Little Robin Red Vest by Jan Fearnley

Day 10
Just by chance I have found another book about the robin. I also have a good friend called Robin!

You gave away all your warm clothes to help other people. 

You are full of the spirit of Christmas.

Little Robin prepares for the cold weather ahead. It is one week before Christmas so he washes and irons seven vests in different colours. He puts on his white vest and sets off to skate on the pond where he meets a very cold frog. He kindly gives the frog his white vest. It will be alright - he has six more at home. And so the pattern is established. Counting down the days, and the vests, Little Robin meets a different cold forest animal each day. Pink for Mole, Green for Hedgehog. Blue for Rabbit and so on.  Until finally there are no vests left. What Little Robin does not know is that someone has noticed his kindness and generosity. Little Robin falls asleep in the snow with no vest to keep him warm. Two hands pick him up. They are Santa's hands.

"This is the generous little fellow I told you about,' the man said to his wife. 'He must have a very special present then,' she replied. And with the Little Robin snug and cosy in her lap, the lady set to work."

Little Robin Red Vest feels like a fable and now we know how the Robin got his little red vest!

This book was published in 1998 but I am pleased to see it has been re-issued to celebrate its 20th anniversary by Nosy Crow.  Here is a video of the whole book read by Emilia Fox.

With so much emphasis on receiving, Little Robin Red Vest reminds us that the thing which will leave us warm inside is giving to those in true need. The animals Robin gives to are without warm clothes. This would make a lovely, gentle introduction to the difference between need and want, and the difficult fact that a lot of people are currently going without the things they need. Book Murmurmation

This charming story is a real heart-warmer and has a lovely traditional vibe. It could become an annual family favourite and has an Aesop’s fable feel to it that makes it really memorable. Book Trust