I just finished reading an enchanting story written by James Andrew Bowen called “A Tree’s Christmas”.  Christmas comes and goes, and with it the events that make Christmas a time when families can seize moments to look deeper into the things of family life, and embrace all of the emotions that come with looking at Christmas this way.

The story includes a father, grandfather, young girl, a dog named Lucky, a few other family members, and a talking Christmas Tree.  First we see Christmas from the perspective of the family, but then, something wonderful happens.  The tree itself tells it’s story after Christmas is over, and it is gently and lovingly laid in what will be the families vegetable garden, the living trees surrounding taunt the tree, only to hear a most remarkable story of love, life, death, tears, joy, happiness, so very many events that cause so many emotions all wrapped into one single Christmas.

It is a story that reminds us that Christmas, though a happy time, is also a time when we shouldn’t be ashamed to shed tears for those we remember that are no longer present, and so very much more.  At the same time, the story is told with enough light commentary by the family dog, and other happy moments, so that it is not at all depressing.

A delightful find!

• Title: A Tree’s Christmas
• Author: James Andrew Bowen
• Copyright: 2008
• Price:$9.95 plus shipping
• Beautiful Colorful Website: http://www.atreeschristmas.com

A while back I told you that I’d be reviewing the book, “Cole Family Christmas”. I spent time last week reading the 74 page book, and looking closely at the delightful illustrations, I couldn’t resist, the artwork is beautiful!

The story is a true story, handed down through the family, and told as recollected by the family members of Hazel Cole Kendle. She shares in the “Foreword”, “Christmas has always been a treasured time in my family. When I was growing up, my sister, Ruble, the storyteller of the family, often spoke of a very special Christmas that took place when my father was working as a miner and our family was living in the town of Benham, Kentucky. I think back and wonder how, on a coal miner’s wages, and with so many mouths to feed, Papa and Mama managed to make that holiday both memorable and meaningful. The family never forgot the magic of that special Christmas”.

I don’t want to share much about “that special Christmas” because I want you to read it for yourself…I will tell you that more people will relate to it now than ever, as more try to figure out how to make ends meet. This book gets to the heart, as the Cole family children learn that gifts from the heart are the best gifts of all. How do they get to that point? You must read the book to find out!

This is one of those kind of books that I can picture being read to children on Christmas Eve or Christmas day, with the soft glow of the Christmas tree nearby, and if you live where I do, a wood stove or fireplace warming the room.

Author: Jennifer Liu Bryan with Hazel Cole Kendle
Illustrations: Jenniffer Julich
Illustrated Hardcover and Dustjacket
Published by New Chapter Press
Copyright 2008
Visit http://colefamily-christmas.com