Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v03n24)
Right in my Own Backyard - A Cardinal Christmas - by Brandt Carter
posted: Dec. 01, 2006
A Cardinal Christmas
Thanksgiving rushes by as I ready for my yearly pilgrimage-unpacking my Christmas decorations. Included in the boxes full of ornaments, Santas, snowmen, manger and lights are my seasonal books that I bring out once a year. I have a small traditional collection of holiday reading. I realized that because of my love of backyard birdfeeding, I have been collecting books with cardinals as the main characters.
My new best favorite is A Redbird Christmas by bestselling author Fanny Flagg. She uses her southern charm to tell a story about a visitor, the townspeople, a young girl, and the cardinals, and what can happen when you wish for a miracle. Flagg is a gifted storyteller who knows how to tug at readers' heartstrings by bringing nature and people together to symbolize the true meaning of the season.
Now that I have grandchildren, I have included a few books for them. The Christmas Eve Blizzard tells of Nicholas and his grandfather as they push aside the Christmas tree to lovingly care for a cardinal trapped in the snow of a blizzard on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning finds Nicholas more concerned about the bird than opening his gifts. It uses some Spanish words and has a Spanish/English glossary in addition to bird feeder crafts. I know this book will become dearer in my home since our newest grandchild is a Nicholas.
Although not specific to the holidays, Albert is another children's book that delights in telling a tale about never knowing what a new day will bring. Then one sunny day, Albert stuck his hand out the window, and the next thing he knew, a cardinal dropped a twig in his hand, and from that moment on, Albert's life is changed forever.
Stop and take your copy of A Christmas Carol, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Why the Chimes Rang or check a new book out of the library, and take a breather to read. During the hustle and bustle, the quiet moments of a good tale or a well written story can be a celebration. It is through these books and poems that we can rejoice in the miracles of the season.
brandt@broadripplegazette.com