Every Ornament Has Its Place is a story that celebrates our love of our favorite Christmas ornaments and explores what happens when an eight-year-old boy, Matt, can’t find his the night the Christmas tree is brought into his home. What Matt learns is that he believes in Christmas spirit and that it is better to give than to receive.
Then the big morment finally arrives. My dad says “I believe that’s the last box, boys. You can start now.” My brothers quickly and entusiastically open the boxes, and they reveal beautiful and homemade and new and old and odd and favorite ornaments. The boys quickly grab the ornaments, except no one notices me searching frantically for the mouse in the rocket ship.
Where is he? Where is he? Where is he? Where is he? I think over and over as I frantically search.
*Watch the author’s son react to seeing the book for the first time (it’s about his favorite ornament)!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_cmyoA5Wgk.
Sassy Reviews –
“Every Ornament Has Its Place” penned by the author Vincent Verrico and illustrated by Marcus Williams is a great read. The main character of the story is an eight-year-old boy named Matthew who couldn’t find his mouse in the rocket ship ornament, the night the Christmas tree was brought home.
Matt’s older brothers started decorating the Christmas tree with the ornaments they had. However, after seeing Matt worried, his dad announced that they won’t put any other ornament on the tree until they find Matt’s favorite ornament.
Read this story to know will Matt’s family be successful in finding his favorite Christmas ornament. This story teaches kids about the true spirit of Christmas. Kids will learn the importance of family and seeking loved ones’ help in times of need. I had a great time reading this wonderful book.
Official_kia4 –
This was my first time reading a book by Vincent Verrico, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story set during the festive season.
With Thanksgiving just about over, it’s time for Matthew’s family to bring home their Christmas tree. As always, the tree stands slightly crooked—a familiar and charming sight. Matthew’s dad brings out the boxes of ornaments and places them on the living room table. Matt is especially excited to hang his favorite ornament.
But to his surprise, he can’t find it. His dad asks the whole family to help search so that Matthew can decorate the tree with the ornament he loves most.
Curious to know which ornament is Matthew’s favorite? And whether he’ll find it and get to place it on the tree? Dive into this delightful Christmas tale to find out.
This is a wonderful holiday story that deserves a spot on every child’s bookshelf. Vincent Verrico’s storytelling is captivating, and the illustrations are vibrant—sure to catch any child’s eye at first glance.
Sneha Sood –
I enjoy reading children’s books to my nephews, and this time, I read Every Ornament Has Its Place by Vincent Verrico. Set around Christmas Time, the story begins with Matt enjoying his favorite Thanksgiving blueberry pie. As the holiday winds down, his dad brings home a Christmas tree with the help of Matt’s two older brothers.
When the family opens the ornament boxes, they discover a mix of beautiful new, old, and handmade decorations. Amid the excitement, no one notices Matt searching for his favorite ornament—a mouse in a rocket ship. His brothers rush to decorate the tree, and Matt begins to worry that there won’t be room for his special ornament when he finally finds it.
Who is the jolly voice Matt hears? And what heartwarming lesson will he learn this Christmas?
This delightful story gently introduces young readers to the spirit of Christmas. My nephews especially loved Matt’s character, and the lively illustrations brought the story to life for all of us. We truly enjoyed every part of this book.
Divya –
Eight-year-old Matt cherishes a special Christmas ornament—the mouse in the rocket ship. When his father and brothers return home with a crooked Christmas tree, Matt knows it’s nearly time for that beloved ornament to make its appearance.
The illustrations beautifully capture Matt’s emotions as he eagerly searches for the ornament, only to feel disappointed when he can’t find it. He turns to his mom for help, and soon, the whole family is involved in the hunt for the treasured mouse in the rocket ship.
Readers are invited to follow Matt on this heartfelt journey. Will he find his favorite ornament in time to make Christmas complete?
This warm and thoughtful picture book offers children an important lesson: the joy of giving is greater than receiving. It’s a wonderful resource for parents and educators to introduce the deeper meaning of Christmas.
readersheaven1_ –
Every Christmas, families gather around their trees, ready to decorate with sparkling lights and special ornaments. But what if one ornament had a story of its own?
This storybook is about the mouse in the rocket ship—Matthew’s favorite ornament! Every year, he looks forward to hanging it when it’s time to decorate the tree. This ornament has been part of his Christmas for as long as he can remember.
But this year, something unexpected happened. When the boxes of ornaments were opened, his favorite ornament wasn’t there. Matthew looked everywhere, and so did his family. They knew how much it meant to him. Their search became more than just about finding his most liked ornament—it became a way to share love, laughter, and holiday memories.
This heartwarming story shows how something small—like a favorite ornament—can hold big meaning. It reminds us that traditions, family time, and little joys make Christmas truly magical.
Read this story and see if the mouse with the rocket ship becomes your favorite ornament too!
_catherine_reads1 –
For anyone seeking a meaningful and delightful Christmas story for children, Every Ornament Has Its Place by Vincent is a charming choice. The collaboration between the author and illustrator brings warmth and vividness to the pages, immersing readers in Matt’s journey to find his beloved ornament. The illustrations are especially engaging, capturing the magic and coziness of the holiday season.
This story offers much more than just holiday cheer—it weaves in a thoughtful life lesson wrapped in a playful and relatable narrative. Through Matt’s attachment to his unique ornament—a mouse in a rocket ship—children are introduced to the excitement and little traditions that make Christmas so special for families. The adventure begins when Matt couldn’t find his favorite ornament and his brothers are in a hurry to place other ornaments on the tree.
This picture book is an excellent addition to any classroom or home library. Parents, teachers, and grandparents alike will find it a wonderful read-aloud that sparks conversation and curiosity about holiday traditions.
Sakshi_rocksss –
What started as a joyful day turned into chaos when an 8-year-old Matthew realized his favorite Christmas ornament is missing. For him, the world stopped without the ornament he likes the most.
His parents and siblings started looking for this ornament and checked at various places in the house. Amidst this, Matthew heard a voice that asked him “If he believes in the true spirit of Christmas” and does he think it is better to give than to receive? How does this voice help Matthew? After reading this story, little ones will understand the meaning of the book title.
The author has included Matthew’s favorite ornament as a gift for the readers. Looking forward to hanging it on the Christmas tree this Christmas along with my kids.
Motivationaldailythoughts –
A Heartwarming Holiday Tale That Young Readers Will Treasure
Every Ornament Has Its Place tells the simple yet emotionally resonant story of a cherished Christmas ornament and the lengths a family will go to find it.
At the heart of the story is Matt, an eight-year-old boy who treasures a particular ornament above all others. Just when he was supposed to hang it on the tree, it went missing—triggering a heartfelt search that brings the entire family together. From crawling under furniture to exploring the attic and basement, every page captures the determination, love, and unity of a family during a moment of crisis.
The narrative moves at a perfect pace for young readers, building suspense in a gentle, comforting way. The book gives a powerful message—about the value of traditions, the importance of family support, and the idea that some treasures are worth the effort it takes to find them.
This is a must-read for every young reader, especially around the holidays. With its timeless appeal, it’s the kind of book that families can return to year after year—making it a beloved tradition in itself.
Sushil –
“Every Ornament Has Its Place” penned by the author Vincent Verrico and illustrated by Marcus Williams is a great read. The main character of the story is an eight-year-old boy named Matthew who couldn’t find his mouse in the rocket ship ornament, the night the Christmas tree was brought home.
Matt’s older brothers started decorating the Christmas tree with the ornaments they had. However, after seeing Matt worried, his dad announced that they won’t put any other ornament on the tree until they find Matt’s favorite ornament.
Read this story to know will Matt’s family be successful in finding his favorite Christmas ornament. This story teaches kids about the true spirit of Christmas. Kids will learn the importance of family and seeking loved ones’ help in times of need. I had a great time reading this wonderful book.
Sneha_sood04 –
I enjoy reading children’s books to my nephews, and this time, I read Every Ornament Has Its Place by Vincent Verrico. Set around Christmas Time, the story begins with Matt enjoying his favorite Thanksgiving blueberry pie. As the holiday winds down, his dad brings home a Christmas tree with the help of Matt’s two older brothers.
When the family opens the ornament boxes, they discover a mix of beautiful new, old, and handmade decorations. Amid the excitement, no one notices Matt searching for his favorite ornament—a mouse in a rocket ship. His brothers rush to decorate the tree, and Matt begins to worry that there won’t be room for his special ornament when he finally finds it.
Who is the jolly voice Matt hears? And what heartwarming lesson will he learn this Christmas?
This delightful story gently introduces young readers to the spirit of Christmas. My nephews especially loved Matt’s character, and the lively illustrations brought the story to life for all of us. We truly enjoyed every part of this book.
Official_kia4 –
This was my first time reading a book by Vincent Verrico, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story set during the festive season.
With Thanksgiving just about over, it’s time for Matthew’s family to bring home their Christmas tree. As always, the tree stands slightly crooked—a familiar and charming sight. Matthew’s dad brings out the boxes of ornaments and places them on the living room table. Matt is especially excited to hang his favorite ornament.
But to his surprise, he can’t find it. His dad asks the whole family to help search so that Matthew can decorate the tree with the ornament he loves most.
Curious to know which ornament is Matthew’s favorite? And whether he’ll find it and get to place it on the tree? Dive into this delightful Christmas tale to find out.
This is a wonderful holiday story that deserves a spot on every child’s bookshelf. Vincent Verrico’s storytelling is captivating, and the illustrations are vibrant—sure to catch any child’s eye at first glance….
_readerschoice –
The story opens with Matt’s mom busy in the kitchen when he calls out to her—he can’t find his mouse in the rocket ship ornament. She asks Matt’s dad to help him look for his favorite Christmas decoration.
To Matt, this is the coolest ornament of all. As the Christmas lights go up and his brothers decorate the tree with a mix of old, new, and handmade ornaments, Matt is focused on just one thing—finding his special one. He isn’t interested in hanging the most ornaments, only in making sure his favorite is on the tree.
Pick up a copy of this heartwarming book to see how Christmas unfolds for Matt.
This story is perfect for families to enjoy together before decorating the Christmas tree. It gently shares a message about the true meaning of Christmas and is beautifully illustrated, making it a delight for young readers. The author-illustrator duo has done a fantastic job—Vincent’s work shines in this book, and I hope to see more from him in the future.
rupaliaggarwal332 –
The cover photo of this book immediately drew me in, and the title sparked my curiosity to read it. The story opens with Matt on a mission to find the mouse inside the rocket ship ornament. When he can’t locate it, he turns to his mother for help. Since she’s busy, she asks Matt’s dad to step in.
Matt’s dad reassures him that he brought all the boxes, so the ornament should be somewhere. Meanwhile, Matt’s brothers are eagerly decorating the tree, placing ornaments as high and as quickly as they can. The search spreads throughout the house—some head upstairs, others search the basement. But will Matt give up on finding his favorite ornament?
The illustrations truly bring the story to life. The vibrant, colorful pages made the experience even more enjoyable. Readers of all ages will find something to relate to in this charming tale. The artwork made me feel like I was right there with Matt, watching his determined search unfold. This is a delightful story that’s perfect for the Christmas season.
KidLitBuzz –
Reading children’s books is my go-to stress reliever, and this time I picked up a charming Christmas tale titled Every Ornament Has Its Place. It’s the perfect story for families to enjoy together before decorating their Christmas trees.
Told from the perspective of eight-year-old Matt, the story centers around his favorite ornament—a mouse in a rocket ship. When Matt’s father brings out all the ornament boxes, his brother eagerly begins decorating the tree. But Matt has only one ornament on his mind, and he can’t seem to find it. As his anxiety grows, the whole family comes together to help in the search. Will Matt get to hang his favorite ornament on the tree? You’ll have to read it to find out.
The book’s cover is beautifully designed, and Vincent Verrico’s storytelling is both heartfelt and engaging. This debut is one of the finest children’s books I’ve read in a while—a truly timeless holiday gem. I hope Vincent continues to write more; he’s definitely won me over with this one.
Kingdomofbooks1176 –
This holiday season, make sure to pick up a copy of Every Ornament Has Its Place, the heartwarming debut by Vincent Verrico. The author recommends reading this charming tale before you decorate your Christmas tree.
Together with illustrator Marcus Williams, Verrico brings extra joy to the season through this delightful story. It’s Christmas Eve, and Matt’s dad has just brought home the family’s Christmas tree. As boxes of ornaments are unpacked and spread out on the table, Matt begins searching for his favorite one—only to find that it’s missing.
Determined to cheer him up, Matt’s family rallies together to help him find it. But will they succeed in bringing back his holiday cheer?
This touching and thoughtful story will inspire little readers to reflect on their own favorite Christmas ornaments. A special surprise awaits at the end—Matt’s cherished ornament lovingly included for young readers to enjoy. I’m truly thankful to the author for this heartwarming gesture.
readersworld20 –
This heartwarming book offers a fresh take on how we celebrate Christmas. At the center of the story is eight-year-old Matt, a lovable character who is sure to capture the hearts of young readers. Matt is full of excitement for the holiday season. Each year, he carries out a special tradition—placing the mouse in the rocket ship, his favorite Christmas ornament, on the tree. It’s a moment that fills him with joy.
But this year, things take an unexpected turn. When the ornament boxes are opened, Matt’s beloved decoration is nowhere to be found. He searches high and low, growing more frantic with each passing moment. Just when he’s about to give up, something magical happens—a cheerful voice reaches him as he sits quietly in front of the tree. What follows is a delightful surprise you’ll want to discover for yourself.
I truly enjoyed reading this story. It’s a delightful addition to any child’s bookshelf. The vivid illustrations bring the tale to life, making it a joyful and memorable read. I found it especially touching, as it reminded me of last Christmas when my own little one couldn’t find his favorite ornament.
Mysterious.soul04 –
Do you have a favorite Christmas ornament? If so, what is it?
This heartwarming story centers around eight-year-old Matt, who treasures one special ornament: mouse in the rocket ship. Each year, Matt looks forward to hanging it on the Christmas tree. But this year, something’s different—his beloved ornament is nowhere to be found.
While his older brothers excitedly race to hang up decorations, Matt isn’t interested in keeping pace. All he cares about is finding a special spot for his favorite ornament. But will he even get the chance?
This charming book is a perfect holiday gift from parents and grandparents to young readers. Children will easily connect with Matt’s emotions and experiences. With rich vocabulary and expressive storytelling, the book not only entertains but also helps kids expand their language skills.
Madhura –
Make this Christmas truly special by starting a new holiday tradition with this heartwarming picture book. It follows eight-year-old Matt, who, along with his brothers, decorates the Christmas tree with a variety of ornaments. While his brothers eagerly compete to hang as many ornaments as possible, Matt cherishes just one—his favorite ornament, the mouse in the rocket ship.
This year, Matt is ready to continue the tradition, only to discover that his beloved ornament is missing. Who took it? And what lesson will Matt learn through the journey of finding it?
The illustrations are absolutely stunning and elevate the reading experience. Matt’s character is so vividly and beautifully drawn that I felt as though I had been pulled into the pages, watching his family search for the ornament right before my eyes.
This book is a gem—engaging, touching, and perfect for the season. It’s the kind of story you’ll want to read to children every Christmas. I’ll definitely be gifting this to my little loved ones this holiday season.
abiding_reader –
Every Ornament Has Its Place is such a heartwarming and charming holiday read. It follows Matthew, a young boy who realizes his most treasured Christmas ornament—a quirky little mouse in a rocket ship—is missing. That small discovery sets off a full-on family mission to find it before the decorating can continue. What I loved is how something so simple turned into a story filled with love, warmth, and togetherness. The way Matthew’s family drops everything to help him shows how small traditions and memories can become the center of meaningful moments. It reminded me of how kids often attach big feelings to little things—and how important it is for parents to honor those feelings.
The book is also beautifully illustrated, and every page has that classic holiday glow. My child was completely glued to it, pointing out different decorations and asking questions about our own ornaments. The story opened up a conversation about our family traditions, and that made it even more special. It’s one of those books that quietly delivers a big emotional impact without trying too hard. Perfect for bedtime during the festive season or even as a gift, this is definitely going into our annual Christmas reading pile.
Neelam Mungekar –
It starts with a missing ornament and turns into a heartwarming family adventure. Every Ornament Has Its Place tells the story of little Matthew, who realizes his favorite Christmas ornament—a mouse in a rocket ship—is missing just as the family starts decorating the tree. What follows is a sweet, slightly chaotic, and very relatable search through attics, basements, and old boxes, as everyone joins in to find it. The story might be simple on the surface, but it beautifully captures that feeling of nostalgia and how much emotional weight tiny traditions can hold—especially through a child’s eyes.
What really stands out is the message: that even the smallest things can hold deep meaning and bring people together. As a parent, I found it touching to see how the family didn’t just brush off Matthew’s worry—they made it important, which is a beautiful lesson in empathy. The illustrations are lively and engaging, and my kids were totally drawn into the search. We laughed, we paused to talk about our own ornaments, and by the end, we were hugging a little tighter. It’s the kind of book you want to reread every December, because it reminds you why traditions matter.
hrtmarketing –
Reading this book took me back to when my kids were young.
There’s something timeless about the way it tells a simple Christmas story—no flash, no gimmicks, just the warmth of a family coming together. Vincent Verrico’s storytelling is honest and sweet, with that special glow only holiday tales can bring.
What stood out to me was how much meaning one small ornament held for the little boy. It reminded me how every item on our tree has a story behind it. Some were handmade, some gifted, some bought on trips—but each one matters. That’s what the book captures so beautifully.
I think this story is not just for kids. It’s a quiet reminder to slow down, appreciate memories, and pass on traditions. I plan to gift this book to my grandkids this Christmas.
Tracy Smith –
Vincent Verrico has written a lovely holiday book that belongs on every family’s bookshelf.
The plot is very easy to follow, which makes it great for younger kids. Matt loses his favorite ornament and the whole family drops everything to help him find it. It’s like a Christmas treasure hunt with a heartfelt twist.
The language is simple, making it ideal for read-aloud sessions in classrooms or bedtime reading. The illustrations are colorful and draw children in—especially the scenes where the family searches high and low.
What I especially appreciate is the message: that everyone and everything has its place, and that family memories matter. It teaches empathy, patience, and togetherness without being preachy.
Overall, this is one of those books you can read every December and it still feels warm and new.
thebookaddict25 –
This book is a cozy little gem perfect for the holiday season.
It captures that magical feeling of decorating the Christmas tree with your family, where every ornament carries a story. The way little Matthew is desperate to find his favorite mouse ornament reminded me of how kids can attach emotions to the smallest things—and how those things become big deals during special times like Christmas.
What I loved most is how the dad pauses the whole decoration process just to help Matthew search. That really spoke to how families work together, how memories matter, and how even a missing trinket can bring everyone closer. It’s not just about the ornament—it’s about love, tradition, and shared moments.
The story is simple, yet meaningful. With lovely illustrations to match the warm story, this book makes a great holiday read for young kids—and parents too. I’d happily read this every December with my family.
James –
I picked this book up just looking for something quick and cute to read with my kids before bed. But wow—this one hit different. It starts with Matthew losing his favorite ornament (a mouse in a rocket ship—how cool is that?), and turns into this really sweet story about how important little things can be when they hold memories. What surprised me most was how much I connected with it too. As a dad, I’ve had those moments where your kid is upset about something small, but to them, it’s the whole world—and this book gets that perfectly.
My kids loved the pictures, especially the part where they search everywhere for the ornament. And for me, it reminded me why slowing down and listening to your child matters. It’s not just a cute story—it’s a gentle reminder to pay attention, make time, and hold onto those little family moments. Definitely going on our shelf for every December.
Lily –
Every Ornament Has Its Place is a sweet and emotional holiday story that really touched my heart. It’s about a little boy named Matthew who gets upset when he can’t find his favorite ornament—a mouse in a rocket ship—just as his family is about to decorate the Christmas tree. What happens next is really special: instead of ignoring it, his whole family joins the search. They stop everything just to help him look for it, and that small act shows how much love and care exists in their home. It’s not just about finding the ornament—it’s about how one memory or item can mean so much, especially during the holidays.
The drawings in the book are really colorful and fun to look at, and my child was fully into the story from the first page. We both talked afterward about our own favorite decorations and why they matter to us. That made reading this book even more personal and special. It’s the kind of story that feels real and warm, something you’ll want to pull out every Christmas. Simple, sweet, and full of heart—this book is perfect for kids and even grown-ups who still love the magic of the season.
Ethan Carter –
Every Ornament Has Its Place is one of those books that looks like it’s just for little kids, but ends up meaning more than you expect. I read it to my younger brother because he wanted something “Christmas-y,” and I figured it’d be short and simple. But as I read it out loud, I actually started liking it too. It’s about a boy named Matthew who’s upset when his favorite ornament goes missing. It might seem like a small thing, but the way the whole family drops what they’re doing to help him really hit me.
The story feels real, like something that could happen in any family. We’ve definitely had those moments where something tiny goes missing during the holidays and it turns into a big deal. I liked how the book didn’t make a big dramatic scene, but still made it emotional and meaningful. It shows how important little traditions are, and how much love is behind even the smallest acts—like helping your little brother find something he cares about.
My brother really liked the pictures and got all into the search with Matthew. After we finished, he even asked to look through our old ornaments, just like in the book. That turned into a fun little moment between us. I didn’t expect a kids’ book to make me feel that, but this one did. It’s a simple story, but it stays with you.