I love, love holiday books, but this title fell flat for me. I understand where the author was going with it, but it didn't inspire any emotions in me. The illustrations are lovely, and I think that many families will enjoy this simple story. Just because something doesn't resonate with me, doesn't mean that others won't like it. I know many religious families that would love this title for their kids. Just not for me.

There are some nice images here and some sweet scenes. Sadly, I can't get past the fact that this book feels about thirty years out of date.

Firstly I'd like to thank Netgalley for providing me with an E-ARC copy of The Worst Christmas Ever in exchange for an honest review. The following thoughts are completely my own.

This was such a sweet and heart-warming book. I loved it all and I think the fact that it included just a touch of religion means that it will still be enjoyed by the majority of the public. I think young children with pets will especially love this as it merges kid's two main loves; Christmas and pets (especially dogs!). Jasper being illustrated on the cover was originally what drew me to the story and he was perfect in it. He was extremely sweet and reminded me of my two border collies who were just as gorgeous and loving as he was in the story. I think the problem in this story that needs to be solved will relate to a lot of children and that's a powerful tool to appeal to many children. Overall the sweet story and lovely illustrations made this a 5 star read for me!

I received an electronic ARC from Flyaway Books through NetGalley.
A cross country move leads to adjustments and fears for a young boy, Matthew. Everything is new and different in California. His dog runs off and he loses even more hope just before Christmas. Predictable ending when the dog appears on Christmas Eve.
Touching story about family supporting each other and a younger sister who finds joy everywhere. A relatable main character with realistic reactions to life situations.
The illustrations are vividly colored and capture the characters' expressions.

This is a really sweet story and I thought it was thoroughly enjoyable

I wasn't a huge fan of the images in the book, they were nice but I do like sharper, clearer images in children's books

The story had a positive ending that really suited the story - 4 stars from me for this one

Matthew, his family, and his dog Jasper move to California and Matthew is not happy about it. Everything is different, and Matthew can't stop thinking about how things were back home. Now, Christmas is coming, and although the rest of his family is excited, Matthew is certain it will be a disaster. Then something happens - will Matthew predictions come true, or will the miracle of Christmas happen after all?

Good story about how it can feel when a child moves, and how it is important to remember the things that do not change. Beautiful illustrations throughout the story help convey the family's emotions and even reveal a few clues.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book. #NetGalley #TheWorstChristmasEver

The Worst Christmas Ever by Kathleen Long Bostrom is a cute Christmas story about a family that moves to California before the holidays. Though nothing about the plot is particularly noteworthy, there’s enough going on to keep readers engaged and interested. A satisfying ending wraps it all up with a nice cheerful bow.

Beautiful illustrations by Guy Porfirio bring the story to life. Light from candles and Christmas lights is wondrous and evocative of holiday spirit. Spreads are attractive and vary from the bright excitement of the Christmas tree lot to the solemn reverence of Christmas Eve service.

Overall, I feel that this would be a great bedtime story for the holidays. [Moving, Household—Fiction] is a bit of a reach. Despite the copyright page’s claim, the subject of moving is not in any way integral to the story. Matthew, the main character is upset that California won’t have snow for Christmas. (I live in Ohio and even here, snow here isn’t a guarantee.) It’s mentioned that the pastor at their new church had called him Mark, but nothing comes of it. (Being erroneously called Mark is hardly a hardship associated with moving.) I was anticipating more than an illustration of a moving truck after the father’s “we’re moving” proclamation. Moving is a stressful event, even if the new place is just a mile away. I was hoping to add another relocation read to my illustrated arsenal, as moving is such a regular occurrence, and yet can be so unsettling. The book has no mention of old friends, making new friends, extended family and keeping in touch, new jobs, packing/unpacking, new house noises, new bedroom frights, or fitting in at a new school. In fact, when something goes wrong at the park, Matthew’s father calls neighbors and enlists their help. How he obtained the phone numbers of these obliging strangers is a mystery. I’ve lived at my current address for over six years and I have the phone numbers of exactly two adjacent houses.

Things I Liked: Matthew’s clothes painted him into my mind as a red-haired Waldo accompanied by his own Lassie-esque Border Collie. Be on the lookout to spot his black and white tail! Little sister Lucy’s enthusiasm and positivity reminded me of Dora the Explorer. I was amused by the “ugly holiday sweaters” the parents wore to the tree lot and Jasper’s heterochromia.

Thanks to NetGalley and Flyaway Books for the opportunity to read this book. My review is honest and unbiased. #NetGalley #TheWorstChristmasEver

<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/5c78b3421c1782f67f7121ebe09522c49679d19b" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>

<a href="http://www.librarything.com/er/list"><img src="http://www.librarything.com/pics/lter_small_yellow_border.gif" width="110" height="68" border="0" alt="LibraryThing Early Reviewers"></a>

Love this story about a young boy, Matthew, who is distraught over having to move to a place that has no snow. His younger sister isn’t having the same trouble yet she vows to help him out. There’s a mishap that depresses Matthew even more after they’ve moved, that is until he searches and finds his miracle.
Change is hard not just for adults but for kids as well. It’s good to have a book that parents can turn to that covers this topic in a way that will open a good, healthy discussion. Great illustrations too that add some humor to the tale.
I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review The Worst Christmas Ever. This is a sweet story about Matthew and his family relocating to California and adjusting to his new home. Christmas is difficult in California for Matthew and he is looking for a miracle to happen. The illustrations in this book are amazing, any child will love reading and looking at the pictures in this book. A book to enjoy for many holiday seasons for years to come.