Papa has already left Poland, and Krysia longs to see him again. "First we must cross the ocean to get to Ellis Island in America," says Mama. "That's where Papa is waiting for us."

Saying goodbye to her home is hard, and the ocean voyage is long and stormy, but finally, on Christmas Eve, Krysia sees the Statue of Liberty! On the dock, they join the long lines of people waiting to enter the new world. When one sobbing woman is turned away, Krysia wonders: Will she be allowed to stay in America and see her papa?

Maxinne Rhea Leighton's father emigrated from Poland with his mother, brother, and sister to be reunited with his father at Ellis Island. Kryisia's story grew out of that one, and from Ms. Leighton's affiliation with the Ellis Island Museum of Immigration restoration project.

Dennis Nolan's richly rendered illustrations powerfully evoke the uncertainty, wonder, and hope of this young immigrant's experience. An Ellis Island Christmas is a holiday story to treasure, year after year.