4 out of 4 stars
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Dinky, The Christmas Elf, by Billy Campbell, is a children's book that tells an inspiring story about friendship, life-long dreams, and generosity. Dinky, a forest elf of 12-years-old, aspires to become a Christmas Elf. Every six years, there is a competition that will give Dinky the chance to be awarded the title of a Christmas Elf. To win, he needs to build and present an outstanding toy.
Two days before the competition, the Great Gathering takes place, where these mythical creatures get together and march into the mountain to collect berries and nuts for winter. When Tink and Boo, Dinky's best friends, break the elementary rule of staying close and following the path, they get lost in the deceptive forest. Will they survive the dark realm overnight and the legendary Ghost, the white wolf? Will Dinky find a way to save them or will they be forever lost? But what about his goal? Will he win the contest or will his heart be filled with dissapoiment?
As the author's debut novel, I believe he has done an excellent job in combining some of the basic educational bricks for the growing mind with a creative world. He builds fantastic characters with a genuine personality that kids could easily relate to. The elves' magical form is packed with human nature where devotion, solidarity, and commitment are the pieces which contribute to these characters' development.
Parents and educators could benefit from exposing this book. It is wrapped in positive life lessons such as working hard to fulfil your dream, facing the jealous people who'll do their best to put sticks in your wheel, the value of true friendship, and the strength of making hard choices.
In only 32 pages, Billy Campbell has structured the book in seven short chapters, that can be taught in the classroom or read as a bedtime story. I'm positive that this story will be a stimulating and entertaining theme to debate with my nieces and their friends.
LaVonia Corbin McQuitty vividly conveys the story's actions through her expressive illustrations. I'm pleased to give Dinky, The Christmas Elf a meritorious rating of 4 out of 4 stars. The clean editing had a heavy influence on the score, as I believe young readers need grammar accuracy as they develop their literacy skills.
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Dinky The Christmas Elf
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