A Katie Kazoo Christmas: Super Super Special [Paperback]

LIGHTS OUT! Katie loves everything about the Christmas holiday, from the delectable treats, to the presents under the Christmas tree, and even the many Christmas carols that her and her mother love to sing year-round. This year, Katie has come up with a wonderful idea. She and the rest of the members of the Cooking Club will be baking tons of cookies, and bringing them to the shelter on Christmas Eve, that way the children can have some treats to brighten up their holiday, as well. But when Katie sees that her neighbors, Mr. Brigandi and Mrs. Derkman - who just happened to have been Katie's beyond-strict third grade teacher - begin competing with one another to win the holiday home decorating contest, Katie gets fed up. The two adults are acting like children, and truly ruining the spirit of Christmas. And, when Katie is swept up by the magic wind and turned into Mr. Brigandi, she must find a way to make him see the true spirit of the holiday before Christmas is entirely ruined.

THAT'S A WRAP - Katie loves wrapping gifts. The only problem that accompanies wrapping them, is the fact that she never manages to make them look special. In fact, Katie knows that she would never be quite happy receiving a gift wrapped as horribly as those that her magic hands have touched. Which is why she becomes quite jealous of the new gift wrapper at Thimbles Department Store. Lauren has the magic touch, and can work all kinds of enchanting looks into her wrapping creations. It really bugs Katie that wrapping comes so easily to Lauren. In fact, a lot of things have been bugging Katie lately, leaving her feeling jealous of many people around her. But when the magic wind sweeps her up, and changes her in to Lauren, Katie faces something very difficult...wrapping the gifts of eager holiday shoppers. Now Katie must confront her jealousy head on, and hope that she can keep things under wraps until she's changed back, otherwise Lauren will be out of a job just in time for Christmas.

THE SANTA SWITCH - Katie is ecstatic to learn that Mr. Guthrie's fourth-grade class will be taking part in a Secret Santa gift exchange. She can't wait to find out who her Secret Santa will be, and only hopes that she'll pick a girls name. When things turn out differently than expected, and Katie begins receiving extremely peculiar gifts, she can't put her finger on who exactly her Secret Santa is. As if that weren't a big enough problem to deal with, Katie's Grandma is in town, which has her super excited, but she's brought a friend along with her. A man named Nick who looks exactly like Santa Claus and is on a friendly basis with reindeers. Katie's friends think that he could, quite possibly, be Saint Nick, but Katie thinks that it's all in their imaginations. That is, until she trades places with a mall elf, and suddenly has a change of heart.

I have read many novels by Nancy Krulik, but have never tried one of the KATIE KAZOO tales. Therefore, when I saw that a Holiday Super Special had been released, I had to have it. Katie "Katie Kazoo" Carew is an adorable character who is mature in her reasonings, while at the same time possesses a youthful nature, giving her a personality that bridges gaps, which will easily appeal to both children, as well as the parents who are reading along with them. The three stories found within this collection all teach valuable lessons revolving around the holidays, from the true spirit of Christmas, to helping others; while confronting different issues, such as jealousy, without preaching. The refreshing thing about these stories is that they offer information about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, and don't simply discuss Christmas. Each tale is enjoyable, and can be completed within one sitting. And, as if that weren't enticing enough, the caricature-like illustrations by John & Wendy that punctuate each chapter truly bring Katie and the gang to life. A KATIE KAZOO CHRISTMAS will bring a little 'Joy to the World' this holiday season!

Erika Sorocco

Freelance Reviewer

I LOVE the Katie Kazoo series. It is one of my favorite series. This is one of my favorites, well I guess all of them are my favorite, but any way this book was great. It is such a "page turner" I coouldn't stop. I finished the book in 45 minutes, sad that it ended so soon. I would get this book if I were you.

My daughter has stayed up many a night reading this. She is a big fan. I was surprised how long the book was, but it has kept her interest.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 3 reviews  5.0 out of 5 stars