A Simple Christmas on the Farm

September 13, 2021
Alsdurf and Hunt parallel a family’s “simple” farm Christmas and the holiday’s biblical beginnings in this picture book with a back-to-basics message. When the biracial narrator’s brown-skinned mother says “we’re keeping things simple this year,” the protagonist has misgivings. Soon, however, those transition to excitement as the family chooses a “small, scraggly” tree in the woods; makes goodies, gifts, and decorations; and invites members of their rural community to a potluck dinner in the family’s barn. Reportorial first-person narration ends each page with “Christmas on the farm,” and a Christmas Eve service that highlights the Christ child’s barnyard birth finally sees the protagonist excited about their own pared-down celebration. Unlined illustrations focus on domestic details, perpetually snowy farm landscapes, and smiling characters of various skin tones. Instructions for three holiday crafts follow. Ages 4–8.