"From little things come big things."
Ages: 5 - 8
Grade Level: 1 - 2
Pages: 32
Time Period: 1940s
It was just two sticks of gum. Yet, as Lieutenant Gail Halvorsen, a pilot in the US Army Air Corps, watched the reaction of the children to his small gift, he suddenly wanted to do more. It was just after World War II and East Berlin, Germany's capital, was on lockdown by orders of the Soviet Union's dictator, Stalin. Lt. Halvorsen was just one of the many pilots assigned to be part of the Berlin Airlift (or "Operation Vittles") that provided the trapped citizens with basic food and supplies. Watching the children's wonder and delight at the candy, the pilot suddenly got an idea. Christmas From Heaven: The True Story of the Berlin Candy Bomber, written by David T. Warner and read by Tom Brokaw, unfolds this remarkably sweet and true story of generosity that fits perfectly with the Christmas spirit of giving.
I personally wasn't a fan of the illustrations in this book, but I'm definitely a fan of Uncle Wiggly Wings (or the Chocolate Pilot)! There are real photographs interspersed with the art, allowing the reader to see the actual people, places, and events mentioned in the narration. My library copy came with a CD that features an audiobook version plus music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (who created the book). This review is focused on the physical book only. Back content includes more information about Halvorsen in "The Candy Bomber," a fun activity in "How To Make a Candy Parachute," and information about the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra.
Resources:
You can find videos, activities, crafts and more that relate to this book on our Pinterest board!
Content Warnings
Content that some individuals may find controversial or objectionable. Attention was given to include content which may offend people of a particular culture, race or religion and details which the sensitive child may find unsettling or troublesome.
"No Spoilers" offers a summary of content issues while avoiding spoilers. "With Spoilers" lists the potential content issues in detail.
No Spoilers:
There are brief mentions of bombing, starvation, and the death of pilots. The back content includes some religious content.
With Spoilers:
Sensitive Content
In one of the photographs of a child's letter, it mentions that, without the Berlin Airlift, she and her people would starve. She also acknowledges that some pilots have died in the operation.
A child's letter mentions that they live in "...a bombed-out house...."
Spiritual and Religious
In the back content, "The Candy Bomber" mentions that Halvorsen was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and lists his work in the church. There is also a page about the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra.
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