It's Christmas, David!

Title: It’s Christmas, David!
Author/Illustrator: David Shannon
Medium: Watercolor and pencil
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: Things not to do before Christmas. If you do them, you might have a nightmare that you are on the naughty list!

Summary: It’s Christmas, David! focuses on things a child should not do before Christmas but David does them anyway. He peeked at his presents, stole cookies, played with ornaments, ran outside naked, peed in the snow, broke a window and then he dreamed that he was on the naughty list and will not be receiving any gifts but then he woke up! He was thrilled to open his gifts.

Literary Elements:

Setting: The setting took place mainly in David’s home such as David’s bedroom, kitchen, outside of his house, and by the
Christmas tree. It also took place at the mall where David had no patience to wait for the Santa Clause. I would say that the setting wasn’t as important as the theme of this story but it did play a role because you can’t have Christmas at just any place, it would make sense if you had it at home.

Characterization: David was the main character of this book, of course. I knew the second I saw the title, and I loved his character. David is funny and such a troublemaker but he is someone that everyone will never get tired of. He seems to be about five years old, and he loves to do the opposite of he was told to. He hates to hear the word “No” so he tries to ignore that word. I love his appearance because he has a look that no other children book has, and it is really unique. He kept me entertained throughout the book.

Plot: In this story, there isn’t that much of a conflict or problem but it had series of events that led up to him dreaming that there wasn’t any Christmas for him. The action of story was about David doing things that he wasn’t supposed to do and it was exciting throughout the book. This book is from a child’s point of view.

Style: I loved David Shannon’s style of “writing”, I know there aren’t that many words in this book but I loved his choice of words. Words like “snitching” or “santa is going to bring you a lump of coal!” Those words might not seem different but I liked how he connected those kind of words throughout the book. I also loved the font of his writing because it is different and unique. I think that was one of the main things that attracted me to this book is because of the font, which is completely unique.

Reflection/Evaluation: Overall, I loved this book. I thought this book was completely different, witty, funny, and it can teach children lesson of what not to do before Christmas. I feel that this kind of book is perfect for kids at young age where they are starting to learn to read because during that time they are also learning about rules and things that you should not do. David’s expressions throughout kept me entertained so I can only imagine what it would do to children at that age. The author did a great job and I would love to read more of his books.