A Christmas Sonata

By: Gary Paulsen

Narrated by: Johnny Heller

When a small boy spends Christmas in the snowy Minnesota countryside, he becomes the official scout for his young bedridden cousin, Matthew, who is running out of secrets to explore. Matthew already knows there is no Santa Claus, and he knows his life is ending.

As Christmas Eve approaches, the boy worries that he will be unable to find something magical for Matthew. But when that hopeful night arrives, the two are joined in a miraculous surprise that changes their lives forever. The poignant story of A Christmas Sonata will touch listeners’ hearts with the timeless mystery of the holiday season and a gentle reminder that wonderful things often come when least expected.

Newbery Award-winning author Gary Paulsen continues to captivate young listeners and their parents. In language that is always lyrical and moving, his perceptive tales offer new ways to look at the sometimes difficult choices of childhood.

©1992 Gary Paulsen (P)1995 Recorded Books

Don't listen at work

It was a very moving story. I was almost in tears while working the baking aisle.

Good Christmas Story

Loved the time period- Christmas in the United States during WW2. Short but good story about a boy and his mother who go visit his sick cousin in Minnesota for Christmas.

Gentle Story

This is a nice, gentle Christmas story that takes place on the home front during WWII. It's told so well that the reader is almost transported back to that time.

It also deals with the difficult subject of death, making it bittersweet. Yet it ends with hope.