The King’s Christmas List is the most incredible book I have read about the true spirit of Christmas.
The main character Emma has been invited to the King’s birthday party. Emma and her dog Shu-Shu are on their way to the party. Before they arrive they come across some people who are hungry and cold.
Emma’s compassion shined brightly when she gave away first her cape and then her favorite teddy bear. Next she gave away a cake she and her mom made.
The story tries to portray the true spirit of Christmas by showing it is better to give than to receive. Upon arriving to the King’s birthday party, Emma felt very badly that she did not have anything to give to the King for his birthday because she had given the cake and her other belongings to the needy people she met on the way to the party.
The part of the story that resonates well with me is Emma did not know that she was being tested.
The King said to Emma: “Anyone who desires to give Me a gift, behold! Give food to the hungry and clothes to the cold, Give care to the poor, both young and old, Whatever gift you’ve given to a person in need, Is indeed a gift you have given to Me”
It is truly sad that the true meaning of Christmas has become a way for merchants to make a profit. This delightful story should be in every home and it should be read to every child because it can be used to teach children what Christmas is all about.
In this text billed as suitable for four- to eight-year-olds, the illustrations are simply the best I have ever seen. Kudos to Bonnie Leick for doing an outstanding job and for making the story jump off the page.