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Reviewed by David Jaggart for Readers' Favorite
James Richard Highsmith’s In Search of Christmas is about three rescue dogs who take a figure of speech a bit too literally. When Leo, Tadd, and Oliver hear that Christmas is lost after misinterpreting a figurative remark from their owners, they decide it’s up to them to track it down. They end up hitching rides across the globe, doing good deeds wherever they land. They help an elderly woman find her lost dog, Tiny, look out for an orphan boy, and assist a stranded skydiver along the way. Working together keeps them moving forward through unfamiliar places, and each scenario teaches them what the winter holidays are really about. You can’t help but wonder if they will crack the case of the holiday’s true origins and find their way back home to Minnesota.
As far as children’s fiction goes, James Richard Highsmith’s In Search of Christmas is an absolute delight that leaves you with a warm feeling about teamwork and empathy. The writing flows naturally, and seeing the world through the eyes of three distinct pups is just plain fun. The artwork is a huge bonus, too—the contrast between the snowy blizzards of Norway and a sunny cruise on the Mediterranean is beautifully drawn. The book also does a great job of showing that family comes in all shapes and sizes, whether it is an orphan finding a permanent home or a lonely widower finding a connection. The story keeps things educational with simple breakdowns of rescue tools and cultural customs. It is a beautiful, heartfelt example of how looking outward to aid those in distress brings genuine fulfillment to everyone involved in the entire community.
