Maw Books

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I have a soft spot in my heart for Richard Paul Evans.  Having met him at least half a dozen times I can vouch that he is one of the most sincere, genuine, and charitable authors I have come across.  Richard Paul Evans also has a soft spot in his heart – his is for Christmas.  And who can blame him?  He was the first self-published author to reach number one on the NY Times bestseller list with The Christmas Box (which I’ve reviewed here), a book that will always remain a Christmas classic.

The Light of Christmas is a picture book that is just oozing with his trademark messages of charity, hope, kindness, and the true meaning of Christmas.  High in the mountains lies the Christmas town of Noel.  Each year the Keeper of the Flame lights the village Christmas tree.  But this year is different because he will choose somebody new to light the flame; that person must present to him the truest gift of Christmas.  Alexander is excited and hopes that he will be chosen although he has nothing to offer; the other gifts of song, stories, and ornaments surely are better than anything he can come up with.  On his way to the town to discover who will light the flame, Alexander finds a poor, old man lying in the snow.  Although he risks missing the lighting, he offers the old man help.  It is this simple act of charity that makes all the difference as he learns it’s not the material gifts that matter, rather it’s giving of yourself.

Although, the story was very predictable (you know exactly where the story is going just a few pages in), it’s a story that illustrates the true meaning of Christmas and will have you feeling all warm and fuzzy.  A excellent Christmas book to remind ourselves to step back and remember others in their times of need.

I enjoyed the illustrations by Daniel Craig, which hails from a Flemish influence.  They are solid, detailed, and infused with a beautiful light.  I particularly liked the illustration that shows Alexander bending down over the old man in the snow offering his assistance.  He has a look of genuine compassion.

All of Richard Paul Evans’s proceeds from The Light of Christmas (as is all of his children’s books) are donated to the Christmas Box House, an organization devoted to helping abused and neglected children by providing shelters, services, and advocacy.

Richard Paul Evans website and The Christmas Box House website.

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