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Kris Kringle: A Read-Aloud Movie For Kids Young & Old is
a story written in movie-script form. Kris Kringle is a toy maker
who has just been fired from his job. Through a series of events,
he ends up at the North Pole using the name Daniel W. Drexel VII.
He auditions for a spot as one of Santa Claus's elves, much to
the chagrin of Elmer, an obnoxious elf. He is sent by Minion and
Mr. D, who, unbeknownst to Kris, are trying to destroy Christmas.
While at the North Pole, he falls in love with Santa's daughter,
Evelyn (whom Elmer also fancies) and wins her heart and, eventually,
a spot as an elf.
There were many things I found objectionable in this book. Elmer
makes several creepy comments to Evelyn, including calling her "Sweet
Cakes" and saying things like "Don't worry, you can kiss me later." At
one point he "pins her against the wall, closes his eyes, and puckers
up." The word "butt" is used more than once. (One example is "The
x-ray revealed a Reindeer Insignia on Kris's butt.") Mr. D is the
Devil, and he is described as sporting "two full-grown horns, an
Armani suit, red eyes, red wing tips, and a red PDA." Minion is
his helper. (He's only got two bumps on his head, but he carries
a pitchfork.) The toys that Kris builds are able to come to life
if you simply hold your fingers on the toy's head and imagine
what you want it to be. And at the end of the story, Archangel
Michael appears and removes Mr. D for interfering with Santa's
work at the North Pole.
In addition to the book, I received a promotional CD with 3 songs
on it. (I couldn't find it for sale anywhere.) The songs were well
done, though they weren't really related to the book. The format
of Kris Kringle: A Read-Aloud Movie for Kids Young & Old was
difficult to read silently, and despite the title, it doesn't lend
itself to reading aloud. Since it is in script form, it would be
fine as a play for a co-op. However, I found the story line confusing
and busy. Combine that with the parts I found objectionable, and
I just cannot recommend this book.
Product review by Courtney Larson, The
Old Schoolhouse® Magazine,
LLC, October 2010
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