people and places

I have the original Felix book plus the one about time, and was eagerly anticipating reading Felix's Christmas Around the World to my four-year-old. However, I had to heavily edit the first half of the book. The main character talks at school about believing in Santa and is laughed at by all the other children. The book goes on for pages about her feeling terrible for believing in Santa. If I had read it verbatim I think I would have ruined Santa for my daughter. This plot point wasn't necessary in order to present the rest of the information in the book. Yes, the pictures are lovely, the real letters from Felix are a delight, and the facts about Christmas in other lands are fascinating. But you can get the same quality in other Felix books. If your child believes in Santa, avoid this book for now.

I have never taken the time to write about a book before, but I couldn't resist sharing the pleasure I took in reading this book. This book would be a great book for any classroom at all elementary levels. I plan to use the book in my 2nd grade classroom during a unit on holidays around the world at Christmas time. I can't wait to share this book with my students and my co-workers. The format of this book is excellent and the letters that Felix writes to Sophie are a great asset to this book. The book touches on many countries and has a great display of the world that is shown during Santa's holiday journey.

This book includes themes from Italy, Sweden, Holland, and Russia. Sophie's classmates are multicultural, as well. Felix leaves to find Santa and corresponds with Sophie on his journey. The 5 letters are spread throughout the story, and are actually in envelopes that your child opens. You will also find a recipie, a photo of Felix with a real reindeer, a floor plan of Santa's house, and a special Felix santa hat! Felix also promises to write you if you write him! I taught grade 2 and the children immensely enjoyed every moment of this book. It has great illustrations. Parents and teachers alike should buy this book, especially if you want to teach about Christmas around the World.