BOOK REVIEW: A Christmas Eve Tale

TITLE: A Christmas Eve Tale
AUTHOR: C.F.Draper
PUBLISHED BY: Olympia Books

This is a very original and imaginative story which is engaging for children and early readers. It is a beautiful heart-warming story of perseverance and friendship; a book to become part of every Christmas. It is a small book with a big heart with beautiful illustrations which capture the emotions of the characters and spirit of the story.

I was initially drawn to this delightful children’s book by the brightly coloured illustrations on the front and back covers along with those on the inside on each page which bring the story to life. The illustrations are vibrant with large images which really catch the eye and tell the story very well.

It’s Christmas Eve, everyone in the house is asleep; it’s the perfect time for the Christmas tree decorations to come to life. The story follows the journey of the little Snowman decoration trying to get to his best friend, the Christmas Tree Fairy, who is right on top of the tree, before Christmas morning.  He meets other decorations along the way who encourage him on his journey.

This is a very enjoyable read for pre-school children and early readers; children will fall in love with the characters and the story which is quick-paced and fun. Additionally, it is well written with some very amusing pictures which children will get lost in. It is so true to life and funny, I’m sure many parents will laugh out loud along with the children they are reading it to.

Readers young and old will love the ending; the build-up is suitably paced and happily it doesn’t become monotonous with repetition; it also has just the right amount of suspense to create a genuine surprise at the end.

The book’s compact size is ideal and makes it manageable for a child with small hands to hold. Plus, it has easy-to-slide pages which make it easier for small hands eagerly wanting to turn over to the next part of the story to handle. An added bonus is the wipe-clean front and back covers, perfect for parents reading the story to children with sticky fingers.

This is a delightful book for parents and grandparents to read to their children and grandchildren during the build up to Christmas; it’s also perfect for a Christmas Eve box.

It is a magical book to read to children on Christmas Eve and one to bring out every Christmas.

Cleverly illustrated by L. S. Rowe

Reviewer - Anne Pritchard