Always Together at Christmas

by Sara Sargent, Mark Chambers (Illustrator)

Overview

Help children discover the joy of Christmas 2020 with this timely picture book that affirms the special magic of the holidays even if we're physically separated from our loved ones!

Christmas will always mean love.
Even if love looks a little different this year.

As families and communities come together—and stay apart—in creative ways this holiday season, bring comfort and joy to children with this story about a Christmas like no other.

Always Together at Christmas highlights different family traditions and the ways they're changing in 2020: from Santa's elves practicing social distancing to opening presents via Zoom on Christmas morning. And it even includes ideas for new quarantine-appropriate Christmas traditions!

The sweet and cozy illustrations add classic touches, making this book the perfect gift to share with family and friends from across the miles.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593380840
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	11/03/2020
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	647,094
Product dimensions:	7.70(w) x 7.70(h) x 0.30(d)
Lexile:	AD540L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Sara Sargent is an editor at Random House Children's Books. She collects Christmas ornaments from all over the world, from every city she visits—her favorite one is a hand-painted pink bauble from the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, California. Sara lives in Brooklyn, and this is her first picture book.

Mark Chambers is an author and illustrator of children's picture books and young fiction. Mark has been shortlisted for the AOI World Illustration Awards and the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, and he's been awarded the Sheffield Children's Picture Book Award. Mark will be celebrating the holidays in France.

Editorial Reviews

"Lyrical."—Kirkus Reviews

"The message of togetherness and joy is strong and well done, perfect for any season, and will bring together parents and youngsters who need to learn about holiday safety and togetherness."—Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher

2020-12-10
Safe and socially distant ways to celebrate the joys of Christmas.

There is no direct reference to the pandemic in the text. Instead, to Sargent’s lyrical reminders that Christmas is a time to cherish our families, friends, and neighbors, Chambers pairs festive scenes featuring family groups with one or two children decorating indoors, sitting well spaced around a campfire, or gathering via video hookup. These family groups reflect generational diversity as well as, possibly, at least one family with same-sex parents. On a world map children (one in a wheelchair) stand on different continents and wave at one another. Multiple Santas (both White- and Black-presenting, but the one at the North Pole presents White) deliver gifts while wearing protective masks. (Most of the people celebrating do not wear masks, though one family gathers for a holiday selfie wearing matching red plaid pajamas and masks.) Aside from one nighttime picture of a bright star illuminating a cross atop a church steeple, there is no religious iconography. The author avoids mention of Christian practices too, though she offers several specific suggestions for safe alternatives to traditional secular activities at the end. (This book was reviewed digitally with 8-by-16-inch double-page spreads viewed at 95% of actual size.)

Still a holiday to believe in—“even if believing looks a little different this year.” (Picture book. 6-8)

Kirkus Reviews