"Welcome Comfort"

Today's Holiday children's book comes from another prolific and amazing author/illustrator, Patricia Polacco--she never gets it wrong, and frequently she hits it out of the park! She has several books on holiday themes but my favorite is "Welcome Comfort". It's about a little boy named Comfort who is bullied at his new school and comes to the attention of the beloved school custodian, Quintin. Comfort has no father and Quintin takes him under his wing. As Christmas approaches, Comfort becomes depressed and confides in Quintin that Santa Claus has never visited him. Quintin suggests that this year might be different. And it is! Not only does St. Nick show up, but gives Comfort a special pin to wear that allows him to accompany Santa on his rounds! However, when morning comes, he cannot find the pin and believes the whole adventure to have just been a dream. As the years go by Comfort and Quintin's friendship deepens. Quintin and his wife are there for Comfort when he marries, and when Quintin retires, Comfort takes over his job at the school. Then one Christmas comes and while celebrating together, Quintin gives Comfort a gift that makes everything real again... Patricia is such a powerful illustrator that you not only feel the pathos, you hear the laughter on every page.