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The Broken Ornament

Illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi

About The Book

When a beloved ornament breaks, will it ruin the holidays or save them? New York Times bestselling author and Caldecott Honor–winning illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi offers a brand-new Christmas story that is sure to be a holiday classic.

Jack wants this to be the best Christmas ever, and he knows just how to make it happen…

More! More lights, more presents, more cookies, more treats. More. More. More! So, when Jack breaks a dusty old ornament, he’s not sure why his mom is so upset. They can always get more ornaments, so what’s the big deal? Turns out the ornament was an heirloom, precious for more reasons than one. And Jack has a lot to learn about the true meaning of Christmas.

A fairy emerges from the shattered ornament. She has the power to make the most magical Christmasy things happen. Suddenly trees are sprouting, reindeer are flying, and snowmen are snowball fighting. All of it is so perfect, or it would be if she could fix Mom’s ornament. But she can’t.

So it’s up to Jack to make some Christmas magic of his own.

About The Author

Photo credit: Kim Pilla

Tony DiTerlizzi is co-creator of the international bestselling series, The Spiderwick Chronicles. He has illustrated numerous picture books for children, including Ted, G is for 1 Gzonk and the critically acclaimed The Spider and the Fly, which won the Caldecott Honor. Tony lives in Amherst, Massachusetts with his wife, Angela, and their baby daughter, Sophia.

About The Illustrator

Photo credit: Kim Pilla

Tony DiTerlizzi is co-creator of the international bestselling series, The Spiderwick Chronicles. He has illustrated numerous picture books for children, including Ted, G is for 1 Gzonk and the critically acclaimed The Spider and the Fly, which won the Caldecott Honor. Tony lives in Amherst, Massachusetts with his wife, Angela, and their baby daughter, Sophia.

Why We Love It

A Christmas classic…Tony DiTerlizzi’s first love is the picture book and that love is on full display here in this wholly new Christmas tale that feels classic and modern and timeless all at once. —Justin C., VP and Publisher on Broken Ornament

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (September 18, 2018)
  • Length: 48 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781481479943
  • Ages: 4 - 8

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Raves and Reviews

"The author delivers a sound, easily relatable lesson about the perils of greed—and the essence of Christmas—as Jack devises a way to make amends in the story’s heartwarming finale." - Publishers Weekly

"Delightful." - Kirkus Reviews

"Illustrations in colored pencil and gouache create the crowded full-page scenes of the wild indoor hullabaloo, and show Jack’s changing emotions as he learns about the true spirit of Christmas." - Booklist

Awards and Honors

  • Magnolia Book Award Nominee (MS)

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Tony DiTerlizzi