Chinook Christmas

Jean Free, a library consultant, is a retired public-school teacher and
librarian in Whitby, Ontario.

Nine-year-old Eric experiences for the first time a Christmas during
which the Chinook west wind melts the southern Alberta snows very
rapidly. His 14-year-old sister, Anni, is determined to have a Christmas
tree, though they have no money and live in a country with “nothing
but sugar beet fields and ditches.” Finally, they are given a few
small spruce branches by Mrs. Orleski, who is as poor as they are.

This is a poignant story of pioneer life in a small Mennonite community
on the Prairies. The warmth of family and Christmas baking, together
with the author’s memorable language, makes this an interesting
addition to a private or library holiday collection. The various ethnic
groups (Hutterites, Japanese, German) Wiebe writes about reflect the
rural Prairie society. Adults will reminisce about gramophones,
horse-drawn drays, and vintage automobiles as they read this story to
primary-grade children.

Chinook Christmas makes the reader reflect on the problem of accepting
a gift from someone who is equally poor. The wistful remembrances of
bygone Christmases and More’s remarkable full-page paintings make this
book a gift to treasure.