The Christmas Wish

I'm reading several 'wish' books by Evert. These are the eminently giftable, oversize books, with photos for illustrations, that some people love.

I don't know whether I like them or not. I'm usually turned off by 'instant classic' sorts of books, and by overly sweet stories... but these do seem to be better than many of those 'parlour table' books. All I can suggest is that you try them yourself, if your library has them.

But I do wonder about the tame musk ox and polar bear. Really good photoshopping?

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 show more 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. show less

“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 show more 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! show less

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

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 show more 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 show less

The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert
Anja's dream is to become one of Santa's elves.
She prepared by doing things for others to get ready for the big day.
Besides her horse she has help from a red cardinal and she knows what other signs to look for: stars, Northern lights, etc
She has help from others and they are able to tell a tale from a book she is carrying.
She is given something special by Santa and she wonders if she has dreamed all of this..
What I like about this book besides the story are the pictures, brilliant colors and so many creatures to point out in their native land.

I received this book from Edelweiss and Random House in exchange for my honest review.

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.