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(The Times, Magnus Linklater 29/06/05)
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Laura's Christmas Star
by Klaus Baumgart
Age Range: Under_5
Laura returns with her special Star (now back twinkling in the sky) for a special Christmas adventure. Laura and her little brother Tommy are really excited about going to visit their aunt for Christmas as she has a beautifully decorated tree. When Dad’s car breaks down, they are forced to stay at home. Will Christmas be ruined, as their house won’t measure up to Aunt Martha’s festive delights? Laura rescues a small Christmas tree from the cold outside, in an effort to restore some Christmas spirit. Yet, how can she make it magical? Her special Star friend seems to know that help is needed and a Christmas miracle occurs.
This is a lovely continuation of Laura’s story but is also a great read by itself. Klaus Baumgart writes situations that everyone will recognise and enjoy and Judy Waite translates them with an eye to making them enjoyable to an English audience. The whole premise of the story is a very normal family event and Laura is a typical little girl, making the magic twist at the end really lovely. Parents will enjoy this book too. They’ll recognise all the trials of travelling for Christmas, as snow falls, the car breaks down and most amusingly, the children wake up at three in the morning, full of excitement.
The story is well-paced and well pitched. Sympathy builds for Laura and her family as Christmas seems ruined, but the story is never too sad and has a lovely happy ending. In Judy Waite’s translation, the simple words and light, flowing prose will allow children to follow and become engaged with the story and the characters.
Klaus Baumgart is also an excellent illustrator. The sparkly star returns to light up each page and the attention to detail is stunning, as even the smallest details in a picture are made special- such as the little star-shaped biscuits in the final picture. There is so much for readers to notice and enjoy in the Laura books.
Abby Phillips (2010)