For some children, making friends and collaborating with others can be challenging. However, with encouragement, they can have truly enjoyable experiences. Sally Kashner beautifully illustrates this in Cora’s Christmas Challenge. The story centers around Cora, a little girl who loves adventures more than anything else. Her mom suggests a Christmas adventure challenge, where Cora must share kindness, make a new friend, and spread the joy of Christmas. Excited about her new adventure, Cora sets off and heads to the big hill in the park to play with her friends. Suddenly, they encounter a family of bunnies feeling cold. The children help the animals, and in the process, Cora successfully completes her challenge.

Cora’s Christmas Challenge stands out for its original and fun way of teaching children about teamwork and generosity. Sally Kashner shares an adventure that reflects good cheer, a positive mindset, and the magic of Christmas. The concept of the adventure being like a challenge is particularly appealing, as it mirrors how some children perceive these activities. Cora’s vibrant personality and determination are both endearing and inspiring. The illustrations are wonderful, perfectly blending cold moments with cozy ones. The home scenes are warm and comforting, while the outdoor scenes highlight natural elements like animals and plants in a cold but fun environment. Another detail I appreciated is the inclusion of fun facts about squirrels at the end of the story, which are featured in most of the illustrations. The discussion topics section also provides several questions to encourage comprehension while reading.

Cora’s Christmas Challenge is a delightful book. This story not only teaches children the joy of helping others and taking pride in their accomplishments but also emphasizes that the best adventures are those that help us grow as individuals.

Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0D4FSH74R