Title: The Worst Christmas Ever
Author: Kathleen Long Bostrom
Illustrator: Guy Porfirio
The Story:
Matthew didn’t want to leave his home and move to California. As Christmas approaches, only a miracle could make it feel special. With no snow, odd looking Christmas trees, and his dog missing, Matthew is certain that this is going to be the worst Christmas ever. But his little sister, Lucy, is on the hunt for a miracle and when she signs the family up to perform at their church’s nativity perhaps she will find a miracle after all…
Favourite Spread:
This trailer by Flyaway Books shows you some of Guy’s illustrations for this book.
I think for me, the scene of the multi-coloured Christmas trees, with no snow in sight, was the spread that really made the feelings of loss for Matthew “hit home”. Matthews sadness grows and grows through the book which makes Kathleen’s miracle-ending put a smile on your face.
The Verdict:
This story is a blend of the first Christian Christmas story and a child’s feelings of insecurity and loss at moving home. Lucy is a bright light in this book which has many sad scenes of Matthew’s struggle to adjust to his new life. It does have lots of Americanisms which may be lost on some child readers overseas, however it does bring out the universal message of needing to feel at home and dealing with change.
Publisher: Flyaway Books
Publication date: 17 September 2019
ISBN: 978-1947888098
I am very grateful to the publisher for letting me read this book via Net Galley. This voluntary review contains my honest opinion.
Picture Book Perfect 
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