The Wishing Tree

With only three days left ‘til Christmas, Theo notices the city is dark and unadorned. He asks Santa to reveal the specialness of the holiday, and while he sleeps, his request is swept away to the North Pole. He wakes to a snow-filled wonderland outside and comes upon a great pine in its midst. A letter drifts in beside it, and the words inscribed on it inspire him to decorate the town with the magnificence of the season. Another sends him caroling through the neighborhood, bringing cheer those around him. His grandmother and the townsfolk surprise him with a heartfelt celebration of his graciousness.

This is a neat story about a young boy who, out of his own yearning for a meaningful holiday, tries to brighten the lives of others. The giant evergreen pine becomes a central point at which he discovers the wishes of others. It becomes known as “the wishing tree.” Children will be delighted to see that twelve pre-punched cards are included with the book; they can use them to create their own “wishing trees.” Perhaps they’ll want to make a tradition of it and will be propelled to perform acts of generosity and compassion like Theo.