As a homeschooling mother, I always appreciated finding excellent books with Christian messages and values that my children could read. This book provides the perfect book to meet those needs. Even though our youngest will turn 20 this year, I really appreciated this book.

As someone who never really fit in during middle school and high school, I could appreciate the four ornaments that labeled themselves as oddballs. They believe Turkey Day leads to them being placed on the tree so everyone can admire them on what they call Box Day. But sometimes ideas can be misguided and these ornaments find themselves in such a situation.

I loved how the ornaments came to know and understand the true meaning of Christmas, and how Jesus Christ came as a baby. As Angel conveys the message of Christmas, the Nutcracker shares it with the others. I also love watching the grandmother pray and interact with the family and through prayer with God.

So if you are looking for a Christmas book for a middle schooler in your life, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I think at one time or another, every child has believed their toys came to life while they weren't around. My kids definitely did, and I used to wish that my own would. In Oddball Ornaments, Terry Overton has taken that premise and run with it.

This story is very sweet and endearing. One specific set of decorations is referred to as "oddball" and is labeled as such since it does not belong to any single category, such as red, blue, etc.

Although the narrative is geared toward a younger, middle school audience, it is so wonderful and has such a powerful message that it would be perfect for almost any age group.

As I mentioned, the ornaments come alive at night. The “oddball’ ornaments have lots of questions regarding the day that smells like turkey and the days that come after, such as presents day. The angel perched atop the tree is more than happy to oblige, and the other ornaments assist.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I intend to include it in our family's annual Christmas collection. It rates right up there with our other Christmas favorites, such as The Birds' Christmas Carol.

You won't want to miss this story since it eloquently and beautifully illustrates the true meaning of Christmas.

I received a review copy of this book from Celebrate Lit through NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review. ( )

This is a sweet story about a few Christmas tree ornaments who live most of the year in a box in the attic and only spend a short time with the humans who live below them. These ornaments that have been labeled Oddball Ornaments are immediately confused when they hear and feel commotion in the attic and it doesn't appear to be the right time. They haven't yet smelled turkey cooking or pies and cookies baking! What could be going on?
Author Terry Overton imagines what these ornaments are thinking as they join other ornaments on the family Christmas tree. One of them. a beautiful angel, sits at the top of the tree and she tells them about the birth of a baby named Jesus. The oddball ornaments learn that He is the reason that we decorate trees, give presents, and celebrate the Christmas holiday!

This chapter book targets middle readers but Oddball Ornaments is truly a story that the whole family can enjoy. Reading it as a family would be a wonderful way to usher in the Christmas season each year and the perfect way to teach children about the true meaning of the Christmas holiday! It also opens up a way to discuss faith, prayer, and eternal life in Heaven.

I received a digital copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

This was such a fun book to read. I loved reading about the different ornaments people use and how each one is special. Looking at Christmas ornaments are a joy because it shows how unique each one is. They are tucked away in a box till that special time when the turkey aroma fills the house. This day was different for the ornaments and their curiosity was overwhelming.

I loved how the author used Christmas ornaments to tell the story of Jesus and how we celebrate Him on Christmas. The ornaments learn about heaven, prayer and how God loves us. The illustrations were very nice and helps tell the story. There is talk about grandpa passing away so I think maybe this book should be for children who understand about death. The book is nicely written and would a great tool to use for families during the holidays to share what the true meaning of Christmas is.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

A short but sweet children’s chapter book, Terry Overton’s “Oddball Ornaments: The Story of Christmas” retells the Christmas story from the perspective of a small group of ornaments. Though not the first tale told about anthropomorphic objects during the holiday season, this one stands out for its succinct life lessons and for the unique incorporation of the reason for Christmas. I love Overton’s choice of “oddball” ornaments, which they themselves define as “unique, unmatched, or special ornaments, unlike any other.” In an era when bullying is far too common, demonstrating that being oneself—who God created each of us to be—is a blessing and should be embraced rather than seen as something to be embarrassed about or ashamed of, is crucial. Likewise, the theme of working together and reaching out to others both to give and receive help is essential.

Among the ornaments, Nutcracker serves largely as a main character due to his role in the story, leading the quest for answers when new ornaments arrive for decorating the tree and Grandma seems sad. The ornaments decide that Nutcracker should ask Angel, who is at the top of the tree, about the true meaning of Christmas. Overton manages to explain this concisely through Angel, revealing the egocentric view that we all have until we come to know the Gospel: “This was news to Nutcracker. His whole world was being turned upside down. He thought he knew everything. He thought he understood all about the decorating, the singing, the staring at the tree, and the boxes and all of the stuff in the boxes.” Angel tells Nutcracker that in order to truly understand and find the answers to the ornaments’ questions, he has to visit the place at the bottom of the tree, advising, “I have faith in you. I know that you can. But you must decide that you want to find out, and you must decide to climb down to see.” This hearkens back to Matthew 7:7-8: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Furthermore, this underscores the fact that Jesus must be personally experienced. The way in which Overton inserts Scriptural truths into the narrative naturally via inference is very fitting for a young audience and leaves room for adults to explain these connections if they are reading the book to or with children.

My only criticisms of this story are really nitpicks on my part, and I’ll mention them briefly, but they do not lessen my overall enjoyment of this book. Because angels are not women, I did have a few qualms about Angel and her role, but obviously due to the nature of the story, her character is understandable. Also, there is mention of a Bible ornament that the characters should read, but it seems that they don’t, as Nutcracker continues to get the answers from Angel. Again, I very much enjoyed this story, and I do recommend “Oddball Ornaments: The Story of Christmas.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. ( )