A beautiful read aloud. We loved this traditional story with beautiful images. A great addition to any picturebook collection.

I loved reading this picture book that brought to life a lesser known Christmas folktale. It's great Christmas story to add to any library collection.

Princess Fuzzypants here; This story has a long history of many retellings. In this version, just perfect for a bedtime story, it speaks of the kindness of an old shoemaker who longs to have been at the birth of Jesus to give the baby gifts. On Christmas Eve, a voice tells him that Papa Panov will get his chance on Christmas Day.

It is a very sweet story that speaks to kindness and generosity and the gifts that those bring both to the recipient but to the giver as well. The artwork is equally charming, especially the little ginger kitty who shows up in each picture. Four purrs and two paws up.

A sweet story of being a loving neighbor to those around you and making a difference wherever you are.

This is a stunningly illustrated tale of hope, faith, and caring for others.

Whilst I'm not religious, I can appreciate the beauty in the story and how Papa Panov wonders how he would have welcomed Mary as she brought the Christ child into the world. There's an innocence to his wondering, and the magic of the season meant that he is offered a moment to not be alone thanks to his beliefs and desire to help the vulnerable and the lonely.

Each illustration brings these emotions to life, and I thought Mig Holder's retelling of this classic story refreshing. It's a sweet tale that has lasted so long and I strongly believe that this new edition will give a new generation a glimpse both into the past, teach them the idea even when young, to help others... and to believe in magic of all types.

Overall, Papa Panov has a little bit of magic and wonder alongside faith in both yourself and others.

A lovely story about the true meaning of Christmas, with beautiful illustrations that bring it to life.

A beautiful story of an old shoemaker who met Jesus in his dream one day, and His promise to come and visit him the next day. The beautiful illustrations add points to the book's merit, and this is a beautiful present one can give for Christmas.

This lovely Christmas story will make a wonderful addition to my Christmas library. It was touching and perfect.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Papa Panovs Special Day is a heartwarming classic Christmas story for children told as a folk tale. The illustrations are whimsical and fit the theme of the story, and it's one I know my daughter would have requested again and again at Christmas.
Papa Panov is an elderly shoemaker who has just read the story of baby Jesus and is reflecting on what he would have done if baby Jesus had visited his home instead. When he becomes sad after inviting many people into his home because Jesus hasn't visited him, he comes to understand that helping others more needy is a way of connecting with Jesus in our hearts, minds and souls. The Biblical aspect in this book is just right - not too much or too little, and the story opens up room for discussion with children as you read it.

A wonderful presentation of a classic story, this shows us what happens when an elderly shoemaker, living happily enough but lonely one Christmas, is told to expect Jesus for a visit. Wonderful design, from cameos in the margins to nearly full-spread images, really convey the piece's mood and classical feel, but the text is spot on – not at all over-playing the religious aspect, but clearly presenting the better moral of it all, pointing to the old "do unto others…" saw. The sentiment here is so much better than many Christmas books, whether brand new or ancient, the retelling (of a rewrite of someone's original) feels fresh yet fully respectful, and the whole is imbued with so much that could make a book a timeless, heritage, passed-down-through-the-generations item of love and prestige. I really would never have seen myself chance a book from such a religion-based publisher as SPCK, but on this instance the "risk" was fully rewarded and then some. This is strong, classy stuff, and nothing prevents top marks.

The story itself was great. I also really enjoyed the illustrations. There were just a lot of grammar issues with this book as it was. It almost read like an unfinished translation from a different language in some parts. Overall, the book was a nice, sweet story, but the grammar issues really pulled me out of parts of it.

A lovely and gentle christmas story. Some pastel images that support the text drawn with cheer and care. The Biblical theme of feeding those in need and taking care of them shines through and the words will resonate with children and they will be repeating 'dearie dearie' as well as telling the Christmas story!

This is based on a Russian folk tale and I loved it. Papa Panov hears a voice saying He would visit Christmas Day. He had just read the Christmas story and was reflecting upon what he would have done had Baby Jesus visited him. The next day, he kept a close eye on the window, invited several people in and still no Baby Jesus. He was so disappointed, before he nodded off for the night, he cried because he was so sad. Then he was reminded that when we help the least of us, we have entertained Jesus. (loosely paraphrased). I was given a copy of this book to review. This is my opinion. Heartwarming story and beautiful illustrations. Highly recommend.

I have always loved the story of Papa Panov. I already own another version of this book published years ago and it was always a favourite when I was a child, This version was also great. I really think kids will understand through this story that they can show their love for Jesus by helping those around them. I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book. They are a great accompaniment to the story, nice and colourful, with lots of details that will draw the reader into the story. I especially liked the side panels with extra little details showing some of the little pieces of the story that would otherwise be missed, I am really glad to have found this new version of a favourite.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I received a free copy of, Papa Panov's Special Day, by Mig Holder, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Panov was an old shoemaker, Panov was sad that he was alone, especially at Christmas time, but started reading about Jesus, and his birth. This such a beautiful and sweet story. The illustrations in this book are beautiful.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and SPCK Children's for my copy of Papa Panov's Special Day by Mig Holder in exchange for an honest review. It published August 18, 2023.
This is one Christmas folktale my children and I had not heard yet. The illustrations reminded me of Jan Brett, and the story had a wonderful message! This would make a great gift for any child at Christmastime!

I was so impressed with the beautiful illustrations! I especially liked seeing side panel illustrations showing even more of the story. This book is a retelling of a classic tale about a lonely old man waiting to see Jesus walk by his window. What a lovely book to read aloud at Christmas time in celebration of Jesus’ birth.

This is a retelling of how Jesus comes to visit someone through other people. The illustrations are gorgeous and makes you feel like you are right in winter. This would be a wonderful Christmas gift.

This book brought tears to my eyes. A shopkeeper is lonely, but desperately wants to have met Jesus. On Christmas, he has the opportunity to help others, not realizing he is doing those things as if he was meeting Jesus. But then he realizes how he can truly encounter Christ by following Him. Loved it.