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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Sometimes the things that make us feel different are the very things that can lead us where we’re meant to be. In Clancy: A Gift of Christmas Story by A.K. Miller, the camels of Cameltown gather for an exciting tradition. Everyone is waiting to find out which three camels will be part of The Gift of Christmas, a production celebrating the birth of Jesus. When Cyrus, Carlotta, and Clancy hear their names called, the town celebrates. Clancy, however, isn’t so sure he belongs in the show. His crooked hump, clumsy knees, messy hair, unusual tooth, and trouble speaking are all he can think about. He’s convinced another camel would be a better choice. Mayor Camello senses something is wrong and tells Clancy about a time when he struggled with some of those same feelings. He encourages the camel to stop focusing on what he wishes he could change and instead talk to God about what’s troubling him. Can Clancy learn to see himself differently before the holiday show begins?
Clancy: A Gift of Christmas Story by A.K. Miller is such a lovely rhyming book with a wonderful message about faith, what we think, and accepting what makes us unique. I was reminded a little of Rudolph because Clancy believes his differences make him less worthy, but there’s much more to his journey. Miller’s verses have a natural rhythm that makes it fun to read aloud while also giving children practice with words that share the same ending and other early literacy skills. I’d love to share this with my kindergarten students because we could talk about how everyone is special and important and how our thoughts can affect the way we see ourselves. William “Bubba” Flint’s colorful, detailed illustrations add so much personality, especially through Clancy’s expressions. This would be a perfect choice for parochial and other Christian schools, as well as families looking for a faith-based Christmas read. I could easily see Clancy becoming a classroom favorite because its lessons extend far beyond the holiday.
