Horace Helfin’s Holiday Home

John Philip McCarthy
Boathouse Entertainment (2009)
ISBN 9780961482961
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (11/09)

 

It is almost Christmas day and Sally Connors has only one wish.  She wants her parents to get back together.  Ever since their separation, her dad always seems to be working which results in numerous broken promises of spending time with her.  Mr. and Mrs. Connors are both recruited by Saint Bartholomew’s orphanage to care for young Horace Helfin during the holidays.  Horace, a mischievous little boy who speaks in rhymes and has a seemingly insatiable appetite, instantly uproots the quiet lives of the Connors family.  Readers will be kept in suspense as they try to figure out who Horace Helfin really is and whether or not he can help Sally get her Christmas wish.

This story is written for young readers age nine to twelve but an older audience will also enjoy experiencing the magic of the Christmas season that this book provides.  Parents should be cautious about sharing this book with small children because some of the situations depicted may be difficult for them to understand.  Young readers will find this book funny and exciting.  They will enjoy seeing Horace and Sally as heroes in an adult-dominated world.  My biggest concern is that some of Horace’s antics go too far and can be perceived as dangerous or mean-spirited.  Children need to understand the importance of standing up for what is right in a way that is not harmful to others.

“Horace Helfin’s Holiday Home” is a fun book for a family to enjoy together.  It will help remind them what the season is all about - not giving toys or other material gifts, but rather giving one’s time and talents to improve the lives of others.  Young readers will enjoy Horace and Sally’s instant friendship and the way they stick together to protect each other from harm.  Parents will relate to the difficulties and stressors faced by the adult characters and will likely find themselves longing for the days of fun and freedom they experienced as children.

Reading “Horace Helfin’s Holiday Home” by John Philip McCarthy is an excellent way to get into the spirit of the upcoming holiday season.  The author’s vivid descriptions of the characters and their activities make the reader feel as if he is viewing them firsthand.

Make comment on weblog