring me the family and home and bedroom of my dreams like he did for Susan. I mean, I d0 have a list of impossible dreams if he wants to take a stab at it! However, I do want the spirit that we embody at this time of year to mirror that of Santa. Finding a way to bring joy and hope to those around us. I mean really, isn’t that what Santa is about? Not the materialistic things we attribute to the gifts he brings up. But the feelings he brings us, hope and joy. As an adult that is what I want the Minions to take away from this book. Valentine gave us a story that defies the generations, spans all of history between then and now and even into the future, about the spirit of Santa. A book that speaks to the young and old. A book that speaks to each person who chooses to embrace it. And that is why I love this book.
About Valentine Davies
Born August 25, 1905, in New York, NY; died of a heart attack, July 23, 1961,in Malibu, CA; son of J. Clarence (a realtor) and Rosalie (Loewi) Davies; married Elizabeth Strauss, October 9, 1926; children: John Phillips, Judith Clare. Career: Writer, director, and producer. Served as vice president and member of board of directors for the Motion Picture Relief Fund; served as president and member of board of directors for the Permanent Charities Committee of the Motion Picture Industry; served as president of the Screenwriters Guild. Military service: U.S. Coast Guard, served during World War II; became lieutenant. Awards, Honors: Academy Award, best writing of an original story, 1947, for Miracle on 34th Street; Academy Award nomination, best writing of a motion picture story, 1949, for It Happens Every Spring; Academy Award nominations, best writing of original story and best screenplay, both 1954, for The Glenn Miller Story; Academy Award nomination, best documentary short subject, 1956, for The House without a Name..
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