Andrea Skevington

On Christmas Eve, a huge storm is coming to the forest. The animals are frightened and are trying to find shelter. The large trees laugh at the storm and do not help the animals. The smallest of the trees, the little fir tree, offers them shelter and they are all safe. At the same time a baby is born and the stars come down to celebrate. They also head to the forest and land on the branches of the Little Fir Tree with love. Of course the lesson of being rewarded for doing good to others with no expectations of a reward may be lost on young children but it is a cute read aloud with beautiful illustrations. Another book to add to the family Christmas library.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.… (mais)

I requested this children's book because I live Christmas themed things. I love Christmas time. It is a time of merriment and love and even though it is cold outside there is warm in homes and fuzzy clothing. I love everything about this time of year.

The Little Christmas Tree is about a little fir tree who shows its love to woodland creatures on the first Christmas and is rewarded for that effortless decision to care for others. It is a very cute tale and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. They look like colored pencil sketches and the detail is fantastic. I loved the images more than the tale itself. These beautiful trees and furry little forest critters - you could see every fur and twig. It was lovely.

The story itself is also very heartwarming and I think young readers will enjoy this book very much with their parents.
… (mais)

(ARC was provided to read and review.)

It's a cold and very stormy night in the forest and the animals are frightened. The mighty trees, sycamore, oak and birch are more interested in showing off their strength than caring for the badger, who lost his home and the other scared and shivering birds and rabbits.
The little fir tree is the smallest of the trees, but doesn't hesitate to offer shelter and love, singing a song to calm all the trembling creatures under his branches.
The storm runs havoc and trees are uprooted and branches are torn from the trees, just the little fir tree stays unharmed.
At midnight the weather calms down and all is quiet and now the most beautiful song can be heard and the sky is filled with a bright white light.
A baby has been born and the angels sing. They send glittering stars through the air and all the trees are keen to be decorated with them and to look their most beautiful.
But where will the stars land?

Lovely story which reminds us of the true spirit of Christmas, to share and to give our love to others in need without expecting anything in return. Small children will particularly enjoy the cute and utterly adoreable illustrations. Especially the last page is very beautiful.
Wonderful book to share and to get the family together in the right mood for the festive season and the perfect bedtime read to snuggle up to on Christmas Eve.… (mais)

NCLA Review: There is a plethora of children's Bibles for the buying public to choose from. The trick is to choose for the appropriate age and need of the child. This Bible is intended for children ages 9-12 years old. It is a retelling of the Bible in twelve chapters based on the New International Version and the Good News Bible. The last three pages provide a guide to the passages being retold. According to the book jacket blurb, author Andrea Skevington "began retelling Bible stories through her work in primary school and at her local church." Sophy Williams, the illustrator, uses a pastel medium in her drawings which complement the text. Most church libraries have many versions of children's Bibles already on their shelves. I would not spend the money for this one. Rating: 2 —BS… (mais)