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Kris Kringle: A Read-Aloud Movie for Kids Young & Old Review by Courtney Larson
By Maria CiampiAuthorHouse
kriskringlebook@aol.com
http://www.kriskringlebook.com/
Kris Kringle: A Read-Aloud Movie For Kids Young & Old is a story written in movie-script form. Kris Kringle is a toy maker who has just been fired from his job. Through a series of events, he ends up at the North Pole using the name Daniel W. Drexel VII. He auditions for a spot as one of Santa Claus's elves, much to the chagrin of Elmer, an obnoxious elf. He is sent by Minion and Mr. D, who, unbeknownst to Kris, are trying to destroy Christmas. While at the North Pole, he falls in love with Santa's daughter, Evelyn (whom Elmer also fancies) and wins her heart and, eventually, a spot as an elf.
There were many things I found objectionable in this book. Elmer makes several creepy comments to Evelyn, including calling her "Sweet Cakes" and saying things like "Don't worry, you can kiss me later." At one point he "pins her against the wall, closes his eyes, and puckers up." The word "butt" is used more than once. (One example is "The x-ray revealed a Reindeer Insignia on Kris's butt.") Mr. D is the Devil, and he is described as sporting "two full-grown horns, an Armani suit, red eyes, red wing tips, and a red PDA." Minion is his helper. (He's only got two bumps on his head, but he carries a pitchfork.) The toys that Kris builds are able to come to life if you simply hold your fingers on the toy's head and imagine what you want it to be. And at the end of the story, Archangel Michael appears and removes Mr. D for interfering with Santa's work at the North Pole.
In addition to the book, I received a promotional CD with 3 songs on it. (I couldn't find it for sale anywhere.) The songs were well done, though they weren't really related to the book. The format ofKris Kringle: A Read-Aloud Movie for Kids Young & Old was difficult to read silently, and despite the title, it doesn't lend itself to reading aloud. Since it is in script form, it would be fine as a play for a co-op. However, I found the story line confusing and busy. Combine that with the parts I found objectionable, and I just cannot recommend this book.
