The Christmas pine

In this tale inspired by true events, Donaldson shines light on a special holiday tradition, imagining the journey of a great pine to London's Trafalgar Square. "Once upon a time I stood/ With brothers and sisters in a wood" begins the enormous evergreen's sentimental recollection of how it grew from a tiny seed, was cut down, and "traveled far across the sea" to become a city Christmas tree admired by shoppers, families, and passersby. The tree enjoys city life, but best of all, it loves to hear the local children singing of reindeer and snow, "Songs of kings who traveled far./ And songs of light from a distant star." Sandøy's soft-edged images have a dreamlike quality that captures the hustle and bustle of the variously inclusive city community, as well as the quieter vibe of the pine's snowy forest home, its shadowy shape on the deck of a ship sailing at night, and its quiet, elegant decoration. An author's note details why Oslo's mayor presents the British people with a Christmas tree each year. Ages 4--8. (Oct.)

London's Christmas tree tells its own story. Narrating in first "person," a lovely pine describes, in gentle, lilting rhyme, its journey from seedling to tree. Like other trees before and others that will come after, the pine sprouts from a seedling in Norway, grows to a majestic height, then is cut and transported the long distance to the U.K. When set in place, it proudly stands, resplendently decorated, in London's Trafalgar Square, where it's watched over by the statue of Adm. Nelson, atop his towering column, and the majestic lion statues surrounding its base. Cheery throngs come and go in the square, fireworks light up the night, and children frolic and sing around the tree, an annual gift from Oslo's mayor to the U.K. since 1947, in thanks for Britain's aid to Norway during World War II. This is a charming homage to the holiday season, expressed from an unusual point of view. Children should appreciate gaining some insight into where some large, civically displayed trees may have come from and how they came to be placed on public view. The delicate illustrations effectively contrast the bright greenery, deep blues, and striking winter whites of the Norwegian forest with the lighter colors of London's day and night skies. Some of Trafalgar Square's iconic buildings are also on view, as is a vivid red double-decker bus. Adult and child characters are racially diverse; one child is depicted using a wheelchair. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A sweet ode to and pleasant reminder of the Christmas spirit. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.