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Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
Ho Ho No! is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Derek Good. It follows Max, a young boy who is well-known by the people on Maple Street for being selfish and ungrateful, and they call him Little Scrooge because of his attitude. All he cares about are his games and toys. On Christmas Eve, Max refuses to spend time with his family hanging tinsel and decides to stay in his room. He feels a sense of isolation and recognizes something is missing, but he cannot quite pinpoint what it is. The night does not go as expected. Max receives a visit from his grandma and sees how he used to be before he changed, and another visit that makes him realize how selfish and rude he has been, leading him to regret his past actions.
Ho Ho No! is a charming tale about the importance of giving, being grateful, and spending time with people you care about. It borrows a bit from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol—that old tale about a grumpy, selfish man who finally learns to care after some spooky visits. Derek Good takes that idea and gives it a fresh, modern twist, making it feel more inviting for kids. What stands out is how the story focuses on generosity, staying connected with family and the community, and actually enjoying moments together. The artwork is beautiful, and Max’s world feels alive, thanks to a mix of characters from all sorts of backgrounds. I love how the book splits the text and illustrations onto different pages. It’s a thoughtful touch, especially for anyone who finds reading tough. I had a great time reading Ho Ho No! If you are into Christmas stories that are about people changing for the better and showing kindness, you will want to have this one on your shelf.
