Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Noticing that her students lack mittens for playing in the snow, white-presenting knitting enthusiast Miss Mary, "everyone's favorite teacher," decides to whip up a pair for each child at Christmas. But when the shop is out of yarn and no more shipments are due, the teacher ransacks her ample hand-knit wardrobe for the project: "There went her slippers, pot holders, and afghan. More and more and more," writes Noble. Andriani's friendly, thin-lined art depicts the racially diverse but apparently solely Christmas-celebrating community; it's a quaint neighborhood setting in which Miss Mary leaves mittens on each child's porch "at dawn on Christmas morning." If the amount of wool garnered seems rather more than necessary in this earnest tribute to hand-made gifts, images of the teacher tucking into her project fireside--replete with cuppa and kitties--are a knitter's dream. Back matter includes instructions for knitting mitten ornaments. Ages 6--7. (Sept.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--Miss Mary is everyone's favorite teacher because her enthusiasm and zest for life make learning fun every day. When heavy snowfall blankets the town on the last day of school before winter break, Miss Mary is thrilled to be able to take her class outside for an extended recess. Unfortunately, the children are not able to enjoy the snow as much as they would like, and Miss Mary quickly gets to work in order to give her students a heartfelt and useful gift just in time for Christmas. This charming holiday picture book lovingly captures the essence of those teachers who go above and beyond for their students every day. Short, accessible phrases make up the narrative, which enables a wide range of readers connect with the story. Though the focus is on an elementary school--age audience, younger siblings are sure to appreciate this story as well. Miss Mary's vibrant personality and love of knitting are reflected in the visuals used throughout, where myriad hues and cheerful faces can be found in abundance. The text and illustrations are well-designed, and children and caregivers will enjoy examining the detailed images more carefully with each reading. At the end of the book, readers will find a pattern for a knitted mitten Christmas ornament along with hyperlinked instructions for an easier craft for younger readers. VERDICT A heartwarming Christmas tale that celebrates the love one special teacher shares with her students.--Mary Lanni
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
One teacher knits up a minor miracle. Fresh snow on the day before Christmas vacation means a fun-filled, extra-long recess for Miss Mary's class. But the event falls well below the beloved teacher's expectations--the snow angels have no wings, and the hockey game is short-lived. The reason? All the children have to tuck their cold hands into their coat pockets. So Miss Mary, who loves to knit her own clothes, decides to make mittens for all the students for Christmas, but the store is out of yarn. Determined, she rushes home and unravels her own gloves, plus her hat and scarf. Realizing that's not enough yarn for 20 pairs of mittens, she raids the rest of her house for more material. For two days, she knits and knits. On Christmas morning, the students find wrapped packages on their front steps. They pause their excited outdoor play to thank Miss Mary. Though the story focuses on the holiday's values of giving and gratitude, it positions the best teachers as angelic, sacrificing miracle workers--a rosy perspective at odds with the efforts of actual, overworked educators. Andriani's artwork has a classic feel, in the inked-cartoon vein of Peggy Parish's Amelia Bedelia (1963), illustrated by Fritz Siebel. The book includes instructions, aimed at intermediate knitters, for making a mitten ornament. Among a racially diverse class and small town, Miss Mary is light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A tale of Christmas cheer hampered by a problematic takeaway. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
