Secrets Of A Christmas Box by Steven Hornby

Reviews

Richard Thompson, Oxford PhD

Steven Hornby's 'Secrets of a Christmas Box' presents a delightful and detailed festive world that sweeps the reader off into a compelling story arc. Written with an approachable charm and wit, the story establishes several likeable fantastical characters that should be appealing to kids and adults alike.
By establishing a richly realized miniature world, the story is able to cleverly turn everyday situations and objects into an increasingly intricate set of tense predicaments for the lead characters. It then manages to drive through to a conclusion that exposes and addresses perhaps one of the most human of foibles. An entertaining and "highly recommended" read.

***

Judy Reveal, JustCreativeWriting

“Secrets of a Christmas Box” is destined to become a family tradition, celebrated each year with a reading around the Christmas tree. The author has created memorable characters who will live with us long after the decorations are put away, and we will relish the thought of welcoming them into our hearts again each year as the new season approaches.

***

Michael Kiely, Los Angeles

'Secrets of a Christmas Box' by Steven Hornby is a truly great children's story. From the opening lines through to the final word, it carries you on a journey of discovery, joy and excitement. With it's well defined characters and rich narrative, I found myself totally immersed in the story and always ready to take the next step side by side with Larry and friends.

This wonderful book is sure to become as much a staple at Christmas, as Turkey and roast potatoes. Get a copy as soon as you can, both you and your children will love it.

***

Kasi Dodge, School Teacher, California

My boys are enthusiastic about books and reading is a meaningful and frequent part of our day together. They search through many books and select out those few rare and special stories that catch their wonder. I am then always looking to surround them with books that may spark them up by tapping into their imaginations, exploring an interest, or heightening excitement for an event like a holiday.

Having just started a family with my husband four years ago, I am beginning traditions anew. While I was raised Jewish and enjoy the holidays and practices of Judaism, my husband and I both agreed that we would like to celebrate both the festive holidays of Christmas and Hanukah with our children. In the process of gathering new ornaments and accents to dress up our home for a holiday I had not observed in the past, I discovered that Christmas, too, is a special time with treasures of many sorts. For instance, picking a tree, decorating gingerbread cookies, or sharing a favorite holiday story can snowball into a tradition that grows more meaningful by the year.

Steven Hornby has come up with a seasonal sensation in 'Secrets of a Christmas Box'. His creative writing and fantastical setting are going to hype up my children for the Christmas holiday. The messages of love for self, for another, for family and for community perfectly compliment the ideals of the season regardless of religious affiliation.

As an educator at the elementary school level, I would encourage children in primary grades to enjoy the story with their parents and children in the upper grades to attempt some independent reading. There are many ways to build extension activities that will better connect and relate your child to what he or she is reading. Asking your child’s teacher for ideas might bring about some really entertaining activities for the home, all the while amplifying your child’s motivation to read- a gift better than anything you can put under the tree.

As an adult, I enjoy the bright and cheery side of the story but also appreciate the piece that demonstrates dystopia. Steven Hornby’s writing put just enough out there to spin off great discussion in adult circles while keeping it appropriate for children. I can say his novel seems ideal for ages 7 on up and up!

'Secrets of a Christmas Box' is sure to spark up the little ones, the bigger ones and the ones, well, like us. The magic in the writing teamed with the magic of the holiday make this an extra-magical novel to experience with family.