A child laments the absence of his longed-for and
requested toys at Christmas.
Sneaking downstairs when the family is sleeping, he checks his gifts under the tree.
He is an experienced present-shaker. But at the first shake he knows what he wants is not there.
He falls to the floor in frustration while the dog enjoys the socks.
He heads to the mantel where the stockings are hanging. Surely, they’ll contain what he asked for. But no! Just more socks!
The dog watches as the boy takes the stairs as if his
pants are on fire.
Can his parents have forgotten to put the gifts out?
He checks all the hidey places, draws and cupboards.
All he unearths are a pile of socks.
The dog discovers a stash of gifts in the most
unusual place. No toys in that lot.
The boy lists all the things he wanted but hasn’t
received and, in his mind, kisses them goodbye.
He tried everything. Being good, following the Christmas rules, baking cookies. He even left a bribe for Santa!
All to no
avail.
To comfort himself he imagines a great protest
march against the injustice done to him.
In the morning, mum goes about preparing the same
special breakfast she always cooks on Christmas day. He notices that all the
family members are wearing the same socks!
Dad is putting the last presents under the tree.
What does this mean?
Wonderful rhyming verse makes it a read full of rhythm.
It is humorous, enjoyable and highly entertaining. But what takes an equal prize are the visuals, that depict the dejected responses in the facial expressions of the boy narrator and the dog.
The Socks' Christmas song and others can be seen
as a lyric video on You Tube and the original song can be heard on JD’s
Christmas Album.
Have a laugh, enjoy the message. Perhaps you too, have been on the giving or receiving end of socks at Christmas.
Title: Socks
Author: JD McPherson
Illustrator: Anika Orrock
Publisher: Walker Books, $ 19.99
Publication Date: 2 October 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781536237023
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book