Christmas with the Rural Mail, Lance Woolaver & Maud Lewis, 2011
Christmas with the Rural Mail is a fine defense for maintaining door-to-door mail delivery, and reinstating improved provincial train service. These are certainly lofty results for a Christmas themed board book. It’s a well-executed concept using Maud Lewis’ artwork to create a charming rural, winter narrative.
The rhyming starts out charming, but by the end feels a bit cloying, like the last candy cane from the box that d. binge eats in one sitting. That being said, this is the season for sweetness, or that’s what I can assume from d. constantly eating cookies. The plot gets a bit thin at points, particularly when describing events not depicted in Lewis’ paintings. Regardless, the joy evident in her’ art is infectious like the winter sniffles.
This book raises some pressing questions: Why haven’t I seen any horse-drawn sleighs in Halifax? They seem to be the preferred mode of transportation in Digby County. This book has set up an expectation that will remain unfulfilled until horses replace the cars that I’m just now learning to tolerate. More importantly, the story follows the delivery of Christmas packages for a lucky baby, but what were the toys? I demand answers! I’ve heard about un-boxing videos, but if you’re hoping for that kind of gratification, look to the internet. I might, but m. and d. won’t let me have any screen time.
Recently, m. and d. took me to see the Maud Lewis exhibit at the AGNS, and this book fills me with all sorts of warm fuzzy memories that are perfect for cold winter nights. Speaking of the cold, apparently I lived through some major blizzards last year, yet I have no distinct memory of snow. Based on the Lewis’ depictions of winter, snow it looks like it could be a lot of fun
4 out of 5 doggies
baby's first review 