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A Child’s Dream: Santa’s Parking Ticket & an Empty Sled
A Child’s Dream follows Krystal, a sleepy middle kid in an Appalachian town who keeps seeing the same wild dream of her whole community building a shining silver sled for the children. The book then zips up to the North Pole, where Santa is staring down a weird elf plague, a possible Christmas with an empty sled, and even a parking ticket, all while a whole cast of elves, doctors, and family members stumble through big problems, big feelings, and goofy adventures until everything comes together in a huge snowy Christmas parade.
Anita Yates’ writing is wonderfully talky and dramatic, with lots of arguments in kitchens, bus rides on twisty mountain roads, and Santa trying to fix things with karaoke and a Journey song. I liked how often the story slows down for tiny details, like stale biscuits that no one wants to eat or thrift-store finds that suddenly feel like treasure, because these little bits ground the wild North Pole stuff and made the people feel real. At the same time, the book is rich with scenes that jump from Krystal’s messy bedroom to medical lectures with elf interns to fashion makeovers for Mrs. Claus. I still found myself smiling a lot, especially in the funny family arguments and the moments where characters try hard to cheer each other up, even when money is tight and the future looks shaky.
What really stuck with me was the mix of silly and serious ideas. Under all the jokes, there is a heavy focus on second chances, being prepared for the moments that matter, and choosing purpose over comfort. You see it in Krystal, trying to help her parents by joking about those awful biscuits instead of complaining, in Lisa wanting to be a doctor after saving a baby on a mission trip, and in Robert walking away from sports glory to study medicine so he can treat wounded soldiers. The story also keeps circling back to grown-up ideas like job loss, the elders who refuse to leave home, refugees, and faith. Sometimes the shifts in tone felt a little jarring for me, like one page had me giggling at silly elf diseases and the next page dropped a heavy quote about suffering or sacrifice, yet I could tell the author cares a lot about every theme and wants readers to feel both seen and challenged.
I had fun with this book. A Child’s Dream feels like a full season of a holiday TV show rather than a quick bedtime read. I would recommend it for tweens who prefer busy stories with tons of side characters, plus adults who grew up in or care about Appalachian communities and enjoy Christmas tales that lean hard into hope, faith, and service. If you like chaotic family energy, heart-on-its-sleeve moral lessons, and a Santa who messes up, sings, and learns right along with the kids, then this is the perfect book for you.
ASIN : B0DY7JQSPX
Sydney’s Kidney Adventure
Sydney is a bright and optimistic young girl who lights up every room she enters. Yet, when she begins noticing her mother’s persistent fatigue and sadness, worry takes root in her heart. Determined to bring back her mom’s smile, Sydney tries everything to cheer her up. One evening, her father pulls her aside to share a difficult truth—her mom needs a kidney transplant. Later, under the night sky, Sydney makes a heartfelt wish upon a star for a donor to save her mother. What follows is the start of Sydney’s Kidney Adventure, a journey of hope, action, and self-discovery. With unwavering determination, Sydney takes matters into her own hands. Alongside her dad, she learns about organ donation, creates flyers, and spreads the word throughout her neighborhood, her school, and other community spots. Through each step, Sydney grows, facing challenges with resilience while learning invaluable lessons about life, love, and perseverance.
Risa Simon expertly crafts a story that is as uplifting as it is poignant. Her writing is accessible for children, skillfully balancing a serious topic with warmth and understanding. The illustrations are equally remarkable, exuding comfort and charm in every scene. Beyond the story, the book includes a wealth of resources for further learning and action, as well as a thoughtful coloring section. This addition reinforces the story’s central messages of embracing hope, exploring possibilities, and asking for help when needed, all distilled into powerful and child-friendly phrases.
The subject matter is inherently somber, and the pacing might feel deliberate for some young readers but the realism and emotional depth make it deeply impactful. Sydney’s journey is authentic, showcasing her courage as she explores alternatives, even bravely sharing her wish with her classmates. The narrative naturally introduces information about organ donation, weaving it seamlessly into Sydney’s mission to save her mom.
Sydney’s Kidney Adventure is a heartwarming tale of love, determination, and the extraordinary strength found in helping others. It inspires readers of all ages with its touching portrayal of hope and community, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.
Pages: 75 | ASIN : B0D1STKRPJ
