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Review: Socks : A Kid's Christmas Lament

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Socks : A Kid's Christmas Lament
Written by JD McPherson
Illustrated by Anika Orrock
Somerville, Mass. : Walker Books US, a division of Candlewick Press, 2024. Picture Book.

Based on the song by JD McPherson, Socks: A Kid’s Christmas Lament follows a child's angst when they discover their Christmas gifts turn out to be practical socks instead of fun toys and surprises. A little bit naughty and a lot hilarious!

As an adult, I love a good pair of socks as a gift!  In fact, a lot of the adults in my life actively ask for socks when Christmas rolls around.  But the kids I know...not so much.  The protagonist in Socks is the embodiment of kids everywhere, if not how they actually act when receiving practical gifts, then at least how they feel in their hearts.  Grown-ups and kids alike will get a kick out this book, but care-givers may want to use it to discuss better ways to handle gift disappointment than by starting revolutions in the streets. 




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