A very informative Holiday book that my kids were happy to listen to. They asked me to play it again right after it was done, partly because they were said it was over so “soon”. I think they will love to see the pictures that go along with it.

Listened to the audio version of this book which I felt took away a bit from the story as you couldn’t see the pictures. My kindergartener was rambunctious during the listening since there was nothing to look at. The story itself was very interesting and well told by the narrator. As an adult I really enjoyed the author’s note at the end that explained The history behind the story. It was very informative. Overall it was a nice story that works better as a book than an audiobook. Thank you to @NetGalley, @EmilySkeie, and @MacMillanKidsUK for a free arc for an honest review.

I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH. I love that this is all about that amazing Icelandic tradition! I discovered this tradition last year and when I found out that that was what this book was about, I started screaming! It's so sweet and tender and encompasses exactly what the tradition is all about! An absolutely perfect holiday read!

The Christmas Book Flood by Emily Kilgore is a delightful story about an actual Icelandic tradition of gifting a book to loved ones on Christmas Eve and then reading into the night.
I listened to the audio version narrated by Kathleen McInerney. She did an excellent read with a perfect influx of emotion and excitement. I do however feel it would be better to read the actual book to your children. The pictures would be valuable to view while reading. It's a short story so perfect for bedtime. Gifting a book is a wonderful tradition that would be great for all to add to your holiday traditions.
Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillian audio, for allowing me to listen to this audio eARC. This is my personal opinion I do recommend this book to all parents who love to read to their children and it would be easy enough for early readers to read themselves. I like this tradition to encourage reading for all ages.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for accepting my request to audibly read and review The Christmas Book Flood.

Author: Emily Kilgore
Published: 11/01/22
Narrator: Kathleen McInerney
Genre: Children's Fiction

Kitty Moss created the eye-catching cover illustrations.

Narrator Kathleen McInerney did a good job.

The Icelandic Christmas Eve tradition of gifting books prompted this story. On receiving their books, fixing their favorite beverages, they settle in to read all night. The tradition has carried on to other countries.

The story, illustration and narration are four stars. The epilogue elevates the audiobook experience to 5.

Absolutely would gift this.

Short, but cute and musical. This is the best idea - exchange books on Dec 24th and read all night! I love getting and giving books for gifts. My only issue is duplicates, but that is why having a wish list is a good plan.

This was a really fun story! Definitely got me and my kids in the Christmas spirit. Listening to this was a whole immersive experience because beyond the narration, this story offered a whole soundscape which only enhanced the loveliness of the story!

I was given an ALC by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I was so excited when I saw the title of this book as my family started started practicing the Icelandic tradition of the book flood on Christmas Eve. It’s one of my favorite traditions now. This charming book explains the simple tradition of giving and receiving books on Christmas Eve where then the family snuggles in for a cozy night of hot chocolate and reading. A beautiful tradition wonderfully shared in this charming book. Thanks to the author and NetGalley for a advanced e copy. I will be purchasing a hard copy of this beautiful book.

This audiobook wasn't my absolute favorite... not because the story wasn't great, but sadly, I did not adore the narrator with all the extra effects. I think I would like to read it in print.

Now back to the story--- 5 stars for the actual story. I loved all the holiday cheer and extra December "feels" as I was listening. I tried cancel the chimes and other sounds out while I was listening. I love the idea of being so excited to give your present to a loved one. Books are special to me, but I know a lot of people aren't as excited to receive a book under their tree.
"They sip their hot chocolate and read, read, read. The book flood spreads!" That part made me soooo happy. I agree that every December should be full of hot chocolate, cold weather and a GREAT read. This one could be the one.
The author's note telling about how she got the idea from the Icelandic tradition was so cool to learn, and I am so glad that she shared.

The Christmas Book Flood
Emily Kilgore
Illustrated by Kitty Moss
This is an adorable tale; It celebrates Christmas, books and reading. The artwork is beautiful. In Iceland families present each member with a book on Christmas Eve. What a wonderful Christmas tradition.

Nice sound effects. Great narration.
Loved the poem and also the explanation the poem (which has its origin in Iceland and the tradition dating from WWII rationing is spreading to other countries). I wasn't familiar with the story and I'm glad that I am now Thank you!
I would definitely purchase for young readers (children).

The audio is very short; perfectly narrated by Kathleen McInerney.

Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Kilgore the author, Kathleen McInerney the narrator and publisher Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to the advance read version in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is 1 Nov 2022 (in time for Christmas!).

A perfect read for the little ones this Christmas! A good choice to get them into reading as a hobby. The background music and narration was really well done.

“Reading is magic when you have the right books to read”

Families gather together on Christmas Eve and give a book to each family member in Iceland. Then they read and have chocolate or hot cocoa and read all night!!! This tradition is spreading to other countries too!!!

I listened to the audio and it was a complete experience with music and sounds!! Loved it!!

This is a delightful audiobook version of a children’s story. Iceland has a Christmas Eve tradition of giving books and then they spend the evening reading. I enjoyed the narrator.
I love the idea of having this tradition in my family.
Thanks to Netgalley and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for my copy of The Christmas Book Flood by Emily Kilgore Narrated by Kathleen McInerney in exchange for an honest review. It publishes November 1, 2022.
What a sweet story, I shared this with my children, and we are all inspired! We want to take part in the Christmas Book Flood!
This is really well-read, and has a fabulous cadence! The music along the story is very sweet, and the author's note was very informative. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in learning about The Christmas Book Flood!

This was a sweet story. However, not many picture books translate well to audio, and unfortunately, I don't think this one made sense as an audiobook. The performance quality of the audiobook was great (the narration was expressive and there was music!) but the writing didn't really work without a visual. The author's note (which was about as long as the book itself) was interesting and taught my kids about an Icelandic tradition, so we are curious to check out the physical book.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of the audiobook to review!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Young Listeners and to NetGalley for an ARC of this audiobook.


This was a cute little book that would make a perfect Christmas gift for book lovers of all ages. I also loved the narrator. She could do Disney voices. The illistrations were awesome too. I liked that this book was based in fact. At the end of the book there is a little write up about this Norwegian tradtion to give books on Christmas Eve.