Changes

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, filed down to a normal size. We all want different things on the 25th December; some ask for world peace, whilst others ask for something more achievable like a Tamagotchi. Whatever you want, is it really the true meaning of the season? ''All I Want For Christmas'' by Rachel Bright is a nice reminder that the real reason for Chrimbo is not gift -giving, but the opportunity to spend time with loved ones.

There's a lot that needs to be done before Christmas Day. There are gifts to be bought, decorations to set, baking to do. In fact, the run -up needs a lot of work. Two penguins decide to do the preparations together and learn that just spending some time together is the best gift of all.

Children's books will often try and pluck the heartstrings. Not of the child, but the adult. When done cynically, these books are often appealing to the parent, but the child is left bored. The best type of tearjerker is one that entertains both parties and ''All I Want'' is certainly one of these. The book is deceptively simple. A parent penguin and a child penguin getting ready for Christmas. A lot of the activities they undertake may be in the penguin world, but will be instantly recognisable to any parent.

It is here that Bright makes the book such a triumph; the activities are recognisable, but also fun. Children love to help put up the Christmas tree or help wrap the presents. Behind all these activities is the hidden message that being together is what is important. Bright brings to the book her usual art style that is great fun. The penguins are cute, but certainly funny looking. There is also a nice double spread towards the end which is packed with loads of different things that the penguins get up to. This page is not only nice to look at, but also a good way of giving you ideas.

Throughout the book , there is a slow build -up to Christmas Day, but also the final pages that give you the true meaning of Christmas. Kids will love the excitement of seeing the penguins getting ready and the adults will get a lot out of the story's finale. You get the warm feeling of sharing a book that is all about sharing experiences with your child, but with the colourful characters and fun of Christmas throughout, this is a book that will also appeal to children. A win-win book.

This author has had some great books in the past; try [[Love Monster and the Last Chocolate by Rachel Bright|Love Monster and the Last Chocolate]] or [[The Squirrels Who Squabbled by Rachel Bright and Jim Field]]. You might enjoy [[Christmas Is... by Karen Sapp]], but we weren't particularly excited by the book.