“The oil painting illustrations do right by the story (so much that one wishes it were true), capturing the atmosphere of a community willing to stick together as they journey against the grain, whether that means bringing snow somehow to the South or standing by an unpopular belief.” ―School Library Journal

“Pleasant oil paintings in a large format create the appropriate historical milieu for the Southern, pre-Civil War setting and appealing personalities for the two girls…” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Sure to be popular at holiday time, this is a fictionalized account of how a Unitarian choir director happened to write one of our more ubiquitous winter holiday songs… Although this is a small event, lush oil illustrations with the characters’ expressions featured prominently give the whole affair an air of significance…A fascinating, unusual bit of historical fiction.” ―Booklist

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“Gustavson’s period oil paintings are impressively realistic and emotive, effectively capturing the minister’s passion.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Gustavson’s accomplished paintings, realistic yet folksy, reveal small dramas not in the text, and each face in the choir and congregation seems to hide an entire character study…” ―The Horn Book Magazine

“’Jingle Bells’ by John Harris tells again of the power of reminiscence and memories. Good reading.” ―Hickory Ridge Reader

“John Harris’s charming fictional account of the true story behind the song “Jingle Bells” harmonizes perfectly with Adam Gustavson’s lively illustrations.” ―Sunday Morning Magazine

“The holidays beg for books that can be read aloud and enjoyed by the whole family, from tot to grandparent. With its painterly illustrations and well-paced story, Jingle Bells is one of those books… Knowing the song’s backstory deepens one’s appreciation for this classic.” ―Washington Parent

“John Harris expands the little that is known about how “Jingle Bells” was composed with an interesting backstory of the Unitarian Church’s stand against slavery. Oil paintings by Adam Gustavson capture the essence of life in the 1850s.” ―The Wichita Eagle

“Author John Harris explains in an imaginative and believable way of how he came up with the fictional account of the writing of “Jingle Bells.” The lively illustrations by Adam Gustavson fit well with the upbeat music of the beloved song. I love holiday books that make reading aloud fun. This book does just that. Recommended holiday read for anybody who loves the Christmas classic, “Jingle Bells.”” ―Boys to Books

“Illustrator Adam Gustavson’s lively images enhance this charming book, a great read-aloud for the holiday season, especially for elementary school classes learning to sing this classic tune!” ―The Fourth Musketeer

“Overall this is a story of nostalgia and celebration.” ―Interesting Nonfiction for Kids

“I really enjoyed the story. It was a quick and easy read with a cute ending…I will definitely have this book in my classroom library.” ―Maestra Amanda’s Bookshelf

“I’m so glad I was granted a copy because really…haven’t YOU ever wondered where some of our favorite carols came from? I have…” ―Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

“A perfect addition to both multicultural studies and holiday collections, children will be stirred when they hear the story of the creation of the song ‘Jingle Bells’…” ―Lake Hiawatha Library

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Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Language Arts, Grades K-6 Picture Books) ―Society of School Librarians International, 2012

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2012

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award ―Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, 2011

John Harris has written a number of books for children, including several historical fiction books, He lives in Georgia.

Adam Gustavson is the illustrator of more than twenty books for children, as well as numerous periodicals. He holds a master of fine arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in New Jersey. You can visit his website here.