This may be unfair, but this book certainly highlights why I didn't really enjoy any Peanuts holiday specials, even as a child. In these simplified and redrawn adaptations of the animated specials, you are given a clear picture of Charlie Brown as the unloved, mistreated, trod upon and abused character that he is. He is optimistic, good, and kind, and in return has one friend and a horde of people who only exist to treat him poorly. No matter what, he's always kicked around. What lesson is this for anyone? What joy is there in seeing a sympathetic character continually destroyed?

The book is nicely presented, the stories faithful to the source, and the drawings are good. If the masochistic overtones have never bothered you, I can recommend it. ( )