Review: THE CHRISTMAS WISH by Lori Evert

bookcover of THE CHRISTMAS WISH by Lori Evert

**Starred Review** Kirkus

NEW YORK TIME BEST SELLER

Long, long ago, in a place so far north that the mothers never pack away the wool hats or mittens, lived a sweet little girl named Anja, whose greatest dream was to become one of Santa's Elves.

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

Backstory

Anja is a sweet little girl who wants to be one of Santa's helpers. So after a bit of preparation, she sets off into the snowy wilderness in search of the jolly man in Red.

She's fine for awhile, but then, despite her planning, she begins to loose confidence. And that's where the magic takes place. For you see, the animals have apparently heard of her mission and one after another they step up to do what they can to help Anja along. First there's a patient cardinal that helps her, and then a horse, a musk ox, a polar bear, and finally a reindeer.

But I won't tell you more. You'll have to read for yourself what happens when she finds Santa.

sample page #1 from THE CHRISTMAS WISH by Lori Evert

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sample page #2 from THE CHRISTMAS WISH by Lori Evert

What I love, besides the beautiful photography, is the kindness exhibited by Anja and the animals. Before she leaves, Anja gives gifts to her family and friends and tells them that she will visit when Santa gives her time off. But more than that she checks in on a widowed neighbor. She catches the old woman's cat so that the elder woman won't have to go out into the snow to do this, and then Anja does a few chores for her friend, like sweep out her sauna.