Christmas Turtles

Sara Ann Denson
Purple Sky Publishing (2006)
ISBN 9780976901761
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (10/06)

This delightful story will warm the hearts of the whole family.  “Christmas Turtles” celebrates the true meaning of Christmas when one grandmother demonstrates her love for her family through her actions and self-sacrifice.

A pecan tree was planted behind the barn when each grandchild was born.  As the children grow, so do the trees. Every fall Grandmother bends over and gathers the small brown nuts in her skirt.  Then the worn Christmas tin and the silver nutcracker are brought out.  The grandchildren help assist preparing the nuts.  The golden halves are stacked in the faded tin and placed in the freezer.  Each Christmas morning the pecan halves have disappeared only to be magically replaced by delicious chocolate turtles.  But how did the turtles get there, did an elf make them?  One mother explains, “Someone who loves you more than an elf made the turtles.”

This book demonstrates self-sacrifice.  Grandmother must bend over to collect the nuts.  Her hands hurt when she cracks them open.  She must spend much time standing before the stove on tired legs.  All this for a candy she cannot eat.  Grandmother’s greatest pleasure is seeing the delight on her families face as they eat the turtles she so lovingly prepared. 

This book was obviously penned in love.  The illustrations are delightful, adding much to the story.  The plot is beautifully written.  I suspect it is based on a memory.  The author is generous in sharing a recipe for “Christmas Turtles.”  I look forward to making these for my grandchildren.  What a marvelous tradition it will be to watch their eyes as they bite into a Christmas Turtle.  It is with great honor that I highly recommend this book to parents and grandparents.  The story is a pleasure to read and the meaning behind it is a treasure to hold deep in your heart.

Make comment on weblog