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Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite
(Not) Home for Christmas by Mariana Llanos is a colorful story about two little boys who discover what Christmas is truly about. Andy and Tito are dismayed when Mom announces that they won't be spending Christmas at home, but with their Uncle Pepe and his family in Peru! How can Santa Claus find them if they aren't home? If Santa doesn't know where they are, then how can they have Christmas? And most importantly, presents? Tito tries explaining that Santa Claus is magical and can find them no matter where they are or how close it is to Christmas, but Andy doesn't believe him. As Andy turns into a wanting monster and struggles to change Mom's mind before it is too late and Christmas is ruined, Tito begins to worry that maybe his little brother is right. Maybe there won't be Christmas this year! Andy devises a foolproof plan for Santa to find them, only he doesn't take into consideration that Peru doesn't get snow for Christmas. Will Santa be able to find Andy and Tito? Or will Christmas be ruined this year?
(Not) Home For Christmas by Mariana Llanos is a delightful story about family, the magic of Christmas, and what Christmas is really about. It isn't about the toys, the food, or even where you are. It is about love, family, and the magic that the holiday brings. Even though the boys have a hard time adjusting to a Peruvian Christmas without snow, without Santa Claus, and without their traditional Christmas foods, they try to smile through it. It is hard for a child to adjust to changes, especially changes surrounding a holiday, as they are rooted in tradition and, in a child's mind, should not be changed. Andy and Tito learn that although people celebrate differently, deep down, Christmas is still the same for everybody. I understood Andy's perspective perfectly. I didn't always understand No as a child, and had I been in Andy's shoes, you would have found me leaving a trail for Santa to follow too! It was cute, the characters were well written, and the story unfolded beautifully. A lovable, fully illustrated Christmas story that will help ease any child's fears about leaving home for the holidays. I recommend this book for the whole family.
