The Soldiers' Night Before Christmas by Trish Holland

An apology and two new poems from Gilbert patch things up in time for the Valentine's Day party. Gilbert feels remorse, however, upon receiving pleasant valentines from both of them, and his regret is compounded when his deceit is discovered and he is shunned by the class. I think that you have rocks in your head,'' goes to Margaret (he signs it ``Lewis''), while Lewis's card carries the sentiments of the book's title (Gilbert signs that one ``Margaret''). So when he's faced with 15 blank valentine cards, each one waiting for a poem, he decides to hurt them in return. Gilbert remembers how hurt he felt when Lewis tweaked his nose and when Margaret made fun of his glasses. The annual classroom exchange of valentines is the backdrop for this engaging story about retaliation. This will be popular with children who like brash superheroes, as well as with families and friends of those serving in the military. Jazzy illustrations in a cartoon style bring the military characters to life, especially the craggy-faced Sergeant McClaus. The gifts are quickly deposited in helmets and boots, and then with a sharp salute and some hearty ho-ho-hos, Sergeant McClaus and his convoy take off for their next stop with a wish for peace for all.

He and his drivers bring in sea bags filled with gifts for the soldiers: homemade goodies, phone cards, photos from home and artwork from children.

This commanding figure stands 6’6” in his camouflage uniform and red Santa hat, with a stub of cigar instead of a pipe. A young soldier serving as the narrator sees Sergeant McClaus arrive on base in a Blackhawk helicopter, followed by eight Christmas-green Humvees decked out in gold tinsel and twinkling lights. Rumbles! I heard a deep while, then up drove eight Humvees, a jeep closeīehind.Using the familiar structure of the classic Christmas poem, Holland and Ford offer a witty parody that serves up a unique vision of a Santa who is very different from the traditional St.

There's a decidedly different holidayĪtmosphere here: 'When what to my thrill and relief should appear,īut one of our Blackhawks to give the all clear: more rattles and Observation of this wonder, which will intrigue and comfort militaryįamilies separated by war. Visited by the Santa of Soldiers, and in a fine realistic rhyme inspiredīy the classic 'Night Before Christmas' comes a soldier's Retrieved from Ġ375836957 $8.99 One Christmas eve in the desert a group of homesick soldiers are

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The Soldiers' Night Before Christmas by Trish Holland