Sunday, December 18, 2011

Book Review: The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia M. Scarry (1970)

This scratch and sniff book was originally published in 1970, and is still in print. Each page shows a warm and homey Christmas scene of a little bear boy at home with his family. Colored circles on certain objects - pine tree, candy cane, orange, pie, etc. -  can be scratched and then sniffed to discover a holiday smell. I was young enough when this book was first read to me that I can't actually remember a time before it, and even without the book in my hand, I can still imagine exactly what those little scented circles smelled like. I also remember the colors of the illustrations with a strong sense of nostalgia. I really think this book helped form my love for Christmas, and all the coziness and warm feelings I still associate with the holiday to this day.

I was thrilled to stumble upon this book in A.C. Moore back in November. I hadn't thought of it in years, but the moment I saw it, all of those wonderful memories came flooding back. It's a great book for toddlers and preschoolers, and I have to say that my copy held its smell well through my childhood. I don't know where it is now, but I wouldn't be surprised if some of those strong scents were still lingering between the pages!

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