Synopsis: THE MAGIC CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT COLLECTION is much more than a book. The collection includes an heirloom quality casebound hardback, an ornament just like the one in the story, and a beautiful decorative package, suitable for making the gift of Christmas a lasting memory. A portion of all profits from this book will be given to the Marine Corps’ “Toys for Tots” program.
Christmas Eve is a dazzling, special time… especially when your family’s favorite Christmas tree ornament has magic powers! On one enchanted Christmas Eve, Victoria, Joseph, and John gather around the fireplace to hear their father’s story about this favorite Christmas ornament. After their parents go to bed, the children discover the true magic of the ornament as it sweeps them from their home and directly into Santa’s workshop! On this adventure, they are instantly surrounded by toys, reindeer, and even see Santa himself. Amidst the magic and wonder of this night, the children meet a very special elf named JJ who, as it turns out, is more connected to their family’s history than they could ever have imagined…
Release Date: June 2019
Format Read: Ebook
Genres: Magic, Picture Book, Children’s, Christmas,
Pages: 32
Thank you to NetGalley and Author James Barbato for having this ebook available to read and review.
Review: The illustrations by Joe Huffman in this book are utterly breath taking and it actually feels like you are in the book with these children on their magic night.
The story follows three children on Christmas Eve after their father shares his story of one magic Christmas when he found a special ornament. The children magically go to Santa’s work shop and learn of Christmas magic.
I love anything cute and Christmassy and this certainly made you feel magical, it’s such a pure story of Christmas spirit and belief in children and how one thing can help you hold the Christmas magic in your hearts forever.
This will no doubt be a family favourite for many as it’s so beautiful and magical. (Plus when purchasing this book you are helping a great cause as some of the funds go towards the Marine Corps ‘Toys for Tots’. Which i think is such a wonderful thing to do.)
Where to buy: Amazon
About Author: James (Jim) Barbato is a former college professor and business owner. He is also the son of a U.S. Air Force Master Sargent, and lived all across the United States and Canada for the first twelve years of his life. As a child, Jim developed a strong Christmas spirit, inspired by the stories his father would tell. Jim often told original stories to his own three children, including the story of “The Magic Christmas Ornament,” which they still remember and cherish as adults. Now he wants to share the story with you, hoping it will instill the Christmas spirit in your heart and create memories for years to come. Jim has been married to the love of his life, Patty, for thirty-five years. They have three wonderful adult children: Victoria, Joseph, and John.
Victoria Barbato is currently an Instructional Coach for English language instruction in the Boston area. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Education and a Master’s degree in English, and is passionate about teaching and creating equity in educational opportunities for all learners. Growing up, Victoria was greatly inspired by her grandfather’s and father’s stories because they connect to the importance of family, convey fascination with the world, and always have a message of hope. These are all values that she strives to apply to her daily life. Victoria incorporates storytelling into her teaching, a skill she treasures because she knows she inherited it from her dad. Victoria has always enjoyed writing in her spare time and was thrilled to work with her father to make this family story come to life.
About Illustrator: Joe Huffman was born in Oregon, and grew up in California and the Pacific Northwest. He received his Associates of Arts degree from the Art Institute of Seattle and has illustrated several children’s books and adult novels.
When Joe was three years old he knew illustration was in the cards for him. He couldn’t read those cards yet, but the pictures were enough for him. His mother would often find him under stacks of books, following a story through images and feeding his overactive imagination.
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