While I watch the 1994 movie of Miracle of 34th Street with Mara Wilson every year, I still love some many parts of the original 1947 black and white version with Natalie Wood.

I remember seeing the ’90s version at the theatre and thinking why would they cut out the mail scene, one of my favourite parts, much better, in my opinion, then bribing the judge with money.

Miracle on 34th Street picture book by Valentine Davies (and adapted for the picture book by Susanna Leonard Hill, $22.46, Raincoast Books, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky) is based on the original movie, which is likely based on the book by Davies. However, I confess I have never read the book by Davies so I am basing this review on the movies. The picture book, adapted by Hill, stars Fred as the neighbour. Mr. Sawyer, who works with Susan’s mother, is cranky and is the one who sends Kris Kringle away. While I am not a fan that – he is anything but cranky in all both versions of movies I have seen, but perhaps he was in the original book – it works well in this new picture book. (Side note, my cousin insists the 1973 TV version is the best of the three productions. I have never seen it so I am taking his word on this.)

It was interesting to read how Hill has taken the two-hour movie (and original book) and written into a concise, interesting picture book that keeps all my favourite parts.

The illustrations are absolutely beautiful.

Merry Christmas.

A copy of this book was provided by Raincoast Books for an honest review.
The opinions are my own.