How Winston Delivered Christmas



Last updated Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Author: Alex T. Smith
Date of Publication: 2019
ISBN: 1684129834
Grade Level: 4th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Dec. 2023

Synopsis: When a mouse named Winston finds a lost letter addressed to Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, he sets off on an unforgettable journey to personally deliver the letter to Santa! How Winston Delivered Christmas is organized in twenty-four-and-a-half chapters, to share during the countdown to Christmas. This illustrated advent story tells of the adventures of an adorable mouse and how a good deed can lead to a very happy ending.

Note to readers:
•  This book is organized into 24-1/2 very short chapters, each with a craft or two, which are not necessarily related to the story. Pick a favorite craft idea, and maybe read up to chapter 9, since that is the day of our Reading Clubs.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you keep in your pockets?
•  What kind of holiday traditions does your family celebrate for Christmas? Hanukkah (last night was the 2nd night of Hanukkah)? Kwanzaa? Diwali? Sinterklass (St. Nicholas' birthday, which was December 6)?

Vocabulary:


Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  How realistic is this story?
•  Would a mouse ever behave this way in the real world?

Craft ideas:
•  Write a card to your teacher to thank them for everything they have done for you this year.
•  Write a thank you note to your mail delivery person. Stick it in your mailbox at home.
•  Chapter 1: Write a letter to Santa
•  Chapter 2: Make a finger puppet
•  Chapter 3: Make a paper chain or 2
•  Chapter 4: Make a chain of paper trees
•  Chapter 5: Make mouse ornaments
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/december-2023-family-the-spirit-of-giving/

Special activities:
•  Do the word search

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!