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The Crazy Christmas Angel Mystery

Credits

Readability Age Range

Publisher

Awards

Year Published

Book Review

This third mystery/Christmas book in the “Cul-de-Sac Kids” series by Beverly Lewis is published by Bethany House Publishers, an imprint of Baker Publishing Group.

The Crazy Christmas Angel Mystery is written for kids ages 7 to 10. The age range reflects readability and not necessarily content appropriateness.

Plot Summary

When Eric spies on the new neighbor, he sees something amazing — there are angels flying inside the old man’s house. He shares this knowledge with his friends, the Cul-de-sac Kids (Abby, Stacy, Dunkum, Shawn, Carly, Jimmy, Jason and Dee Dee), and they decide to introduce themselves to Mr. Tressler instead of spying. Each child brings a gift, and they sing carols. He surprises them by joining in with his flute and showing them his “angels” — a bunch of white doves. Mr. Tressler goes caroling with them, as does Eric’s grandfather, and the two older men become friends.

Christian Beliefs

When the boys discuss scary things, Jason says he doesn’t have bad dreams as often if he prays before he goes to bed. Dunkum reminds them that the Bible says to think about good things instead of focusing on scary ones. Dunkum tells Eric that Christmas was a great mystery only God could have set up, and he explains some of what he learned in church about Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Abby and Dunkum are playing Mary and Joseph in their church’s Christmas pageant.

Other Belief Systems

None

Authority Roles

Eric’s mom has hot oatmeal waiting for him at the end of his paper route. She invites Eric’s grandpa to live with them when Grandma dies. Grandpa sometimes talks aloud to God. He sets an example for Eric by befriending the new neighbor. Abby is president of the Cul-de-sac Kids. When they gather to spy on Mr. Tressler, she calls the meeting to order.

Profanity & Violence

None

Sexual Content

None

Discussion Topics

If your children have read this book or someone has read it to them, consider these discussion topics:

  • Why was it a good idea for the kids to introduce themselves to Mr. Tressler rather than spy on him?
  • (Parents may wish to point out that it can be dangerous to approach a stranger’s house. It may be better to meet new neighbors with your family.)

  • What did Dunkum mean when he said that Christmas was a mystery God put together?

  • What kind of Christmas gift could you make or activity could you do to bring a smile to someone who is your elder or suffering from an illness?

Additional Comments

Note: Beverly Lewis has authored over 70 books and has been on The New York Times Best Seller list.


Book reviews cover the content, themes and world-views of fiction books, not their literary merit, and equip parents to decide whether a book is appropriate for their children. A book’s inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by Focus on the Family.

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