Emmet Otter’s Jug–Band Christmas

Since the time her husband died, Mrs. Otter and her son Emmet have been trying to eke out a living. She does laundry for others and he uses tools left to him by his father to do odd jobs and handyman repairs. Christmas is just around the corner and there isn’t any money for buying presents. Both Emmet and his mother learn of a talent contest with a large cash prize for the winner. Unbeknownst to each other, they both enter the contest, hoping to win the prize. Emmet wants to give his mother a wonderful Christmas present and she dreams of doing the same for him.

There are several twists and turns to the story, with an unexpected, but happy ending. It’s a story of love, sacrifice, and devotion — oh, and there’s also a little plotting and sneaky behavior thrown in to add to the drama. This is a must read for all ages. Every public library should have a copy.

This book is currently out of print and very expensive. If you can't find it inexpensively on Amazon, check Ebay and Half

It has also been made into an excellent “puppet” movie, by Jim Henson Productions — on video and dvd.