Newbery Honor–winning author McKissack and Caldecott Medal–winning illustrator Pinkney have outdone themselves in this heart-warming picture book infused with humor and the true spirit of Christmas.
Christmas always comes to Nella’s house, but Santa Claus brings gifts only once in a while. That’s because it’s the Depression and Nella’s family is poor. Even so, Nella’s hoping that this year she and her two sisters will get a beautiful Baby Betty doll.
On Christmas morning, the girls are beside themselves with excitement! There is Baby Betty, in all her eyelash-fluttering magnificence. “Mine!” Nella shouts, and claims the doll for herself. But soon she discovers that Baby Betty isn’t nearly as much fun as her sisters. Would it be more fun to share this very best gift with them after all?
WINNER ALA Notable Children's Book
WINNER
| 2008 ALA Notable Children's Book
WINNER
| 2007 New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
WINNER
| 2007 Parents' Choice Award
SUBMITTED Charlotte Zolotow Award
SUBMITTED Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices
Starred Review, Booklist, September 15, 2007: "Parents looking for books on sharing will find this an appealing exploration of the subject, teachers seeking picture books set during the Depression will find many details that bring the period to life. A gentle lesson that plays into the spirit of the holiday." -Carolyn Phelan
Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, November 1, 2007: “Full of humorous dialogue and scenes of realistic family life showing the close bonds within the family. Pinkney’s watercolor illustrations are masterful, as always…” - Kirkus Review
Review, The New York Times Book Review, December 2, 2007: "An evocative book with a universal message."
Newbery Honor–winning author McKissack and Caldecott Medal–winning illustrator Pinkney have outdone themselves in this heart-warming picture book infused with humor and the true spirit of Christmas.
Christmas always comes to Nella’s house, but Santa Claus brings gifts only once in a while. That’s because it’s the Depression and Nella’s family is poor. Even so, Nella’s hoping that this year she and her two sisters will get a beautiful Baby Betty doll.
On Christmas morning, the girls are beside themselves with excitement! There is Baby Betty, in all her eyelash-fluttering magnificence. “Mine!” Nella shouts, and claims the doll for herself. But soon she discovers that Baby Betty isn’t nearly as much fun as her sisters. Would it be more fun to share this very best gift with them after all?
Awards
WINNER ALA Notable Children's Book
WINNER
| 2008 ALA Notable Children's Book
WINNER
| 2007 New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
WINNER
| 2007 Parents' Choice Award
SUBMITTED Charlotte Zolotow Award
SUBMITTED Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices
Praise
Starred Review, Booklist, September 15, 2007: "Parents looking for books on sharing will find this an appealing exploration of the subject, teachers seeking picture books set during the Depression will find many details that bring the period to life. A gentle lesson that plays into the spirit of the holiday." -Carolyn Phelan
Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, November 1, 2007: “Full of humorous dialogue and scenes of realistic family life showing the close bonds within the family. Pinkney’s watercolor illustrations are masterful, as always…” - Kirkus Review
Review, The New York Times Book Review, December 2, 2007: "An evocative book with a universal message."
