Little Grey Rabbit's Christmas by Alison Uttley and Margaret Tempest
| Little Grey Rabbit's Christmas by Alison Uttley and Margaret Tempest | |
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| Category: Confident Readers | |
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Reviewer: Zoe Morris
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| Summary: A nostalgic Christmas tale of fun and friendship - this is a classic that never gets old. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 48 | Date: October 2016 |
| Publisher: Templar Publishing | |
| ISBN: 978-1783706723 | |
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It's a little known fact that Alison Uttley used to live in my local pub. Not in an alcoholic sort of way, but when the building that's now a pub used to be something else, she was one of its residents. There's a sign on the wall and everything, right next to the table where I recently enjoyed an impromptu tiffin-tin curry one Friday night when I hadn't prepared anything for tea and really didn't fancy starting to do so. Little Grey Rabbit is far less slovenly than I am, and would never be so under prepared. A proper domestic goddess, in this book she demonstrates her ability to bake Christmas treats, source unusual gifts, decorate the house and all the while supervise the other animals.
I grew up with Little Grey Rabbit stories, and had several as books-on-tape which I listened to repeatedly. This festive tale, originally published in 1939 celebrates the timeless nature of these stories. Christmas is approaching, and the animals are preparing for the big day but also revelling in the season. Because in their world, winter means mountains of snow but no responsibilities so they can frolic on the sledge and play in the drifts without the bother of worrying that they won't be able to get to work.
This is a peaceful story about an old fashioned Christmas. When carollers come to the door, you invite them all in and given them drinks and snacks, though I'm not sure the local Rotary Club would fancy all sipping from the same communal mug these days. When a neighbour invites you, last minute, to a big party you don't have any plans nor do you feel the need to invent a reason not to attend. You shop local (of course) and on Christmas day three of you all share Christmas kisses with each other at the same time, in a very innocent way.
The writing is lovely, and the pictures definitely got me in the Christmas spirit. They are deceptively intricate, with lots to observe and discuss. I've read more dynamic, entertaining and funny books in my time, but for the run up to 25th December, on long cold winter nights when you need a lot of stories before bed, this is a sweet, nostalgic one that should definitely be in the pile.
Thanks go to the publishers for supplying this book.
'Tis the season for gifts and there's no better gift than a book. Our list of Top Ten Books With A Christmas Theme has some lovely festive books for winter to check out.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Little Grey Rabbit's Christmas by Alison Uttley and Margaret Tempest at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy Little Grey Rabbit's Christmas by Alison Uttley and Margaret Tempest at Amazon.com.
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