Over the mountain and through the snow, to Grandpa's house he'll go-such is the plotted course for Robin the mouse's solo holiday trip. Determined to spend Christmas with his grandfather, who lives on the other side of the mountain, Robin fills his backpack with clothes and a gift, grabs a sleeping bag, and sets off. Following rugged terrain, he encounters rough weather and a hungry falcon, and he crashes on his homemade snowboard before even marking the halfway point. More near-calamities arise, but intrepid Robin treks on, finally arriving at Grandpa's empty-handed. Happily, the elder mouse assures his grandson that the best gift of all is not the one that got away but Robin's own arrival. With snowy woodland scenes and a chipper protagonist up for any challenge, Onodera brings readers along on a suspenseful ride to a welcoming destination filled with Christmas spirit. Ages 4-9. (Sept.) - Publishers Weekly This is a beautifully touching Christmas story stressing the importance of the most meaningful Christmas gift of all. The story is filled with adventure, determination, and the yearning to follow through with your goal while facing one challenge after another. Young students will love this story. It highlights the strength of the little mouse to complete his journey to be with his grandfather for Christmas. The illustrations are eye-catching, alive, and very colorful. - ITEEA A story of courage and resilience ideal to explore with younger children. Great book for discussions around keeping safe. A lovely little story with great illustrations and so much action. Children will love this. A story to share as vocabulary in places a little complex for the age range. I look forward to sharing this with the children. - Swinefleet Primary School This is an adorable little story of a mouse who meets up with some new friends, and challenges, on his way to visit his Grandfather for Christmas. The illustrations tell the story really well for any young children you like to read to themselves. - Sarah Le (educator) Robin's Christmas Journey is an adorable story of strength, courage, and determination. This is a great story for kids to learn about not giving up when obstacles appear in their paths - stay the course and you'll reach your goals! I love how it also teaches that Christmas isn't about gifts, but about being together with loved ones. The illustrations are cozy and done very well. I have to admit that I read the title before looking at the cover and I was a little surprised to see that Robin was a mouse and not the bird. My first impression of the title as a children's book would be of the bird, not a mouse. Overall, this is a sweet and cozy read no matter the time of year. I would recommend this book and purchase it for my son. - Joie_de_lire_books
