Christmas With Maddy

In Cavers and Cavers May’s (Maddy’s First Winter, 2018, etc.) third installment in their series, an incorrigible Westie experiences her first Christmas.

Maddy, a West Highland terrier, balks when her humans start changing things in her house. There are lights up, and “chew toys” (collectable teddy bears) line the stairs. Maddy doesn’t love when the bears are moved out of reach and is even more troubled by the huge tree taking up space in the living room. Although she barks to try to get her family to move the furniture back to where it should be, everyone else seems to like the tree, so she adjusts. When Maddy gets a delicious smelling present from Grandma and her dog, the result is an unsurprising mess: wrapping paper all over the floor, presents askew, and a dog with a tummy ache! Luckily, no trip to the vet is needed, and Maddy enjoys a Christmas celebration with all her people around her. Based on the real-life adventures of a family pup, this Christmas tale captures Maddy’s personality and joie de vivre, rendering the holiday in a dog’s-eye view. Cavers May’s illustrations are a mix of drawings and sketches that are nearly photorealistic and capture both Maddy’s mischief and sweetness equally. Though there’s very little plot here, young canine lovers will enjoy Maddy’s first Christmas experience.

For readers looking for Christmas books without too much holiday message; shares the love of family through the eyes of a dog.