How Winston Delivered Christmas: A Christmas Story in Twenty-Four-and-a-Half Chapters
By: Alex T. Smith / Narrated By: Mathew Baynton
Length: 2 hrs and 12 mins
Started out just okay. But then it became absolutely aDORable…!
I know, I know, I know.
Children’s books aren’t written for meeeeee… they’re written with kids in mind, right? I get that. But to meeeeee, I always start one with the HOPE that the author’s writing and story-crafting can touch the whimsical, the innocent, the out-for-just-joy(full) child in me.
And at first? How Winston Delivered Christmas did NOT do that. I think, initially, it was the horrific surprise that, no really, author Alex T. Smith wrote it so that you and your kidlet listen to just one small chapter each night/day, starting on December 1st. I mean, wait! WHAT?!? Do NOT tell the Inner Kidlet in me who flunked the Marshmallow Test that I canNOT down the entire listen in one go. I mean, I’m simply not made for that!
And so? I listened to two chapters a day because I’m perverse like that, and Bah, HUMBUG! to anyone who would try to rein in m’ Inner NOW NOW NOW Kidlet…
Onto the story, since I’ve dispensed with that.
Winston, a young mouse living in the Big City, finds a letter addressed to Santa. Problem? It’s alREAdy Christmas Eve, and it looks like a little boy with a big heart just might not get a visit from Santa. But little mouse Winston has an even bigger heart, so he takes it ‘pon himself to deliver it to the North Pole. Or to Santa, if he finds him first.
Along the way, he meets up with gregarious Pigeons, the Most Helpful Cat Who Is NOT Trying To Eat Him, and an urbane Rat who lives in a posh Department Store. Denying himself sleep and sustenance, Winston WILL get that letter delivered, or he’ll diiiiiiiiiie trying (Only kidding. This story is for children so there’s only earnestness… not a death wish…).
Never heard o’ Mathew Baynton, but his performance as narrator of this little gem is beYONd delightful! When I began the audiobook, grumbling my discontent at having to Be Patient, his delivery was soooo charming, making Every. Single. Character Winston meets wonderfully entertaining. Nope, don’t have any other books in m’ Library narrated by him, but if I run across another of his, esPECially if it’s a Kids’ book, I’m THERE!!! Just adorable.
Which took me along, day by day, this December, to Christmas itself and to the most Perfect Ending EVER. If you listen to the whole thing and do NOT have a tiny tear of Joy in your eye? Well, then you’re just not channeling your Inner Child decently enough. Absolutely darling!
I hear-tell, from Amazon reviews, that the print book has Activities for you and your youngsters to do each day. That sounds AWEsome. That said? Maybe get BOTH the book and the audiobook…
Cuz you do NOT wanna miss out on a truly charming performance/production.
Say Yesssss to the Holidays!!!
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