Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Christmas Around The World by renowned artist Chuck Fischer is one of the most amazing works of art I have ever seen. The colors are brilliant, and the workmanship is intricate and elaborate. Each page has a pop-up Christmas scene. There are flip-backs, pull-tabs and slide features. The text enlightens the reader to the history of Christmas in different cultures.

The British display is complete with a crown, guard, and Big Ben. I was reminded of A Christmas Carol and Plum Pudding. As I turn each page, we travel to a different country and celebrate their traditions. I had never heard of the Christmas Witch and eagerly read her story as I celebrated Christmas in Italy. The magi rides his camel past the Christmas tree with the star on top, searching for the Holy Babe. Eagerly I pulled the tab as I journeyed through Germany, eying the carousel and snow-covered land and reading of the Advent.

The street in Paris with street lights, gay holiday windows, and a poodle delighted me. I enthusiastically read the story of the real St. Nicholas. At last, I journeyed to North America where the Santa I am most familiar with flies through the sky, wishing all a Merry Christmas.

Christmas Around The World is a delightful book and will make an envious gift, but not for children. This is a collector’s gift, a work of art. The book is well made other than a few of the pop-ups extending slightly too far. They will be easily bent and damaged. My copy will be a family heirloom, passed from generation to generation.