he Jolly Christmas Postman -Allan and Janet Ahlberg
5 stars
The Christmas Postman is a spin-off of the original Jolly Postman book. Both books concern a postman making his rounds on a bicycle through an unusual English village. This village is inhabited by fairy tale and nursery rhyme characters. The postman has Christmas mail to deliver to the likes of Baby Bear, The Big Bad Wolf, The Gingerbread Man, and Santa himself. Each time the postman makes a delivery, the actual item can be removed from an envelope page included in the book. This is one of the best book/toy combinations that I’ve seen. Even though there is a small puzzle and a folded paper board game inside this book, the toys do not overwhelm the literary content. The intricate hidden details of the book are delightful. It’s great just to sit and discuss the pictures.
I’ve found that even children with limited English or experience of books enjoy this one, but those who are very familiar with fairy tales and nursery rhymes are better able to appreciate it. There are lots of little items to examine and touch so the book works better for 4 year-olds and older. ( )

The theme showcases the joy from christmas time and sending letters to your friends

This book could be incorporated into a unit on fairy tales and letter writing. The students could read the book, then pick a fairy tale character to write a letter to. I would only use this book for younger grades (1st/2nd)because of the simplicity of the writing.

The Jolly Postman series was always checked out of the library when I was a kid. We loved those books! Not only was it a fun picture book, but it came with actual letters and cards and other things that might come in the mail. What I loved as a child I still like as an adult, so when I started working at a bookstore and saw these books on the shelves, I didn't hesitate to buy them. This time, no waiting for the book to hopefully be returned before my trip to the library arrived; my girls and I can read them whenever we want.

The premise of the book is that a postman must be available to deliver letters to the people who inhabit fairy tales and nursery rhymes. This lucky worker, simply referred to as the jolly postman, gets to make most unusual stops and carry most interesting packages. The story is told in rhyme - and fortunately the text fits the rhyme well, and is charming and in keeping with the book. Every couple of pages, when the postman makes his next delivery, the page is actually an envelope, complete with faux stamps and postage markings, and the address of the recipient. Inside the envelope is the actual letter (or card or storybook or puzzle or game) that is being given to the person addressed. Such a clever idea, and fun, because not only can you read the story, but you also get to read the letters, and you can play the games or puzzles included ... it's not just a book, it's a whole interactive experience.

This story takes place at Christmas time, so the jolly postman has holiday mail to trundle out through the snow and cold. He makes stops at such places as Little Red Riding Hood's playhouse, the gingerbread man's small tin house, and even the Big Bad Wolf's den. I am amused at the package Humpty Dumpty receives - a puzzle, from all the king's men. And I like the way the jolly postman shivers and quakes when he has to deliver Red's letter to the Big Bad Wolf. Finally, the postman makes a special last stop at Santa's workshop! When the snow drifts are too high for the postman's bike to navigate, Santa saves the day in his sleigh.

Also not to be missed in this book are the illustrations, which are colorful and funny, and packed with details. The van driving behind the postman is from Pat a Cake Bakers, and a giant's huge legs are walking along in another picture. One house has a picture of a cat and a fiddle on it. The envelopes and their contents have many little touches, too, like the Big Bad Wolf's note - I'm a changed wolf - and the tiny storybook that the gingerbread man receives, which has stories and poems and advertisements. Clearly, a lot of creativity and attention went into the making of this book, so be sure to look for all the wonderful details. You can enjoy this book on so many levels, it is sure to become a holiday favorite. ( )

Another interactive letter book by Ahlberg that students love to read and manipulate. This could be used to enhance a letter writing unit. ( )