Confusion, misunderstands, not seeing “the signs”, being so
caught up in your own problems you overlook the people or in this case animals
around you. This all sounds quite
complex but these things are sometimes right in the heart of some of the best
picture books for very young children. It is a delight to a reader, especially a
young one, to see or know things that the main character is missing. One book I
have been thinking about this week which fits this description is The Silver
Christmas tree by Pat Hutchins. Long out
of print this is one of my favourite Christmas books.
Squirrel is convinced he knows exactly what his friends will
give him for Christmas but as he sees Rabbit, Mouse, Fox and Duck each carrying a
parcel - a parcel of the wrong shape and size, he can only feel great disappointment that his friends seem to have
forgotten him.
On Christmas eve the friends gather at Squirrel’s house to
share the presents. Each present is perfect but Squirrel himself realises he
has been so caught up in his own issues he has forgotten to get a present for
his friends. Then then darkness falls and one star can be seen at the top of his
Christmas tree. This star is the best
gift of all.
Here is an quote from the Kirkus review “and that
final glow of star light, snow flakes and friendship leaves no doubt that
Christmas is in the air.”
We met these same characters in other Pat Hutchins titles – The
surprise Party, We’re going on a picnic and Shrinking Mouse.
If you have not dipped into any Pat Hutchins books rush out and take a look. Along with the most perfect illustrations each contains a magical story. My personal favourites are the Monster Baby series although her most famous book is of course Rosie's Walk.
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